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Kali Linux 2025.1a: New Features and Updated Tools

Kali Linux, one of the leading operating systems in cybersecurity, has released a new version – Kali Linux 2025.1a! This update includes improvements to desktop environments, new tools, and enhanced usability.

If you are a Kali Linux user, you can download the new version or update your system to take advantage of these new features.

Additionally, the letter “a” in the version name indicates that the software has been recompiled to fix issues in certain packages.

Each year, the first major update focuses on improving the system interface, and Kali Linux 2025.1a is no exception:

✅ The boot menu and login screen have been modernized.
✅ Desktop wallpapers have been updated, with new themes added for Kali and Kali Purple users.
✅ Community-created wallpapers are now available in the kali-community-wallpapers package.

Desktop Environment Updates

Two major desktop environments have been updated in Kali Linux 2025.1a:

🔹 KDE Plasma 6.2

A significant update for KDE Plasma users. The transition from Plasma 5.27 to Plasma 6.21 is a major change. This new environment offers:

✔️ A refreshed design and interface enhancements.
✔️ Improved window and desktop visuals.
✔️ Custom Kali Linux themes included by default.

🔹 Xfce 4.20 – Update to the Standard Desktop Environment

The default Xfce desktop environment in Kali Linux has been upgraded from 4.18 to 4.20. This update includes:

✅ New keyboard shortcuts:

  • File Manager: Ctrl + Alt + F, Super + E, Super + F
  • Run command: Super + R
  • Open Terminal: Super + T
  • Open Browser: Super + W
  • Locate Cursor: Super + F1
  • Show Desktop: Super + D

✅ New shortcuts for arranging and moving windows on the screen.

Changes for Raspberry Pi Users

Kali Linux 2025.1a introduces important improvements for Raspberry Pi users:

🔹 New raspi-firmware package added, now aligned with Raspberry Pi OS.
🔹 Linux kernel upgraded to 6.6.74, now supporting Raspberry Pi 5.
🔹 Nexmon module now updates automatically via DKMS.
🔹 Partition structure is now adapted to match Raspberry Pi OS.
🔹 config.txt has been simplified, allowing the bootloader to handle many configurations automatically.

📌 Important: Due to these major changes, a clean installation is recommended instead of a direct upgrade.

Updates in Kali NetHunter

The Kali NetHunter environment (designed for mobile devices) also brings new improvements:

✅ CAN Arsenal – A new tool for analyzing vehicle security.
✅ A new kernel has been developed for Samsung devices.
✅ Samsung HID patch has been successfully implemented.
✅ The installer interface has been updated with a dynamic background.
✅ Bug fixes and system stability improvements.

New Cybersecurity Tools

Kali Linux 2025.1a introduces new tools for cybersecurity professionals:

🔹 hoaxshell – A new tool for performing reverse shell attacks on Windows systems. It uses HTTP(S) protocols and a beaconing mechanism to establish a reverse connection.

Additionally:

✔️ The live-config script has been split into kali-installer and kali-live.
✔️ The Kali Linux official website has been updated:

  • A new section for wallpapers: official, legacy, and community-created.
  • Expanded documentation section.
    ✔️ New mirrors (server repositories) added, improving download speeds.

How to Update Kali Linux?

If you are already using Kali Linux, run the following command to fully update your system:

If you prefer a clean installation, you can download the latest version from the official Kali Linux website.

Kali Linux 2025.1a brings major improvements in design, performance, usability, and security.

✅ If you are using Raspberry Pi or mobile devices, a clean installation is recommended.
✅ hoaxshell can be a valuable tool for GitHub, server, and network security experts.
✅ Desktop environment updates will significantly improve the experience for KDE and Xfce users.

📌 Overall, Kali Linux remains one of the most important operating systems for cybersecurity, and version 2025.1a continues this tradition! 🚀