How to install Kali Linux using VirtualBox on Ubuntu

Herewith are the steps I followed to install Kali Linux on Ubuntu using Virtual Box. The process is quite easy, but you must also enable USB devices to allow external devices such as the Atheros or Ralink wireless adapters.

Kali Linux installation steps

Step 1 – Download Virtual Box

Download and install the latest version of Virtual Box for Ubuntu via the download page.

Step 2 – Download the Virtual Box extension pack

The Virtual Box extension pack will enable USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 devices, VirtualBox RDP, disk encryption, NVMe, and PXE boot for Intel cards. Download the extension pack and install it via Virtual Box. Note: You must enable USB 3.0 since some USB wireless devices require the USB 3.0 standard.

Step 3 – Enable Virtualisation

Enable virtualization support in your BIOS. Not doing this will cause Virtual Box only to list 32-bit image options. Your laptop may disable this feature by default.

Step 4 – Download Kali Linux

Download and import the Kali Linux Virtual Image from Offensive Security. Make sure you download the “Kali Linux VirtualBox Image” and not another image type.

Step 5 – Login and Update Kali Linux

Update & upgrade Kali Linux as well as the associated packages. Login using “root” and use “toor” as the password. Use the following to update: apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade.

Refer to my post on ‘Unable to upgrade Linux due to lock‘  if you encounter a lock issue during the update & upgrade process.

Restart the Virtual Machine when the update is finished.

Step 6 – Enable USB controllers

Ensure you are using USB 3.0 and that your USB device allows “remoting”. Your Virtual Machine cannot detect the USB device if it does not get exclusive remoting usage.

What is Kali Linux?

As per the Kali Linux website: Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution aimed at advanced Penetration Testing and Security Auditing. Kali contains several hundred tools geared towards various information security tasks, such as Penetration Testing, Security research, Computer Forensics, and Reverse Engineering. Kali Linux is developed, funded, and maintained by Offensive Security, a leading information security training company.

Why should you use Kali Linux?

Kali Linux makes penetration testing super easy! It is now easier than ever to test your website and look for possible security flaws. I use it all the time, and it has really helped me a lot.

Kali Linux also has apps that do other types of testing and is not limited to website development. For example, I once tested my home wireless security and even tried to brute force my Wifi. I changed my Wifi password very quickly after that.

Click here to see why you should use Kali Linux.

You may also be interested in

About Anto Online

Anto, a seasoned technologist with over two decades of experience, has traversed the tech landscape from Desktop Support Engineer to enterprise application consultant, specializing in AWS serverless technologies. He guides clients in leveraging serverless solutions while passionately exploring cutting-edge cloud concepts beyond his daily work. Anto's dedication to continuous learning, experimentation, and collaboration makes him a true inspiration, igniting others' interest in the transformative power of cloud computing.

View all posts by Anto Online

5 Comments on “How to install Kali Linux using VirtualBox on Ubuntu”

  1. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly
    donate to this excellent blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS
    feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this website with
    my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  2. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert
    that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  3. Great Post, Really very happy to say,your post is very interesting to read.I never stop myself to say something about it.You’re doing a great job.Keep it up

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.