From Theory to Practice: Teaching Ethical Hacking with Kali Linux and Penetration Testing Frameworks

Mazen Ismaeel Ghareb

Article Details

From Theory to Practice: Teaching Ethical Hacking with Kali Linux and Penetration Testing Frameworks

Authors:

Mazen Ismaeel Ghareb

Publisher:

International University of Erbil

Journal:

Academic Journal of International University of Erbil Vol.3 Issue 3, pp.311-320

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

8/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001930376

pISSN:

3080-7174

Keywords:

Abstract:

 The growing cyber threat landscape necessitates cybersecurity education for students and professionals. The main educational approach of ethical hacking combines theoretical frameworks with direct practical activities. The research analyzes penetration testing performance and efficiency related to Kali Linux version selection spanning from 2018 to 2024. The research analyzed students throughout twelve weekly sessions of four annual cohorts with each containing 40 participants during vulnerability assessment and reconnaissance and exploitation and post-exploration sessions. Kali Linux versions brought improved security tools and automation as well as artificial intelligence capabilities which resulted in improved penetration testing performance after each update. Student penetration test results reached 40% during the 2018.2 version of Kali Linux implementation in the 2018 evaluation period. The introduction of better package management along with non-root default users in Kali Linux 2020.4 elevated the testing performance to 52% in 2020. The 2022.2 version release of Kali Linux improved efficiency to 68% through its implementation of automation features. The success rate of Kali Linux 2024.1 reached 82% through its AI-driven security tools as well as student advancement in skills. Results from the survey indicated that 90% of participating students expanded their skills for practical use. Progressive penetration testing frameworks show necessity in cybersecurity education because of their ongoing value to students. The research reveals the necessity to develop standardized ethical hacking curricula which include current technologies to elevate student training results and their preparedness for real-world challenges.

Article Details

From Theory to Practice: Teaching Ethical Hacking with Kali Linux and Penetration Testing Frameworks

Authors:

Mazen Ismaeel Ghareb

Publisher:

International University of Erbil

Journal:

Academic Journal of International University of Erbil Vol.3 Issue 3, pp.311-320

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

8/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001930376

pISSN:

3080-7174

Ethical Hacking

Kali Linux

Penetration Testing

Cybersecurity Education

AI-Driven Security Tools

Issues

Article Details

From Theory to Practice: Teaching Ethical Hacking with Kali Linux and Penetration Testing Frameworks

Authors: Mazen Ismaeel Ghareb

Publisher: International University of Erbil

Journal: Academic Journal of International University of Erbil Vol.3 Issue 3, pp.311-320

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 8/2026

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001930376

pISSN: 3080-7174

Ethical Hacking

Kali Linux

Penetration Testing

Cybersecurity Education

AI-Driven Security Tools

Issues

Authors:

Mazen Ismaeel Ghareb

Publisher:

International University of Erbil

Journal:

Academic Journal of International University of Erbil Vol.3 Issue 3, pp.311-320

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

8/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001930376

pISSN:

3080-7174