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

• Option to deselect tools upon install
• Instructions for all the tools
• Lightweight install option

Incentivized

I will Stack Kali Linux at the top of among to its similar devices.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

• Costs
• Time taken to setup
• Configurations needed for each use

Incentivized