Hashcat vs. Kali Linux

Any time you want to perform offline password cracking exercises, Hashcat is going to be able to do that for you. I can't think of any scenario where you have a password hash you need to crack where another tool would be more suited to the task. Hashcat, of course, works best when you have a GPU available, but you can even use it on a VM if you use the --force flag.

Incentivized

Kali Linux is especially well suited in environments where high security is needed for your custom developed applications. This is well suited for offensive testing your high security in house developed applications. It is also very good for doing penetration testing on in house developed applications and safe guarding them from external attackers. Kali Linux is tough for use as a day to day Linux operating system as this was never intended to be used by beginners and occasional Linux users.

Incentivized

• GPU accelerated password cracking
• Rule based attacks
• Supports all the hash formats

Incentivized

• Analyzing SSL certificates
• Analyzing SSL server configurations
• Vulnerability scanning
• Port scanning

Incentivized

• When drivers for your GPU aren't working it can be very frustrating to get started
• Some 3rd party GUI exists for Hashcat, but having an official one could be nice

Incentivized

• Usage wise, it is tough for use by beginners. Can be improved.
• With Kali Linux have noticed driver related issues especially with Nvidia graphics cards.
• Kali Linux can be improved for use as a day to day OS.

Incentivized

I would say the number one competitor to Kali is Parrot OS. While they both do the same/similar things, both have over 600 pre-loaded tools. Parrot does use some more offer what may be considered a more intuitive user interface. Parrot OS has been around for longer than people think and still has active development a support. But Kali is used more broadly in Training sessions, demos and is considered to be form all the articles I have read, the gold standard for penetration testing and tool sets

Incentivized

• Hashcat is a free tool
• It can be used to test password policies
• Great tool for penetration testers doing offline password attacks

Incentivized

• Initial stages of figuring out back doors in an application hence making them secure.
• ROI is good as it reduces in production security threats by letting us know well in advance.
• Entire development team along with its designers get a huge sigh of relief as all security holes are sealed well in advance before going into production.

Incentivized