Tutorial to install Kali hacking tools in your smartphone without rooting it. Hacking on the go

Kali Linux is one of the best and most popular ethical hacking and security auditing tools, as it allows cybersecurity experts to run all the hardware of a system and control supercomputers or servers, very useful to exploit all the capabilities of the Linux system.

While the installation of Kali Linux requires certain specifications in the user’s system, specialists from the International Institute of Cyber Security (IICS) point out that there is a way to install this implementation on Android systems, providing easier access to the tool.

Remember that this article was prepared for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a call to action. IICS is not responsible for the misuse that may occur to the information contained herein.

About Kali Linux

Kali Linux provides more than 600 integrated cybersecurity and pentesting tools, updated to their latest versions and without access problems. Installing this tool on Android systems is relatively easy, although it is a long process and can sometimes fail, so it will be best to follow this tutorial carefully.

Before proceeding, it is necessary to mention that we can install Kali Linux on rooted devices both on non rooted devices, so we will take a look at the specific system requirements.   

System Requirements

There are some specifications that must be met to properly use this tool:

  • 3 GB of data storage
  • 2.5 GB of Internet data
  • 3 GB RAM for better performance
  • Android v7.0.0 or higher
  • Unrooted device

To install Termux from the F-droid app, enter the following command:

apt-get update
apt-get upgrade

After updating Termux, install basic packages like python, curl, wget, and php.

apt install -y python php curl wget git nano

Next, open the Termux home directory.

cd $HOME
termux-setup-storage

Now download the nethunter shell installation file, mention cybersecurity experts.

wget -O install-nethunter-termux https://offs.ec/2MceZWr

Enter the home directory and grant RWX permission for the installation file.

cd $HOME
chmod +x install-nethunter-termux
./install-nethunter-termux 

Cybersecurity experts specify that the installation process could take time, so we will have to have our devices in sight while the installation is complete. Once the installation is finished, exit Termux and then open it again and follow the steps below.

Open Termux and type the following command to start nethunter; while getting root privileges, you may receive a password prompt, which is Kali.

nethunter –r

After launching nethunter to become a superuser (rooted user), use the following command. After a while, the update will complete without any problem:

apt update && apt full-upgrade –y

The nethunter operating system has been successfully installed in Termux. In case any problems appear, cybersecurity experts recommend looking for additional information about the operation of these systems.

Now, if you want to use nethunter as a GUI, follow the steps listed below:

  • Install the VNC Viewer app from the Google Play Store
  • Open Termux and launch nethunter as above
  • After that, enter the commands below and start using the nethunter GUI
  • In this step, you need to provide the password to access the nethunter graphical user interface
  • While completing the steps, if you want to access to see only the password, type (n) there
nethunter kex passwd

Now, follow this step and then you will be able to see the GUI in the VNC Viewer app.

nethunter kex &

Open VNC Viewer and click the plus icon in the app at the bottom. After that, a new pop-up window will open in which you can see (new connection) as text, in that section below you can see two options 1) Address 2) Name.

In the address section type 127.0.0.1:5901, in Name type Kali and click connect; after that, it will launch your nethunter operating system and you will be able to use it easily. To stop using it, disconnect from VNC Viewer and open Termux where nethunter started in that window, type the command shown below:

nethunter kex stop

In case the above method doesn’t work, cybersecurity experts point out that additional methods exist, although they might not work depending on the circumstances. From this step, we are following the second method to use the GUI without any problems, so be prepared and make sure you follow the tutorial correctly.

Run the following command to install the new kex server to use GUI in the VNC server application and check if the result is successful.

apt install tightvncserver

You can also use the command shown below to install the new kex server to use GUI in the VNC server application.

cd $HOME
cd .vnc
chmod +x xstartup

You can then run the following command to install the new kex server and use GUI in the VNC server application without worrying about any problems.

cd $HOME
export USER=$HOME
tightvncserver 

Open the VNC server application and follow the previous step. When the password is prompted, type the keyword kex into the VNC Viewer application and then the nethunter operating system will start.

This is all for the time being, so it only remains to wish that your experience in using these tools and tutorials is the best possible. To learn more about information security risks, malware variants, vulnerabilities and information technologies, feel free to access the International Institute of Cyber Security (IICS) websites.