A Beginner’s Guide to Social Engineering Toolkit (SET) in Kali Linux

Table of Contents

• What is the Social Engineering Toolkit (SET)?
• Why Use SET for Ethical Hacking?
• Setting Up Kali Linux and SET
• Launching SET in Kali Linux
• Key Features of SET
• Creating a Phishing Attack
• Credential Harvesting with SET
• Generating Malicious Payloads
• Cloning Websites for Testing
• Exploring SMS and Mass Email Attacks
• Ethical Practices and Safety Tips
• Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is the Social Engineering Toolkit (SET)?

The Social Engineering Toolkit (SET) is an open-source tool built by TrustedSec to simulate social engineering attacks, like phishing or fake login pages. It’s pre-installed in Kali Linux, a popular operating system for cybersecurity professionals. SET, written in Python, automates tasks that trick users into revealing sensitive information or running malicious files, making it a go-to for testing human vulnerabilities in a controlled, ethical way.

For beginners, think of SET as a digital disguise kit. It lets you create realistic scenarios—like a fake email from a bank—to see if someone falls for it. Since its release in 2010, SET has been updated regularly, with version 8.0.3 available in 2025. It integrates with tools like Metasploit, enhancing its power for advanced attacks. Ethical hackers use SET to identify weaknesses in organizations, while beginners can learn how social engineering works without needing expert skills.

Why Use SET for Ethical Hacking?

SET is a favorite among ethical hackers for good reasons:

• Beginner-Friendly: Its menu-driven interface is easy to navigate.
• Automation: Simplifies complex tasks like crafting phishing emails.
• Versatility: Supports attacks via email, SMS, or fake websites.
• Pre-Installed: Ready to use in Kali Linux, saving setup time.
• Community Support: Backed by tutorials and forums for help.

In 2025, social engineering drives over 90% of cyberattacks, per Verizon’s Data Breach Report. By learning SET, you can simulate these attacks ethically, helping organizations train employees and secure systems. It’s a hands-on way to understand human psychology in cybersecurity.

Setting Up Kali Linux and SET

Before using SET, you need Kali Linux and a safe environment:

• Install Kali Linux: Download from kali.org and set it up on a virtual machine (e.g., VirtualBox) or a live USB for safety.
• Verify SET: Open a terminal and type setoolkit. If it launches, SET is ready.
• Update Kali: Run sudo apt update && apt upgrade to ensure SET is current.
• Create a Lab: Use platforms like TryHackMe or a local VM to practice safely.

Beginners tip: Never test SET on real systems without permission—it’s illegal and unethical. A virtual lab keeps you safe and legal.

Launching SET in Kali Linux

Getting SET running is simple:

• Open Terminal: In Kali, launch a terminal.
• Run SET: Type setoolkit and press Enter.
• Accept Terms: If prompted, agree to the terms of use.
• Explore Menu: You’ll see options like “Social-Engineering Attacks” or “Penetration Testing”.

The menu is numbered, but don’t worry—each option explains itself. For beginners, stick to the main menu and avoid advanced options until you’re comfortable.

Key Features of SET

SET offers tools to simulate various attacks. Here’s a quick overview:

These features let you test how people react to deceptive tactics, revealing security gaps.

Creating a Phishing Attack

Phishing tricks users into clicking links or downloading files. Here’s how to set up a spear-phishing attack in SET:

• Select Option: Choose “Social-Engineering Attacks” > “Spear-Phishing Attack Vector”.
• Choose Template: Pick a pre-built email template (e.g., “Password Reset”) or create your own.
• Set SMTP: Use a test SMTP server (e.g., Gmail with app passwords) or SET’s built-in server.
• Add Targets: Enter test email addresses (use your own for practice).
• Attach Payload: Include a malicious link or file (test in a lab).
• Send: Launch the campaign and monitor results.

Beginners tip: Practice with your own email in a lab to see how convincing the emails look. Never send to real users without permission.

Credential Harvesting with SET

Credential harvesting captures login details from fake forms:

• Select Module: Choose “Web Attack Vector” > “Credential Harvester Attack Method”.
• Clone Site: Enter a URL to clone (e.g., gmail.com).
• Host Server: SET hosts the fake page locally (e.g., http://localhost).
• Capture Credentials: Inputs are saved to /root/.set/reports.

Example: Clone a login page and send the link via email. When users enter details, SET logs them. Test this in a virtual environment to understand the process safely.

