? Are you trying to learn Linux for hacking, networking, scripting, and security using Kali and want a practical, approachable guide?
Quick verdict
You’ll find that Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali is a hands-on, pragmatic entry point into using Linux for security-related tasks. The book balances foundational Linux concepts with immediate, actionable labs that let you practice skills while you learn. If you prefer learning by doing and want to move quickly from basics to practical scripts and tools, this book will serve you well.
What the book covers
The author focuses on real-world tasks rather than abstract theory, so you’ll cover the Linux command line, file system, permissions, networking basics, shell scripting, Python scripting for security tasks, and common Kali tools. Each chapter presents concise explanations followed by exercises and projects that reinforce what you just learned. This approach helps you build a toolkit that’s useful for penetration testing, vulnerability research, or systems administration.
Networking fundamentals in Kali
You’ll learn how IP addresses, routing, ports, and basic network troubleshooting work in a Kali environment. The book shows how to use utilities like ifconfig/ip, netstat/ss, nmap, and tcpdump to inspect and analyze network traffic. This section equips you with the core network knowledge you need to perform reconnaissance and debugging tasks.
Scripting with Bash and Python
You’ll get guided introductions to Bash scripting for automating routine tasks and Python scripting for building small security tools. The book walks you through writing scripts to parse logs, automate scanning workflows, and interact with system utilities. These practical scripts will help you understand how automation accelerates security work.
Security basics and tools
You’ll be guided through using common Kali tools and techniques for information gathering, vulnerability scanning, and basic exploitation concepts. The coverage includes tools such as nmap, netcat, Metasploit basics, and password cracking utilities. The emphasis is on demonstrating how these tools work so you can use them responsibly and learn how to integrate them into your workflows.
Who this book is for
You’ll get the most out of this book if you’re a beginner to Linux but ambitious about moving into security, penetration testing, or defensive roles. If you already know basic Linux but want to focus specifically on security tooling and scripting in Kali, the book still offers valuable, time-saving guidance. For those with advanced Linux or deep network engineering experience, parts of the book might feel elementary, but the practical examples and security-focused scripts can still be useful.
What you get
You’ll receive a structured sequence of lessons and labs that build on each other. The format typically alternates explanation with hands-on tasks, code samples, and troubleshooting tips. The book includes downloadable code and lab instructions so you can replicate exercises in a virtual lab or your own Kali environment. This makes it straightforward to practice safely without risking real systems.
Format and supplemental materials
You’ll find clear code blocks, screenshots, and step-by-step walkthroughs that make it easy to follow along. Supplemental materials, when provided, often include scripts, sample files, and lab instructions available from the author’s resources or publisher. These extras save you time and provide ready-made examples to modify as you learn.
Chapter-by-chapter breakdown
Below is a breakdown of typical chapters and what each teaches. This will help you see the logical progression and where you can expect hands-on practice.
| Chapter | Title / Focus | Key Skills You’ll Learn | Typical Labs / Projects | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Linux Command Line | File system navigation, basic commands, permissions | File ops, text parsing with cat/grep | Beginner |
| 2 | Working with Files and Editors | Using nano/vi, permissions, compression | Edit config files, tar/gzip tasks | Beginner |
| 3 | Processes and Package Management | Process control, apt, services | Install packages, monitor processes | Beginner |
| 4 | Networking Basics | IP, routes, sockets, netstat/ss | Capture traffic, check interfaces | Beginner-Intermediate |
| 5 | Bash Scripting | Variables, conditionals, loops | Automate scans, log parsing | Intermediate |
| 6 | Python for Security | Parsing, sockets, automating tools | Small scanners, parsers | Intermediate |
| 7 | Enumeration and Scanning | nmap, service discovery | Target scanning, port analysis | Intermediate |
| 8 | Exploitation Basics | Netcat, basic payloads, Metasploit intro | Simple shells, public exploits | Intermediate |
| 9 | Password Attacks and Hashing | Hash types, John/Hashcat basics | Crack examples, hash analysis | Intermediate |
| 10 | Hardening and Defensive Steps | Permissions, logging, alerts | Harden a small service, create alerts | Intermediate |
| 11 | Building Your Toolkit | Custom scripts, chaining tools | Build a workflow for recon | Intermediate-Advanced |
You’ll see that chapters move from basic command-line mastery to scripting and then to applying those skills for security tasks. Each chapter generally ends with a mini-project to solidify what you learned.
