How To Create Non-Root User in Kali Linux

Kali Linux is used by security searchers and pen-testers because it comes with virtually all security tools built-in, it’s lightweight by default, and it has a huge ecosystem that is constantly helping with projects.

I created a new installation of Kali Linux recently. One of the first post-installation tasks I did was to create a new user for daily use. Sadly, Kali only creates a default root user during setup. Running as root all the time is a horrible security practice, so I recommend that you create a new user as soon as possible after installation.

1. Add a user with all user directories already in place (Thereby avoiding “Could not update .ICEauthority var/lib/gdm3/.ICEauthority“) or any error containing. ICEauthority or permission in general.
2. Add user to sudo group to allow him to use root commands. You can also add users to the ‘lpadmin’ group to allow printing for Canon or HP and such.
3. Change default shell from chsh to bash. Or any shell-like Bourne Shell (sh), Bourne-Again Shell (bash), C Shell (csh), or Korn shell (ksh), etc.
4. Login as that user and demonstrate there were no errors.
5. Be able to use sudo and show groups affinity.
6. Delete that user safely.

Benefits of Standard User in Kali Linux

Few benefits you have as a non-root or standard user in Kali Linux

1. Install and run Google Chrome
2. Install and run Gnome User and Groups manager (Install gnome-system-tools)
3. Use Kali as Primary Operating System without worrying about breaking it all the time.

Adding A User in Kali Linux

First of all, let’s confirm which version of Linux and Kernel I’m running. In the command prompt type in

[email protected]:~# uname -a
Linux hacktoday 4.9.0-kali4-amd64 #1 SMP Debian 4.9.30-2kali1 (2017-06-22) x86_64 GNU/Linux
[email protected]:~# lsb_release -a
No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID:	Kali
Description:	Kali GNU/Linux Rolling
Release:	kali-rolling
Codename:	kali-rolling
[email protected]:~# 

Now let’s add a user. Open the terminal and type the following to create a new user (replace fsociety with your desired user name).

[email protected]:~# useradd -m fsociety

(Note: -m means create a home directory which is usually /home/fsociety)

Now, set a password for this user: fsociety.

[email protected]:~# passwd fsociety

Add user to sudo group (to allow the user to install software, allow printing, use privileged mode, etc.)

[email protected]:~# usermod -a -G sudo fsociety

(Note: -a means append or add and –G means to specified group/groups).

Change default shell of previously created user to bash.

[email protected]:~# chsh -s /bin/bash fsociety

(Note: chsh means change login shell, -s is the name of the specified shell you want for the user, in this case, /bin/bash)

Nice, all worked out as expected. Now Let’s logout and login back as our new Standard Non-root user (society).