Setting Up Kali Linux in VirtualBox

Are you ready to get started with penetration testing using Kali Linux? One of the most popular methods for running Kali Linux is by installing it within a virtual machine, such as VirtualBox. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps necessary to set up Kali Linux in VirtualBox on your Mac.

Step 1: Download the Correct Image

The first step is to download the correct image from the Offensive Security VM download page. Make sure you select the correct file for your virtual machine software. The entire process of downloading Kali Linux can take some time, so it's recommended that you start this step early on.

Step 2: Set Up VirtualBox

While waiting for your download to complete, let's set up VirtualBox. First, make sure you have the latest version of VirtualBox installed on your Mac. If not, you can download it from the official website.

Next, navigate to the main VirtualBox window and select your virtual machine. From there, choose 'Settings' and then click on 'Display'. Below 'Video Memory' is 'Monitor Count'. This setting allows you to configure multiple guest monitors, which will be useful for our Kali Linux installation later on.

Step 3: Install Kali Linux

Once your download has completed, start by creating a new virtual machine in VirtualBox. Follow the prompts to install Kali Linux, and make sure to select the correct image file you downloaded earlier.

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, refer to the documentation for troubleshooting tips. In my case, I found that the documentation was unclear on how to enable multiple guest monitors. After some trial and error, I was able to get it working successfully.

In this tutorial, we have covered the steps necessary to set up Kali Linux in VirtualBox on a Mac. With these steps, you should now have a fully functioning penetration testing system running Kali Linux within your virtual machine. If you encounter any issues or have questions during the process, feel free to reach out and ask for help.

Remember to always follow proper security protocols when using Kali Linux, and happy hacking!

Setting up kali linux in virtualbox