Generating Malicious Payloads

SET can create files that, when opened, give hackers access:

• Choose Payload: Select “Infectious Media Generator” or “SET Custom Payload”.
• Select Type: Create an .exe or PDF with embedded malware (e.g., Meterpreter via Metasploit).
• Configure Listener: Set up a server to receive connections.
• Deliver: Send via email or USB in a test scenario.

Beginners tip: Use a virtual machine as the target to see how payloads work without real harm. Always disable antivirus in labs to avoid false positives.

Cloning Websites for Testing

SET’s web attack vector clones sites to trick users:

• Select Option: Choose “Web Attack Vector” > “Site Cloner”.
• Enter URL: Input the target site (e.g., facebook.com).
• Host Locally: SET creates a local clone.
• Distribute: Share the fake URL in a controlled test.

Example: Clone a login page to see if users notice subtle differences. This teaches you to spot fake sites in real life.

Exploring SMS and Mass Email Attacks

SET supports SMS spoofing and mass emails:

• SMS Spoofing: Choose “SMS Spoofing Attack Vector” and send fake texts with links.
• Mass Email: Use “Mass Mailer Attack” to send phishing emails to multiple test addresses.
• Setup: Configure with a test phone number or email list.

Beginners tip: Use your own number or email for testing. SMS attacks require third-party services, so check SET’s documentation for setup.

Ethical Practices and Safety Tips

Using SET responsibly is critical:

• Get Permission: Only test systems or users with explicit consent.
• Use Labs: Practice on TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or local VMs.
• Avoid Harm: Don’t send real phishing emails or payloads outside labs.
• Secure Setup: Run Kali in a VM and use a VPN for anonymity.
• Document Tests: Keep records for ethical reporting.

Ethical hacking improves security, not causes harm. Always follow legal guidelines.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Running into problems? Try these fixes:

• SET Won’t Start: Run sudo setoolkit or update with sudo apt upgrade.
• Email Not Sending: Check SMTP settings or firewall rules.
• Web Server Fails: Ensure port 80 is free; stop other services like Apache.
• Payload Blocked: Disable antivirus in test environments.

Check TrustedSec’s GitHub or Kali forums for community help.

Conclusion

The Social Engineering Toolkit (SET) in Kali Linux is a powerful way for beginners to explore social engineering, from phishing emails to fake websites. This guide has shown you how to set up and use SET safely, covering phishing, credential harvesting, and more. By practicing in controlled labs, you’ll learn how attackers exploit human trust and how to defend against it. In 2025, with social engineering driving most cyberattacks, mastering SET equips you to strengthen security ethically. So, fire up Kali, experiment responsibly, and start your journey as a cybersecurity defender!

FAQs

What is SET in Kali Linux?

SET is a tool for simulating social engineering attacks like phishing and credential harvesting.

Is SET pre-installed in Kali?

Yes, it’s ready to use in Kali Linux.

How do I start SET?

Type setoolkit in a Kali terminal.

Is SET beginner-friendly?

Yes, its menu-driven interface is easy to navigate.

Is it legal to use SET?

Only with permission on authorized systems; unauthorized use is illegal.

What is phishing in SET?

Sending fake emails or texts to trick users into sharing information.

Can SET clone websites?

Yes, it creates fake login pages to test user responses.

What is credential harvesting?

Capturing login details from fake forms created by SET.

Can SET create malware?

Yes, it generates payloads for testing in controlled environments.

Does SET work with Metasploit?

Yes, it integrates for advanced payload delivery.

What are SMS attacks in SET?

Fake texts with malicious links, like delivery scams.

Can SET target multiple people?

Yes, via mass email or SMS attacks in test scenarios.

How do I practice SET safely?

Use lab environments like TryHackMe or local VMs.

What if SET doesn’t start?

Update Kali with sudo apt upgrade or check permissions.

Why do hackers use social engineering?

It exploits human trust, which is easier than technical hacks.

Can antivirus detect SET payloads?

Some can, but advanced payloads may bypass detection.

How do I send phishing emails with SET?

Use the spear-phishing module with a test SMTP server.

Where are harvested credentials saved?

In /root/.set/reports on Kali.

Where can I learn more about SET?

Check TrustedSec’s GitHub, Kali docs, or YouTube tutorials.

How do I defend against SET attacks?

Train users, use 2FA, and verify email/URL legitimacy.