kali linux 2025: BEST setup for ethical hacking beginners

Best Kali Linux Setup for Beginner Penetration Testers 2025

Are you ready to upgrade your ethical hacking setup? In this guide, we will show you how to configure Kali Linux for 2025. You will learn how to customize the terminal, add plugins, and set up tools that make hacking easier and more colorful. This is perfect for beginner ethical hackers and penetration testers who want to streamline their workflow and dive into cybersecurity.

If you are new here, I am Crystal Loop, a cybersecurity enthusiast who loves CTF challenges, finding vulnerabilities, and exploring all things hacking. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Adjust Your Terminal Preferences

Start by opening the terminal in your Kali Linux virtual machine. The default font size may be too small for some users, so adjust it to something comfortable for your eyes. For example, you can change it to 16 points.

If you prefer, you can also adjust the transparency of your terminal. Some users like a slightly transparent terminal to see the wallpaper or browser behind it, but I recommend setting it to 0% for full focus on your work.

Step 2: Install Oh My Zsh

Oh My Zsh is an open-source framework for managing Zsh configurations. It allows you to add themes, plugins, and other customizations to your terminal.

To install it, open a browser, search for "Oh My Zsh," and follow the installation instructions. You will need to run a single curl command to install it. Once it is installed, your terminal will look different, and you can start customizing it further.

Step 3: Customize Your .zshrc File

The .zshrc file is where you can make changes to your terminal setup. Open it using a text editor like Nano by typing nano ~/.zshrc.

• Themes: You can change the Zsh theme by editing the ZSH_THEME line in the file. The default theme is "Robbie Russell," but you can explore other options. There are many themes available, and you can find them listed on the Oh My Zsh website.

• Plugins: Plugins enhance the functionality of your terminal. Here are some useful plugins for ethical hacking:

  • zsh-autosuggestions: This shows you suggested commands based on your history.
  • zsh-syntax-highlighting: Adds colors to commands, making it easier to spot errors.
  • grc: Adds color to output for tools like ping and nmap.
  • exa: A modern replacement for ls that includes color.
  • tmux: A terminal multiplexer that helps manage multiple sessions.

Add these plugins to the plugins section in your .zshrc file. Keep in mind that adding too many plugins can slow down your terminal, so choose wisely.

Step 4: Set Up Tmux

Tmux is a tool that helps you manage multiple terminal sessions. It is great for multitasking, especially when working on ethical hacking projects. Install it using the package manager:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install tmux

You can customize Tmux by editing the .tmux.conf file. There are many pre-made configurations available online that you can use to enhance your setup.

dotfiles is my .tmux.conf file.

By following these steps, you will have a Kali Linux 2025 setup that is optimized for ethical hacking. You will have a colorful and efficient terminal, useful plugins, and tools like Tmux to boost your productivity.

If you found this guide helpful, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe on my YouTube for more tutorials on ethical hacking, Kali Linux, and cybersecurity. Happy hacking!