In today’s digital landscape, ensuring the security of computer networks and systems is of utmost importance. Penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking, plays a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening the overall security posture. One such powerful tool used by security professionals is Aircrack-ng, a suite of wireless network assessment tools.

This article aims to show you how to install Aircrack-ng on Kali Linux, a popular ethical hacking operating system, enabling you to harness the capabilities of this versatile tool for effective penetration testing. For this tutorial, you can also use Linux VPS and save yourself a lot of time and resources. So, let’s dive in and explore the installation process step-by-step, unlocking the potential of Aircrack-ng on your Kali Linux environment.

What is Aircrack-ng?

Aircrack-ng is a powerful and widely-used network security tool designed for assessing and cracking wireless networks. It is primarily used to perform security audits and penetration testing on Wi-Fi networks. Aircrack-ng provides a comprehensive suite of tools that allow users to capture and analyze network traffic, crack WEP and WPA/WPA2-PSK encryption, and conduct various attacks to test the vulnerability of wireless networks. With its ability to efficiently recover network keys and passwords, Aircrack-ng is a valuable resource for both security professionals and enthusiasts seeking to enhance the security of their own networks or identify vulnerabilities in others.

Aircrack-ng is commonly used by network administrators, security professionals, and ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities in wireless networks. Additionally, individuals interested in learning about network security and wireless protocols may also benefit from using this tool.

Requirements to Install Aircrack-ng on Kali Linux

1. Kali Linux OS: Aircrack-ng is usually pre-installed in Kali Linux. Make sure you have the latest version of Kali Linux installed.
2. Root Access: You need to have root access or superuser privileges to install and use Aircrack-ng.
3. Wireless Adapter: Aircrack-ng requires a compatible wireless adapter that supports monitor mode and packet injection. Not all wireless adapters are compatible, so ensure that you have a supported adapter. You can check the Aircrack-ng website for a list of compatible wireless adapters.
4. Dependencies: Aircrack-ng has some dependencies that you need to install. To install these dependencies, open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt-get install build-essential libssl-dev libnl-3-dev libnl-genl-3-dev ethtool

Aircrack-ng Installing Methods on Kali Linux

Once you have met these requirements, you should be able to install and use Aircrack-ng on Kali Linux.

Installing Aircrack-ng on Kali Linux Using the apt Package Manager

Well, now it’s time to learn how you can install Aircrack-ng on Kali Linux using the apt package manager. This is the first method of the two methods explained in this article.

• Open a Kali Linux terminal.
• Update the package lists by running the command:

sudo apt update

• Install aircrack-ng by running the command:

sudo apt install aircrack-ng

The installation process will begin, and you will be prompted to confirm the installation. Type ‘Y‘ and hit Enter.

• Once the installation is complete, you can start using aircrack-ng.

That’s it! Using this method you can easily download and install Aircrack-ng on your Kali Linux machine. Some people may prefer to manually install this tool. If you’re one of those people, we’ve written the next section for you.

Aircrack-ng Manual Installation on Kali Linux

Another way of installing Aircrack-ng is the manual installation from the source. Here’s how:

• Open a Kali Linux terminal.
• Download the latest version of aircrack-ng by running the command

wget https://download.aircrack-ng.org/aircrack-ng-1.6.tar.gz

• Extract the downloaded archive by running the command:

tar -zxvf aircrack-ng-1.6.tar.gz

• Change into the extracted directory by running the command:

cd aircrack-ng-1.6

• Compile aircrack-ng by running the command:

make

• Install aircrack-ng by running the command:

sudo make install

• The installation process will complete, and you can start using aircrack-ng.

And here’s how you can manually install Aircrack-ng on your machine. Both methods are somehow similar but you can choose the method that suits you better.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

There are certain factors that you need for Aircrack-ng to run smoothly. We gathered a short list of them for you, so you can find the issue easier and faster.

• Monitor mode not supported: Some wireless cards do not support monitor mode, which is required for certain aircrack-ng functions. Check if your card supports it.

• Driver issues: Ensure that your wireless card is compatible with aircrack-ng and you’ve installed the correct drivers.
• Interface not detected: If aircrack-ng does not detect your wireless interface, try restarting the network manager or manually configuring the interface using commands like “ifconfig” or “iwconfig.”
• Incorrect password or handshake capture: Make sure you have captured a valid handshake or have the correct password when attempting to crack a Wi-Fi password.
• Insufficient signal strength: Weak signal strength can affect the success rate of aircrack-ng attacks. Try moving closer to the target access point or using a more powerful wireless card.
• False positives: Some antivirus software may falsely detect aircrack-ng as a malicious tool. Disable or whitelist aircrack-ng in your antivirus software if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, aircrack-ng is a powerful tool for assessing the security of wireless networks. By understanding its capabilities and following the installation guide provided, you can successfully install aircrack-ng on Kali Linux. Remember to ensure compatibility with your wireless card, troubleshoot any issues that may arise, and exercise responsible and ethical usage. With aircrack-ng at your disposal, you can enhance your network security knowledge and protect against potential vulnerabilities.