Learn about the Backtrack operating system

The penetration test (Pentest) is part of the 'task assignments' for each system administrator. BackTrack Linux (https://www.backtrack-linux.org/) is a custom distribution. Designed to test security for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, this is the largest collection of wireless hacking, server exploits. exploit server vulnerabilities), evaluate web applications, social engineering tools available in a Linux distribution.

BackTrack Linux is a prime example of a dedicated Linux distribution. Its sole purpose is to test networks, devices and systems for security holes. BackTrack comes with every security and hacking tool used by security experts as well as professional hackers. If you are looking for a distribution that contains all the tools you need, this is the right choice.

You must love the command line to use this distribution, although it does contain some graphical tools, such as zenmap and wireshark. Even in graphics mode (included with the GNOME desktop), most applications open in a terminal window. Fortunately, each command line application opens and displays a help text so you can refer to the command right on the screen.

BackTrack is a highly customized Debian-based Linux distribution that you should only update via BackTrack's own repository.

What is BackTrack?

BackTrack is a security-focused Linux distribution, based on the Knoppix Linux distro, for digital forensics and penetration testing (pentest). In March 2013, the Offensive Security team rebuilt BackTrack around the Debian distribution and released it under the name Kali Linux.

The BackTrack distribution originates from the merger of two previous competing distributions, focusing on penetration testing:

1. WHAX: a Slax-based Linux distribution developed by Mati Aharoni, a security consultant. Previous versions of WHAX were called Whoppix and were based on Knoppix.
2. Auditor Security Collection : A Knoppix-based Live CD developed by Max Moser, including more than 300 tools arranged in user-friendly hierarchy.

On January 9, 2010, BackTrack 4 improved hardware support and added official FluxBox support. The similarity between Auditor and WHAX in terms of purpose and in the collection of tools contributed to this merger.

Releases

Release Date May 26, 2006 BackTrack's first stable release
October 13, 2006 Released BackTrack 2 beta # 1
November 19, 2006 Released BackTrack 2 beta # 2
March 6, 2007 BackTrack 2 final release December 14, 2008 BackTrack 3 release
June 19, 2008 Released the final BackTrack 3 (Linux kernel 2.6.21.5) February 11, 2009 Released BackTrack 4 beta January 9, 2010 Released the final BackTrack 4 (Linux kernel 2.6.30.9) May 8, 2010 Released BackTrack 4 R1 November 22, 2010 Released BackTrack 4 R2 May 10, 2011 Released BackTrack 5 (Linux kernel 2.6.38) August 18, 2011 Released BackTrack 5 R1 (Linux kernel 2.6.39.5) March 1, 2012 Released BackTrack 5 R2 (Linux kernel 3.2.6) August 13, 2012 Released BackTrack 5 R3

Whenever a new version of BackTrack is released, older versions will lose support and services from the BackTrack development team. No version of BackTrack is currently supported.

Tools in BackTrack Linux

BackTrack Linux contains more than 300 security tools and utilities, all of which are open source. Many security experts prefer them over expensive commercial programs. And, hackers certainly like hundreds of such free, premium apps. One reason for BackTrack's popularity is its anonymity. You do not have to register (registration is optional). No name, bank account or user account associated with obtaining ISO image. In addition, no spyware is reported to any vendor.

The distribution is a live DVD, capable of booting and about 2GB capacity. If you decide to install it onto your hard drive or USB, the installation will expand to almost 7GB. BackTrack is perfectly suited for installation on USB, so it is more portable and discreet than installing a hard drive. 16GB USB can accommodate installation and there is still plenty of room to save files or data.

Remember that you will need to save your data from the crawl to be able to write security test reports for customers. Live DVD is powerful but significantly slower than a hard drive or USB. If you use a DVD, use a mounted USB or hard drive partition to store the collected information.

What's in this distribution?

The BackTrack distribution includes the following main types of tools:

1. Information Gathering - Information gathering
2. Vulnerability Assessment - Assessing security holes
3. Exploitation Tools - Exploit tool
4. Privilege Escalation - Enhance privileges
5. Maintaining Access - Maintaining Access
6. Reverse Engineering
7. RFID Tools - RFID Tools
8. Stress Testing - Testing pressure
9. Forensics
10. Reporting Tools - Reporting tools
11. Services
12. Miscellaneous

Under each main title, you will find subheadings. For example, in the first selection, Information Gathering, you have Network Analysis, Web Application Analysis, Database Analysis and Wireless Analysis . Under each subhead, you have many types of analysis. Network Analysis contains an extensive list of network analysis types, from DNS analysis to VPN analysis.

At the final level, you will find many options for each type of analysis. For example, in Network Scanners, you have a list of 11 different network scanning tools to choose from.