The terms Security and Privacy are becoming more relevant than ever before. Organizations spend Billions of US dollars trying to secure confidential information. Most Organizations are now beginning to rely on Linux as their primary OS because they provide excellent privacy and security compared to other OSes, like Windows or Mac.
Linux is a collection of countless variants and distributions of the open-source, modular operating system. Linux Operating System provides you with some of the best Security and Privacy. So, picking the right distros can be challenging because each distro focuses on different aspects of security and privacy, depending on user demands and preferences.
Some of these Linux distributions incorporate privacy protection as a standard utilizing a number of tools. Others are concerned with making security software a standard component for people who must do penetration tests.
What are Privacy and Security
Security and privacy are related concepts that are frequently used interchangeably.
What is Security?
Security refers to safeguarding information from unauthorized access. We implemented security measures to restrict who could access the data. In other terms, it is described as safeguards put in place to guard digital data from unauthorized users, such as hackers and cyber terrorists.
What is Privacy?
Privacy is one's right to freedom. It is the condition of not being subject to obtrusive attention or covert surveillance.
Best Linux Distros
In this article, I will list out the different best Linux distros based on personal usage, security, and privacy.
1. Qubes OS
Qubes OS is a Linux distribution with a security-focused design through isolation. It is said to be a security-focused desktop operating system. Top-notch security is provided by Qubes OS's compartmentalization feature, which allows you to compartmentalize various tasks within the securely separated Qubes compartment.
Qubes is said to be the most secured Linux distros out at the moment by separating hardware controllers into functional areas.
Reasons to get Qubes OS
- Provides advanced security by individual isolation hardware.
- Properly documented how to go about the setup.
- Two-factor authentication features are provided by Qubes U2F Proxy without exposing the web browser to the complete USB stack.
2. Linux Kodachi
Linux Kodachi operating system is based on Ubuntu 18.04.6; it gives you a private, non-forensic, and anonymous operating system that includes all the characteristics that someone who cares about privacy would need to be secure.
Kodachi can be run from a USB drive or DVD, which also establishes a VPN connection.
Reasons to get Kodachi
- The use of the internet is done anonymously.
- All Internet connections are required to pass through a VPN, then Tor network, and DNS encryption.
- Unless you ask for it, Kodachi leaves no trace on the computer.
- Utilize cutting-edge privacy and cryptographic tools to encrypt your files, emails, and instant messages.
3. Kali Linux
The Kali Linux is said to be the most advanced Penetration Testing Distribution. Kali Linux is an open-source, Debian-based Linux distribution designed for various information security activities like computer forensics, reverse engineering, and penetration testing.
It can be used on ARM-based gadgets like the Raspberry Pi and is also considered to be one of the best-rated and safest Linux distributions out there, according to numerous surveys of developers.
Reasons to get Kali
- This distribution's "forensic" mode makes it ideal for forensic work.
- Materials on Kali are readily available, making it easy to learn.
- Testing for penetration is possible with it.
4. Tails – Incognito Linux system
Tails is a portable operating system that shields users from censorship and surveillance. Tails are Debian-based Linux distribution whose primary goal is maintaining anonymity and privacy. On the machine, no digital trace will be left unless specifically requested.
Reasons to get Tails
- In order to evade censorship and safeguard our online privacy, Tails uses the Tor network.
- No trace is left behind after the system is shut down.
- Good compatibility with the Tor network.
5. BlackArch Linux
BlackArch Linux is an Arch Linux-based penetration testing distribution for penetration testers and security researchers. It has over 2809 tools in its repository, which users can install either in groups or individually. Additionally, BlackArch Linux can be installed with already-installed Arch systems.
Reasons to get BlackArch Linux
- The modular package feature allows users to install tools either in groups or individually.
- More than 2809 tools are supported, as well as several architectures.
- Its foundation is Arch Linux.
- It provides numerous window managers and live ISO (International Organization for Standardization).
6. Parrot Security
IT and security professionals can use the extensive toolkit offered by Parrot Security to test and evaluate the security of their assets in a reproducible, compliant, and reliable manner from the collection of data to the finished report. The Parrot system provides you with the most adaptable setting.
Reasons to get Parrot Security
- The.net/mono framework is entirely supported by Parrot OS.
- It is offered as resource-constrained, lightweight software.
- The source code is open for anybody to read and modify.
- It is a compact operating system that offers online anonymity.
7. Discreete Linux
Discreete Linux provides you with a secured environment to protect your data from surveillance attacks with Trojan software more simply and accurately.
In order to guard against trade unions, journalists, defenders, political watchdogs, activists, etc., the Discrete Linux project was created. To encrypt, decrypt, and handle sensitive data, establish an isolated and secure environment.
Reasons to get Discreete Linux
- This operating system offers a simple user interface.
- It can be accessed using a USB drive, DVD, or CD.
- The signed kernel modules are supported.
8. Whonix Linux
Whonix Linux is effectively an operating system that cannot reside on disk yet is not lost after numerous reboots because it operates as a virtual machine inside VirtualBox. An integrated desktop environment is currently in development.
Reasons to get Whonix Linux
- Network and user applications are separated using two phases of isolation.
- Support for Linux Kernel Runtime guards.
- The OS selects a guest/innovative host to stop DNS and IP leaks and conceal identities behind user-provided anonymous proxies.
9. Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux is a lightweight, security-focused Linux distribution built on busybox as well as the musl libc. A general-purpose, non-profit, and free Linux distribution, created especially for power users who value resource efficiency, simplicity, and security.
Reasons to get Alpine Linux
- In order to prevent stack-smashing attacks, userland buffer overflow mitigation is built into every package.
- Alpine permits effective network VPNs with the DMVPN standard, which is by default present in its patch.
10. ArchStrike
For researchers and security experts, ArchStrike is a suitable operating system. It maintains packages in accordance with Arch Linux OS specifications. Pen testing and security layering are both applicable in this setting.
Reasons to get ArchStrike Linux
- Both major view packages and all tracked packages are available.
- Open-source applications for research are present in this context.
- Hardware detection is available.
Conclusion:
In this article, I have provided you a list of the Linux Distros for security and privacy purpose. All distros have numerous advantages coupled with a few disadvantages. What really matters is finding a Linux OS you are comfortable with and that gives you the privacy, security, and anonymity required.