Easily make a USB Bootable KALI Linux Live with Persistence

How to Effortlessly Make a USB bootable KALI Linux with persistence using YUMI from within Windows. KALI Linux, based on Debian, is designed specifically for penetration testing. It includes a vast selection of security tools such as network analyzers, password crackers, wireless tools, and fuzzers, making it ideal for cybersecurity.

KALI Linux Live Bootable USB with Persistence

Distribution Website: Project Page
Persistent Feature: Yes

About KALI Linux

KALI Linux is a powerful penetration testing tool built on Debian, serving as the successor to Backtrack Linux, which was discontinued in March 2013. While Backtrack was based on KNOPPIX, KALI carries forward its legacy with a similar array of cybersecurity tools, tailored specifically for security professionals and ethical hackers.

Since its release, KALI Linux has become a go-to platform for penetration testing, offering over 600 pre-installed security tools, such as Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, and John the Ripper. These tools cover a wide range of testing scenarios, from network analysis to password cracking, making KALI an invaluable resource for cybersecurity professionals. Users can also choose from multiple desktop environments, including KDE, XFCE, and GNOME, for a customizable experience based on personal preferences or system requirements.

One of KALI’s standout features is its persistence capability, allowing users to save files, configurations, and other data across reboots, making it especially useful for USB installations. Additionally, KALI follows a rolling release model, which ensures continuous updates to its tools and the OS, keeping it relevant in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.

As a free and open-source platform, KALI encourages customization and community-driven development, empowering users to modify and adapt the distribution to meet their needs. Whether you’re an experienced security professional or just beginning your journey in ethical hacking, KALI Linux offers a robust, regularly updated, and highly portable penetration testing solution.

What is USB Persistence?

Having a KALI Linux Live USB with persistence allows you to retain files, data configurations, and setups across reboots. This is implemented using the Debian persistence method. It involves creating a persistent partition or block file formatted as ext3 or ext4 with the label persistence, containing a persistence.conf file with the line: / union.

YUMI simplifies this process by automatically creating the necessary persistence file for you during the preparation of your USB stick.

YUMI Essentials to make a KALI Linux Live USB

- YUMI exFAT (for Live Linux USB creation)
- KALI Linux ISO file
- High-Speed USB Flash Drive 8 GB +
- Windows 11, 10, or 8
- Computer that supports booting from USB via UEFI or BIOS

How to Make a KALI Linux Bootable USB via YUMI

This tutorial explains how to create a KALI Linux Bootable USB for penetration testing. Here, we’re using the YUMI exFAT tool, but you can also use the Universal USB Installer if you prefer, as both tools are very similar and function exactly the same.

Download and launch YUMI exFAT Bootable USB Creator.
Configure YUMI:
1. Select your USB drive from the device list.
2. Choose "Kali (Penetration Testing)" from the distribution list.
3. Browse to your KALI Linux ISO file.
4. Click "Create" to start the process.
Set BIOS/UEFI to Boot from USB: Restart your computer, enter BIOS or the boot menu, and select your USB drive as the first boot device.
Boot into your KALI Linux bootable USB: If all went well, you should see the YUMI Boot Menu with an option to select and run KALI Linux from your USB drive.

Default Username and Password for KALI Linux

Username: kali
Password: kali

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions we get regarding this distribution and YUMI.

Can I install additional software on KALI Linux with persistence?: Yes, with persistence, you can install some software, save most configurations, and store files that will be retained even after rebooting.
Why use YUMI instead of other USB tools?: You could use other tools to make a Kali Linux bootable USB, however YUMI is optimized for creating persistent USB drives and supports multiboot functionality, allowing multiple OS installations on one USB. It also allows you to continue to use your USB stick for traditional storage purposes.
Does KALI Linux work on all USB flash drives?: This Live Linux distribution works best with fast USB drives. Using a USB 3.0 or higher flash drive can greatly improve performance, and larger USB sticks are especially useful for storing larger persistence files.
Can I boot KALI Linux on both UEFI and Legacy systems?: Yes, YUMI supports both UEFI and BIOS boot modes, making it compatible with both modern and most older computers.

Conclusion

Creating a KALI Linux bootable USB with persistence is straightforward with YUMI exFAT. This setup provides a portable penetration testing environment, ideal for professionals or beginners in ethical hacking. Aside from making a Kali Linux bootable USB with persistence, YUMI can also be used to create multiboot flash drives, allowing you to store and run multiple operating systems, antivirus tools, and utilities on one single device.

How to Make a KALI Linux Bootable USB on Linux

In addition to using YUMI on Windows, Linux users can create a bootable KALI USB with persistence using the dd command. This method directly writes the KALI Linux ISO file to the USB drive, creating a bootable image. Persistence can then be added manually by creating a persistent partition on the USB.

Linux Requirements to make a KALI Linux USB

KALI Linux ISO file
A Fast USB stick (8GB or larger recommended)
A Linux system with dd command
Access to gparted or a similar partitioning tool (optional)
Computer that supports booting from USB via UEFI or BIOS

Steps to Create a Bootable KALI Linux USB with dd

Insert your USB drive and identify its device name. Run the following command to list all connected drives:
```
sudo fdisk -l
```
Note the device name (e.g., /dev/sdX), where X represents the drive letter. Make sure you have the correct device name as the dd command will overwrite data on the specified device.
Write the KALI Linux ISO to the USB drive using dd:
```
sudo dd if=/path/to/kali-linux.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
```
Replace /path/to/kali-linux.iso with the path to your KALI Linux ISO file, and /dev/sdX with your USB drive's device name. The process can take a few minutes.
Once dd completes, you will have a bootable KALI Linux USB. To add persistence, follow these additional steps.

Adding Persistence to Your KALI Linux Live USB

Open gparted (or a similar partitioning tool) and select your USB drive.
Create a new partition in the unallocated space on the USB. Format this partition as ext4 and label it persistence.
Once formatted, mount the new persistence partition. Then, create a file called persistence.conf:
```
echo "/ union" | sudo tee /mnt/persistence/persistence.conf
```
This configuration enables the persistence feature by specifying that changes should be saved across reboots.
Unmount the partition, and your KALI Linux USB is now configured with persistence. Boot from this USB and select the "Live USB Persistence" option to enable saving of data across sessions.

This dd method is an effective way to create a bootable KALI Linux USB directly from Linux. It’s especially useful for those comfortable with command-line operations and offers more control over partitioning for persistence.