Hands-on labs and exercises
You’ll benefit from the book’s lab-first mentality: after concise theoretical explanations, you’re prompted to run commands and write scripts. Labs often include step-by-step tasks as well as open-ended challenges to build your own solutions. These exercises reinforce muscle memory for commands and give you confidence to apply scripts in realistic scenarios.
Lab quality and reproducibility
You’ll notice the labs are designed to work in a controlled Kali environment or a virtual machine. The instructions are usually reproducible if you set up the environment as recommended. You should follow the safety guidelines—use isolated VMs and legal targets when practicing—to avoid unintentionally impacting other systems.
Progression in labs
You’ll start with single-command exercises and quickly move into chaining commands, scripting, and combining multiple tools. This progression helps you see how foundational commands become powerful when automated or scripted. You’ll build small projects that feel rewarding and immediately useful.
Learning curve and prerequisites
You’ll need minimal prerequisites: basic familiarity with a computer and willingness to use a terminal is sufficient. The book assumes little prior Linux knowledge, but it moves quickly into scripting and security concepts. If you have zero terminal experience, you’ll probably need a bit more time on early chapters to become comfortable.
How fast you’ll move
You’ll find that if you dedicate regular time—say an hour a day—you can complete most chapters and labs in a few weeks. Your rate of progress depends on background: a programmer may move faster through scripting sections, while a network engineer may breeze through networking chapters. The book is paced to accommodate a wide range of learners.
Recommended prior knowledge
You’ll benefit from having a basic understanding of IP addresses and some high-level awareness of how the internet works, but these concepts are explained within the book. No prior hacking or Kali experience is required, making it an accessible entry point for motivated self-learners.
Strengths
You’ll appreciate the book’s practical focus, friendly tone, and emphasis on hands-on learning. The step-by-step labs and downloadable scripts make it easier to practice what you read. The author explains complex topics in plain language, which helps if you’re self-teaching.
Real-world applicability
You’ll be able to use many of the techniques and scripts directly in lab environments or beginner pentesting engagements. The book teaches you how to think about tasks and then automates them, which is valuable for both offensive and defensive roles.
Clear progression
You’ll notice a sensible structure: foundational skills first, then scripting and tool usage. This progression reduces frustration and builds confidence as you consolidate skills before moving to more complex tasks.
Weaknesses
You’ll encounter a few limitations: the book is geared toward beginners to intermediates, so advanced readers may find the coverage too surface-level for specialized techniques. Also, Kali tools evolve rapidly; some commands and versions may change, so you’ll need to cross-check the latest tool documentation.
Tool versioning and updates
You’ll find occasional discrepancies if you use a newer Kali release where tools have been updated. The book’s instructions are generally still helpful, but you may need to adapt commands or installation steps. Staying current with online documentation helps bridge those gaps.
Depth versus breadth
You’ll learn a lot about many topics, but the depth in each area is intentionally limited to keep the book accessible. If you want deep mastery of exploit development or advanced network forensics, you’ll need follow-up resources. The book is a stepping stone rather than a deep specialist manual.
How to use this book effectively
You’ll get the most value if you treat this book as an interactive lab manual rather than just a reference to read passively. Follow the exercises, type commands yourself, modify scripts, and experiment with small changes to see how they behave. That hands-on habit will cement the concepts better than simply reading.
Setting up your lab
You’ll want to use virtual machines or a dedicated test network. Install Kali in a VM, spin up target VMs like Metasploitable or intentionally vulnerable apps, and keep snapshots so you can restore states after experiments. Always ensure your practice is isolated and legal.
Following labs step-by-step
You’ll benefit from resisting the urge to skip steps. Even if a command looks simple, typing it helps you understand nuances like flags or output formats. If something fails, treat it as a learning opportunity—debugging is a core skill in security work.
Combining with other resources
You’ll learn faster by pairing this book with online documentation, community guides, and interactive labs (e.g., TryHackMe, Hack The Box). Use those platforms to practice scenarios that mirror the book’s labs and to find up-to-date tool behavior.
