Kali Linux is one of the most famous Linux distributions and popular among the practitioners of the security domain. Kali Linux is famous for its usage in Ethical Hacking, Security tasks, and Testing. Now it's not a beginner-friendly operating system and doesn't have a major need for day-to-day use. Though users can opt for a dual boot system where they can use Kali Linux along with their existing operating system, still many users find it more convenient to use Kali Linux as plug and use. Installing Kali Linux on a USB stick provides the freedom to carry the OS wherever we want. In this article, we will discuss various Kali Linux USB Sticks.
Kali Linux USB Sticks
Below are 7 different Kali Linux USB Sticks with their information and feature specifications.
1. Kali Linux 2022.4 [ Live Boot ] USB Stick
This version of the Kali Linux USB stick is one of the newest sticks available in the market. This Kali Linux USB stick offers a user-friendly and versatile solution for installing or running Kali Linux without the need for installation. It ensures accessibility for any desktop or laptop, supporting an existing operating system (Windows or Mac).
- The USB features Kali Linux 2022.4, a 64-bit operating system specifically designed for penetration testing and ethical hacking. It's compatible with both UEFI and Legacy systems.
- To avoid getting any error while using, users should disable "secure boot" on their devices. This USB device has a writing speed of 3MBps and a reading speed of 10MBps.
Features:
- Newest Version: This USB stick boasts the latest version of Kali Linux, specifically the 2022.4 release.
- 64-bit System: Designed with a 64-bit operating system, providing enhanced capabilities for penetration testing and ethical hacking.
- Compatibility with Windows and Mac: Offers a user-friendly and versatile solution, allowing seamless integration with existing Windows and Mac computers.
- UEFI and Legacy System Support: Ensures compatibility with both UEFI and Legacy systems, providing flexibility for various computer architectures.
- Secure Boot Consideration: Users are advised to disable "secure boot" on their devices to prevent any potential errors during usage.
- Read Speed of 10MBps: This USB stick delivers a reading speed of 10MBps, facilitating quick access to data and applications.
- Write Speed of 3MBps: With a writing speed of 3MBps, users can efficiently save data on the USB stick.
2. 2020 Multiboot USB Flash Drive
This plug-and-play USB Kali Linux is ready to use when we purchase it. It can be used alongside the existing Operating system or can be used to install Kali Linux in the system. It can test the security of the system and is often used for penetration testing. We can use all the major functionalities of Kali Linux using this USB stick without even installing Kali Linux on our Computer or Laptops. It provides the convenience of carrying it on the go.
- It has 15 bootable systems. Make it more attractive than other Kali Linux USB sticks available in the market.
- It is Ideal for penetration testing and digital forensics with all supported tools preloaded making it a powerful Kali Linux Stick.
- This 64-bit Kali Linux comes with a 32GB USB drive. The USB stick comes with its installation guide and in case of any problem, customer support is provided.
Features:
- Variety of Bootable systems: This Kali Linux USB stick is loaded with 15 bootable systems making it a Multiboot system.
- Compatibility with Windows and Mac: Without worrying about a new computer users can use this with existing Windows and Mac devices.
- Usability: This version of Kali Linux has its application in Penetration testing along with the field of Digital Forensics.
- 64-bit architecture: Supports the newest processors and computer systems running on 64-bit architecture.
- Functionalities: All major Kali Linux functionalities are provided. Tools and features for cyber security are included.
- Customer support: An installation guide is provided. Customer service is also provided in case any problem occurs during installation.
3. Linux Kali 2019.4
This version of the Kali Linux USB stick is very famous among young ethical hackers and IT professionals. It can be easily used with compatible systems already running Windows or Mac OS. It is always recommended to disable the secure boot option before using these devices. This provides easy access to penetration testing and ethical hacking tools and technologies.
- The encrypted information feature of this Kali Linux USB stick enhances its security. We can see its usage in cryptocurrency mining.
- This USB comes with support for both 32-bit and 64-bit architecture of processors.
Features:
- Diverse users: This Kali Linux USB stick is mostly used by IT professionals and cyber security enthusiasts.
- Compatibility with existing systems: This Kali Linux USB stick provides compatibility to run Kali Linux in systems running Windows and Mac.
- Multiple system support: This USB device supports both 32-bit and 64-bit architecture systems to run Kali Linux for testing and ethical hacking.
