Setting up a Hacking Lab (using VirtualBox & Kali Linux)

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🖥️ Setting Up a Hacking Lab (Using VirtualBox & Kali Linux)

⚠️ This lab is strictly for educational and ethical hacking practice only.
Never test on real systems without written permission.

📘 What is a Hacking Lab?

A Hacking Lab is a safe, isolated virtual environment where students can:

  • Practice penetration testing

  • Learn cybersecurity tools

  • Test vulnerabilities safely

  • Avoid legal risks

It is usually created using virtualization software.

🛠️ Tools Required

To build a basic ethical hacking lab:

1️⃣ VirtualBox (Virtualization software)
2️⃣ Kali Linux (Attacker machine)
3️⃣ Target OS (like Metasploitable or Windows test machine)

1️⃣ VirtualBox

📌 What is VirtualBox?

Oracle VM VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software that allows you to run multiple operating systems on one computer.

🎯 Why Use VirtualBox?

  • Free and lightweight

  • Easy to install

  • Safe isolated environment

  • Supports snapshots

  • Runs multiple VMs

📥 Installation Steps

  1. Download VirtualBox from official website

  2. Install like normal software

  3. Restart system if required

2️⃣ Kali Linux

📌 What is Kali Linux?

Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed for penetration testing and cybersecurity.

It contains hundreds of pre-installed security tools.

🔥 Features of Kali Linux

  • Pre-installed hacking tools

  • Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, Burp Suite

  • Regular updates

  • Linux-based environment

📥 Installing Kali Linux in VirtualBox

Step 1: Download Kali Linux ISO

Download from official Kali website.

Step 2: Create New Virtual Machine

  • Open VirtualBox

  • Click "New"

  • Name: Kali Linux

  • Type: Linux

  • Version: Debian (64-bit)

Step 3: Allocate Resources

  • RAM: Minimum 2GB (Recommended 4GB)

  • CPU: 2 cores

  • Storage: 20GB minimum

Step 4: Attach ISO File

  • Go to Settings → Storage

  • Add Kali ISO file

Step 5: Start Installation

  • Click Start

  • Follow installation wizard

  • Set username and password

3️⃣ Adding a Target Machine

To practice hacking, you need a vulnerable system.

Recommended Practice Target:

  • Metasploitable (intentionally vulnerable Linux machine)

  • Windows test machine

Install it in VirtualBox like Kali.

🌐 Network Configuration (Important)

To allow communication between attacker and target:

Option 1: Host-Only Adapter (Recommended for Beginners)

  • Safe internal lab network

  • No internet exposure

  • Attacker and target can communicate

Option 2: NAT Network

  • Allows internet access

  • Slightly less isolated

🔐 Basic Lab Structure

Your Lab Setup:

Your PC (Host)
↓
VirtualBox
↓
Kali Linux (Attacker)
Metasploitable (Target)

📊 Testing Lab Setup

After installation:

  1. Start both VMs

  2. Check IP address using:

    • ifconfig (Linux)

  3. Ping target from Kali

  4. Run basic Nmap scan to verify connectivity

If ping works → Lab is ready.

🛡️ Why Use Virtual Lab?

  • No risk to real systems

  • Safe learning environment

  • Practice unlimited times

  • Easy reset using snapshots

📌 Best Practices

  • Never bridge lab to public network

  • Use snapshots before experiments

  • Keep lab isolated

  • Do not use tools on real websites

🎓 Exam Short Definition

A hacking lab is a virtual environment created using VirtualBox and Kali Linux to safely practice penetration testing and cybersecurity techniques without affecting real systems.

🔥 Advanced Lab Setup (For Higher Level)

You can also add:

  • Windows Server

  • Active Directory Lab

  • Vulnerable web apps (DVWA)

  • Multiple network segments

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