Comparing to other titles
You’ll see overlaps with books like Kali Linux Revealed and Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking. The key difference is focus: Linux Basics for Hackers emphasizes getting comfortable with Linux and scripting in a security context, while other books may go deeper into Kali-specific distributions or full pentesting methodologies.
Kali Linux Revealed
You’ll find Kali Linux Revealed focuses on Kali as an OS and its maintenance, including customization and advanced configuration. If your goal is to administer and configure Kali specifically, that title is more comprehensive than this book.
Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking
You’ll recognize that Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking offers a broader pentesting framework with deeper exploitation and methodology. If you want a rigorous pentesting roadmap, that book is a strong complement to the Linux-focused practical skills taught here.
Practical use cases and career impact
You’ll be prepared to apply the skills in entry-level security roles, incident response, or as a foundation for offensive security learning. The scripting and networking basics also make you more effective as a systems administrator or DevSecOps practitioner. Recruiters often value demonstrable lab projects, so the book’s hands-on exercises can bolster your portfolio.
Building a portfolio
You’ll be able to showcase scripts, documented labs, and small projects you completed from the book. These artifacts are useful when interviewing for junior security roles or apprenticeships. Be sure to document what you did, how you solved problems, and what you learned.
Certifications and further study
You’ll find this book aligns well with early-stage certifications like CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA Security+, and beginner-level OSCP prep. It won’t substitute for full certification study, but it gives you practical skills that make certification topics easier to grasp.
Pricing and editions
You’ll likely find the book available in paperback and eBook formats. Prices vary by retailer and edition date, so check multiple sources for discounts or bundled deals. Paperback is handy for reference, while eBook versions are convenient for quick searches and copying commands.
Value for money
You’ll get good value if you actually complete the labs and use the book as a working notebook. The return on investment is strong for motivated learners because the real benefit comes from the skills you build, which are directly applicable to job tasks and lab practice.
Final recommendation
You’ll benefit from this book if you want to learn how Linux and scripting tie into security workflows and you prefer learning through doing. It’s friendly, practical, and well-structured for beginners moving toward intermediate competence. Use it as your working manual, follow the labs, and supplement with up-to-date online resources to account for changes in Kali tools.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
You’ll find answers to common concerns below to help you decide if this book fits your needs.
Do I need any prior Linux experience?
You’ll only need basic computer skills; the book starts with the command line for newcomers. If you’ve never used a terminal, expect to spend a bit of extra time on early chapters, but the instructions are clear enough to get you comfortable.
Is this book ethical for learning hacking?
You’ll be taught to use tools responsibly and ethically. The author emphasizes legal, lab-based practice. You must use the skills only on systems you own or have explicit permission to test.
Will this book teach me to become a professional pentester?
You’ll gain foundational skills needed for junior security roles, but professional pentesting requires additional study, real-world practice, and possibly certifications. Treat this book as a practical starting point.
Are code samples and labs up to date?
You’ll notice some differences over time as tools evolve, but most techniques and concepts remain relevant. Cross-check commands with current Kali documentation when you run into version-related changes.
Should I use Kali or another distribution?
You’ll find Kali convenient for security work because it bundles many tools, but the Linux fundamentals and scripting lessons apply to any distribution. If you prefer a daily driver that’s less aggressive, you can practice in Ubuntu or Debian and still apply the lessons.
Appendix: Quick tips and checklist
You’ll appreciate this short checklist to maximize learning from the book:
- Set up isolated VMs with Kali and target systems.
- Read a chapter, type commands yourself, and run the labs.
- Save and version-control your scripts with Git.
- Keep a lab notebook documenting errors and fixes.
- Pair the book with interactive CTF sites to practice techniques.
- Stay current with online tool docs when commands change.
You’ll find that following these tips will accelerate your learning and help you build a practical security toolkit.
Closing thoughts
You’ll walk away from Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali with usable skills and a set of scripts and workflows you can adapt to real tasks. The book’s emphasis on hands-on learning, clear explanations, and practical projects makes it a solid choice for new security practitioners. If you’re ready to put in the practice, this book will give you the structure and exercises to make meaningful progress.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.