How to choose, use and configure a VPN in Kali Linux (formerly BackTrack) (My opinion)

When you’re running Kali Linux—whether on a dedicated VM, a live USB or bare metal—you’re already geared towards penetration testing, digital forensics and security research. Kali’s Debian-derived foundation with apt (and dpkg under the hood), its default root (or non-root) configuration, plus lightweight desktop environments like Xfce, GNOME or KDE, means you need a VPN that integrates smoothly without breaking your toolkit. You’ll want reliable OpenVPN or WireGuard support, official Debian packages or a straightforward CLI, and documentation that doesn’t assume you’re on Ubuntu but caters to Debian-based, security-focused distros.

Why These VPNs Shine on Kali Linux

Mullvad VPN – Offers a dedicated Debian repo, both OpenVPN and WireGuard config, plus an open-source CLI that installs neatly via apt. Perfect for those who value privacy and need lean, root-level integration.
Proton VPN – Provides an official Debian package and a polished CLI client. You get full WireGuard support, plus detailed guides tailored to Debian derivatives, making setup on Kali a breeze.
NordVPN – Supplies a Debian-compatible .deb, a feature-rich CLI and optional NetworkManager plugin. It’s a solid choice if you also switch between Ubuntu or other Debian flavours in your lab.

VPN Comparison on Kali Linux

Provider	Protocols	CLI / Package	NetworkManager	Docs for Debian	Website
Mullvad VPN	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Official Debian repo open-source CLI	Manual / scripts provided	Extensive, CLI-focused	Visit
Proton VPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN	Official .deb CLI client	Supported via NM plugin	Step-by-step for Debian	Visit
NordVPN	OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard)	Official .deb CLI	NetworkManager plugin	Dedicated Linux / Debian guide	Visit

Installing and Configuring the Top Picks

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad’s Debian repository and open-source CLI make it a natural fit. Here’s how to get it up and running on Kali:

Import Mullvad’s signing key and add the repo:

wget -qO - https://mullvad.net/media/mullvad-code-signing-public.asc  sudo apt-key add -
echo deb https://repo.mullvad.net/debian/ kali main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mullvad.list
sudo apt update

Install the CLI:

sudo apt install mullvad-vpn

mullvad account account-number

Connect using WireGuard (faster) or OpenVPN:

# WireGuard
mullvad connect wireguard

# OpenVPN
mullvad connect openvpn

Check status and kill switch:

mullvad status
mullvad kill-switch enable

Proton VPN

The official Debian package and CLI deliver solid WireGuard support. Follow these steps:

Add Proton’s repo key and repository:

sudo apt update  sudo apt install -y gnupg2
wget -q -O - https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc  sudo apt-key add -
echo deb https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian stable main  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/protonvpn.list
sudo apt update

Install the CLI:

sudo apt install protonvpn-cli

Initialize and log in:

protonvpn-cli login your-email@example.com

Connect using the recommended profile:

protonvpn-cli connect --fastest

Switch to WireGuard (if enabled on your plan):

protonvpn-cli c --protocol wireguard

With these setups, your Kali Linux instance remains robust for pentesting tasks—without sacrificing privacy or network security. Whether you’re running Xfce or GNOME, in a VM or on bare metal, these VPNs slot neatly into Kali’s Debian-based ecosystem, giving you encrypted tunnels at the kernel level while you focus on the real work.

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