Connecting to WiFi using Kali Linux in VirtualBox

Kali Linux is a popular distribution for penetration testers, ethical hackers, and security researchers. One common task when working with Kali Linux is connecting to a wireless network (WiFi). This article will guide you through the process of setting up WiFi connectivity on Kali Linux running inside VirtualBox.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure that you have installed Kali Linux in VirtualBox and configured it to use bridged networking. This setup allows your virtual machine to connect directly to your host network.

Step 1: Boot your machine and configure the BIOS

To begin, boot up your machine and enter the BIOS settings. Look for the option to set the boot order or device priority and move the USB stick to the top of the list. Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup.

Step 2: Unzip the SteamOS.zip file and insert the USB stick

Insert a blank, FAT32-formatted USB stick into your target machine (the host computer). Unzip the SteamOS.zip file onto the USB stick. This will create a bootable Kali Linux environment on the USB drive.

Step 3: Connect to the WiFi network

Once you've inserted the USB stick and booted up Kali Linux, use the command `lsusb` to list all connected devices. Then, plug in your AWUS036ACH device and run the same command again. This will show you whether the device is attached to the Hypervisor or the host.

Step 4: Configure WiFi connectivity

To connect to a WiFi network using Kali Linux, use the `iwconfig` command to list all available interfaces. Look for the interface labeled 'wlan' and note its IP address. Then, use the `iwconfig wlan essid ` command to set the ESSID (network name) of your desired network.

In this article, we have demonstrated how to connect to a WiFi network using Kali Linux running in VirtualBox. By following these steps, you should be able to access your target network and begin exploring its wireless connectivity options. Remember to always follow best practices for wireless security and ensure that your setup is properly configured to avoid any potential risks.

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