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84 changes: 83 additions & 1 deletion latex/blackarch-guide-en.tex
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -136,7 +136,89 @@ \section{What is BlackArch Linux?}
% should quickly describe the testing methods/code review procedures etc

\section{History of BlackArch Linux}
Coming soon...
BlackArch Linux is an Arch Linux-based penetration testing and security research distribution. It was developed for ethical hackers, penetration testers, and cybersecurity professionals who need access to a vast library of security tools.

Unlike other security distributions like Kali Linux (Debian-based) and Parrot OS, BlackArch follows the rolling-release model of Arch Linux, ensuring users always have the latest software and updates.

\subsection{Origins and Early Development (2013-2014)}
\The Need for BlackArch
Before BlackArch, cybersecurity professionals mainly relied on BackTrack Linux, which later evolved into Kali Linux (2013).
However, Arch Linux users who preferred its simplicity, customization, and rolling-release model lacked a dedicated penetration testing repository.
This led to the creation of BlackArch Linux, designed to be a highly modular and lightweight penetration testing distribution, following Arch Linux principles.

\Initial Development
The BlackArch Linux project began around 2013, initially as a repository add-on for Arch Linux.
It was created by a group of security professionals who wanted to bring Kali-like functionality to Arch Linux users.
Unlike Kali, which provides a full-fledged pre-configured OS, BlackArch was designed to be:
Lightweight
Highly customizable
Minimalistic, following the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle of Arch Linux.
The first BlackArch release provided a small set of security tools but quickly gained traction within the cybersecurity community.
\subsection{Expansion and Growth (2015-2019)}
\Major Advancements
By 2015, BlackArch introduced a live ISO, allowing users to boot directly into a pre-configured BlackArch environment.
The toolset grew rapidly, expanding to over 1,000 security tools by 2016.
A major advantage was modularity—users could either:
Install BlackArch as a standalone OS.
Add BlackArch as a repository on top of Arch Linux.

\Features Introduced (2017-2019)
The repository expanded to 2,000+ penetration testing tools.
Multiple lightweight window managers were introduced, including:
Fluxbox
Openbox
i3
Improved ARM support, making BlackArch usable on Raspberry Pi and ARM-based systems.
Enhanced package management with pacman and custom blackarch-* scripts.

\Why Security Professionals Chose BlackArch
More Tools than Kali Linux – By 2019, BlackArch offered over 2,500 tools, surpassing Kali Linux.
Arch-Based Rolling Release – Ensuring always-updated tools.
Minimalistic & Lightweight – Unlike Kali, BlackArch didn't enforce a specific desktop environment.
Highly Customizable – Users could install only the tools they needed instead of a bloated system.
Repository-Based Installation – Existing Arch Linux users could simply enable the BlackArch repository without reinstalling their OS.

\subsection{BlackArch Today (2020-Present)}
\Modern Features and Enhancements
Live ISO improvements with more pre-configured settings and tools.
New versions of hacking tools constantly added (3,000+ as of 2024).
Kernel and driver updates for better compatibility with modern hardware.
Pre-configured i3 window manager for optimal performance on low-end systems.
Advanced ARM support, making it a great choice for IoT security testing.

\section{Key Features of BlackArch Linux}
\Extensive Penetration Testing Toolset
Largest collection of security tools available in any Linux distribution.
Categories include:
Exploitation (Metasploit, ExploitDB)
Forensics (Autopsy, Volatility)
Networking (Wireshark, Aircrack-ng)
Reverse Engineering (Ghidra, Radare2)
Password Cracking (John the Ripper, Hashcat)
OSINT (Recon-ng, Maltego)
Many more...

\Rolling Release Model
Always up-to-date with the latest hacking tools and Arch Linux packages.

\Lightweight and Modular
Can be installed as:
A standalone OS.
An addon repository for Arch Linux.

\Support for Multiple Window Managers
Fluxbox
Openbox
i3
dwm
and more for lightweight performance.

\Advanced ARM Support
Can run on Raspberry Pi, Odroid, and ARM-based systems for IoT security testing.

Custom BlackArch Package Manager
Uses pacman, but also provides additional blackarch-* tools for easier package management.


\section{Supported platforms}
Coming soon...
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