Kali Linux has approximately 600[7] penetration-testing programs (tools), including Armitage (a graphical cyber attack management tool), Nmap (a port scanner), Wireshark (a packet analyzer), metasploit (penetration testing framework), John the Ripper (a password cracker), sqlmap (automatic SQL injection and database takeover tool), Aircrack-ng (a software suite for penetration-testing wireless LANs), Burp suite and OWASP ZAP web application security scanners,[8][9] etc.

[citation needed] Kali Linux's popularity grew when it was featured in multiple episodes of the TV series Mr.

Tools highlighted in the show and provided by Kali Linux include Bluesniff, Bluetooth Scanner (btscanner), John the Ripper, Metasploit Framework, Nmap, Shellshock, and Wget.

[14] It is the first open source Android penetration testing platform for Nexus devices, created as a joint effort between the Kali community member "BinkyBear" and Offensive Security.

When booted in forensic mode, the system doesn't touch the internal hard drive or swap space and auto mounting is disabled.

[23] Kali Linux is developed with a focus towards cyber security experts, penetration testers, and white-hat hackers.

Many tools from the previous version (BackTrack) were eliminated to focus on the most popular and effective penetration testing applications.