- Better Security: Encryption is provided for better security to restrict data leakage and unauthorized access.
4. Linux Mega Pack 2019
This 2019 Kali Linux USB stick encapsulates all the major Kali Linux live images and creates a bootable USB. This offers better usability and it's only 16GB which makes it running Kali Linux in a much smaller space.
- Loaded with all major Kali Linux live images.
- This version features the persistency of data in Live boot which means whenever a user creates any changes or saves a file in the OS, after reboot the data remains safe and unchanged. This feature makes it more relevant and useful for users using Kali Linux on a USB stick.
Features:
- Major Kali Linux live images: This USB provides all major live images of Kali Linux to choose the right one required during various cyber-security testing.
- Data Persistency: Data persistency is provided for the live image when the user reboots data and changes remain saved.
- Secure Boot consideration: It is always advisable to disable secure boot before using this USB device otherwise users may encounter a wrong system error.
- Updates: provided with long-term support this USB stick is updatable to a newer version and enhanced with the latest security patch after each update.
5. Kali Linux 2018.3
This Kali Linux USB stick offers live Kali Linux and full-version installation. This often comes with a bootable CD along with a USB stick. It is solely designed for ethical hacking and penetration testing. The bootable image used here is a 64-bit image and the cluster size is 16GB.
- This USB version had new tools such as IDB, gdb-pedal, and updates to Metasploit, Burp suite, Air crack-ng, and more.
- This also comes with a CD containing a hacking course and installation instructions.
Features:
- Various modes of use: This USB stick gives users the capability to use Kali in live mode, or they can choose to install the full version of Kali Linux in their existing system using this Kali Linux USB stick.
- Support for old computers: Along with a USB device CD is provided for installing and using Kali in an old computer having a CD/DVD port.
- New Tools: New tools like IDB, gdb-pedal, Burp suite, etc. are preloaded with this version of Kali Linux USB providing ease of security activity for engineers and cyber-security enthusiasts.
- Ethical hacking course: This version also gives users a CD containing solutions to all installation-related issues and an ethical hacking course for better learning and efficient use of Kali Linux.
6. Tail 4, Kali 2018 Ubuntu 18.04
This Kali Linux version of 2018 was built specifically for Kali Linux OS with an 8 GB internal storage capacity USB stick. This low-space capacity USB disk is used for learning Kali Linux without affecting the host's operating system.
- This version is based on 64-bit architecture.
- It is also compatible with modern laptops and computers and is available in multiple languages.
- This features long-term support for Kali Linux.
- This USB stick also includes Tail 3.10.1, Kali 2018, and Ubuntu 18.04 for enhanced compatibility.
Features:
- Multiple Language support: Support for multiple languages is provided which helps users from multiple regions to use it effortlessly.
- Includes Ubuntu: This USB version of Kali Linux also provides Ubuntu 18.04 for regular and general-purpose tasks, along with Kali for testing and ethical hacking.
- Long-term support: Long-term support is provided for patches and security updates to remain relevant after years.
- Anonymous Internet: This version of Kali Linux supports surfing the internet anonymously helping security users remain untraceable.
7. Kali Linux 2017.1
This is ahead of its time USB stick of Kali Linux has a 7-in-1 flash drive featuring seven different Linux variants, which include Kali, Mint, Ubuntu, and more popular Linux(s).
- It is suitable for multibooting, which makes it versatile across various systems including old hardware.
- This simplifies the process of cracking CUDA GPUs
- Supports RTL8812Au wireless card insertion.
- This also has unique features for GPU pass-through in the Azure NC series.
Features:
- Multiple Linux distro: Many popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Mint, etc. are included in this USB stick along with Kali Linux making it a 7-in-1 multiboot USB Stick.
- GPU pass-through: This version simplifies the process of cracking CUDA GPUs and This Kali Linux USB stick's Azure NC series has features for GPU-pass-through.
- Wireless Card insertion: This Kali version supports RTL8812Au wireless card insertion for better usability.
- Tools on the go: This USB stick provides cyber specialists the freedom to carry the whole PC setup. They can carry this USB stick and us as plug and play in systems available and get done with their work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kali Linux USB sticks provide a convenient and portable way for cybersecurity professionals to use the powerful Kali Linux operating system without the need for installation. They offer features like multiboot support, persistency of data, and compatibility with different systems, making them versatile tools for security tasks and testing.