Kali Linux 2023.1 marks its 10th anniversary by introducing support for Linux kernel 6.1 and various other enhancements.




Kali Linux 2023.1 presents updated tools and packages, a new Linux kernel version, and improved compatibility with ARM devices. Moreover, the latest iteration of Kali Linux introduces Kali Purple, which offers more than 100 defensive tools, a dark purple theme, and a community wiki.

Kali Linux 2023.1 incorporates Python changes, with Python 3.11 and future PIP modifications. Kali Linux, a Debian-based distribution, was initially designed for digital forensics and penetration testing. Maintained by Offensive Security (previously known as BackTrack Linux), it enables security experts and ethical hackers to assess the security of computer systems, networks, and applications. Kali Linux comes pre-installed with a wide range of penetration testing tools and applications. The recently launched Kali Linux 2023.1 is now accessible, commemorating its 10th year anniversary.


Kali Linux 2023.1 includes updates to various tools and packages, support for Linux kernel 6.1, and enhanced compatibility with ARM devices. This release introduces several new tools such as Redeye, Kubernetes-Helm, CyberChef, Arkime, and more. The release notes emphasize bug fixes and improvements to existing tools and features. Below are some noteworthy highlights:

Kali Purple - Emphasizing defense in addition to offense.
Python Changes - Adoption of Python 3.11 and changes to PIP going forward.
Desktop Updates - Xfce 4.18 & KDE Plasma 5.27.
Default Kernel Settings - Unique aspects of the Kali kernel.
New Tools.

Kali Linux 2023.1 incorporates kernel version 6.1, which is an officially supported long-term version. This update brings enhancements to network performance, improvements to the memory management subsystem, enhanced handling of I/O operations, and numerous other changes and improvements.


Kali Purple

Kali Purple represents Kali Linux with a focus on defense rather than offense. It includes over 100 defensive tools such as packet capture, vulnerability scanners, incident response platforms, and intrusion detection systems. Furthermore, it introduces Kali Autopilot, an attack script builder and framework for automated attacks, along with Autopilot scripts and a community wiki. Kali Purple also features a dark purple theme for installers and Discord channels for community collaboration.

Kali Purple initially presents itself as a Proof of Concept, with future plans to evolve into a framework and eventually a platform, similar to the journey that Kali Linux has gone through. The developers aim to make enterprise-grade security accessible to everyone.

The developers also state:

"Remember what we did a decade ago with Kali Linux? Or with BackTrack before that? We made offensive security accessible to everyone. No expensive licenses required, no need for commercial grade infrastructure, no writing code or compiling tools to make it all work... We are excited to start a new journey with the mission to do exactly the same for defensive security: Just download Kali Purple and do your thing."

Python improvements

Python 3.11 is now available in Debian, offering informative error tracebacks and potential speed improvements of up to 60%. However, there is a modification in Python's PIP behavior that can lead to conflicts between apt and pip, potentially disrupting the operating system's package management ecosystem.

To mitigate this issue, users have several options. They can use "apt install python3-<package>", create a virtual environment using venv, or utilize the "--break-system-packages" option. The recommended approach is to use apt to check if there is an existing Debian package for the Python module. If not, users can use venv to create a completely independent environment. Finally, if users choose to disregard the recommended approaches, they can employ the "--break-system-packages" at the end of the command.

I'm thrilled to delve deeper into the enhanced support for ARM devices in Kali Linux 2023.1. This update represents a significant leap forward in ensuring that Kali Linux remains at the forefront of cybersecurity and ethical hacking on ARM-based platforms.

In this release, Kali Linux has not only optimized its kernel configurations for ARM architecture but has also introduced specific enhancements tailored to ARM devices. These improvements translate to better performance, smoother operation, and improved compatibility with a wide range of ARM-powered hardware, including popular single-board computers like Raspberry Pi.

What makes this development particularly exciting is the expansion of possibilities it brings to the cybersecurity community. With improved driver support for ARM-based wireless network adapters, security professionals and hobbyists can now leverage Kali Linux's powerful tools and utilities on a broader array of devices. This means greater flexibility in conducting penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and security research on ARM platforms, opening up new avenues for innovation and exploration in the field of cybersecurity.

Furthermore, by bolstering its support for ARM devices, Kali Linux is fostering a more inclusive and accessible ecosystem for ethical hackers and cybersecurity practitioners. It underscores the platform's adaptability and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of a diverse user base, ultimately strengthening its position as a leading choice for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The enhanced ARM support in Kali Linux 2023.1 is truly a testament to the platform's dedication to driving progress and innovation in the realm of cybersecurity, paving the way for future advancements and breakthroughs in securing ARM-based systems.


Kali Linux's commitment to bolstering its compatibility with ARM platforms signifies a significant stride in democratizing cybersecurity tools and practices. By optimizing kernel configurations and expanding driver support for ARM-based wireless network adapters, Kali Linux is ensuring that security professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts can harness its powerful suite of ethical hacking and penetration testing tools on this widely-used architecture.

This expanded support not only caters to popular single-board computers like Raspberry Pi but also extends to a multitude of ARM-powered devices, empowering users to conduct security assessments and ethical hacking activities on a broader range of hardware. As a result, it fosters a more inclusive environment for cybersecurity exploration and education, breaking down barriers and enabling individuals from varied technical backgrounds to engage with cutting-edge cybersecurity tools and techniques.

The improved performance and stability offered by Kali Linux on ARM devices serve as a catalyst for innovation in the realm of IoT security, embedded system assessments, and customized cybersecurity solutions. Moreover, it opens doors for aspiring security professionals and students to gain hands-on experience with ethical hacking methodologies on affordable and accessible ARM hardware, nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity talent.

Kali Linux's robust support for ARM devices reflects its dedication to empowering a diverse community of cybersecurity practitioners, enabling them to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape. This strategic move not only fortifies Kali Linux's position as a leading platform for ethical hacking but also underscores its role in shaping the future of cybersecurity by embracing and enhancing ARM architecture.