A PC or laptop without any security measures becomes exposed to the possibilities of being attacked. Linux is one of the most popular operating systems used by individuals as well as organisations and academics. To have a secured distro means to secure valuable data. In this article, we list down 10 top Linux distributions for advanced privacy and security.
(The list is in alphabetical order)
1| Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux is an independent, non-commercial, general purpose Linux distribution designed for power users who appreciate security, simplicity and resource efficiency. It is built around musl libc and busybox which makes it moreresource efficient than the traditional GNU/Linux distributions. In this distro, all uderland binaries are compiled as Position Independent Executable (PIE) with stack smashing protection which helps in preventing exploitation of entire classes of zero-day and other such vulnerabilities.
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2| BlackArch Linux
This is an Arch Linux-based distribution which is mainly for the security researchers and penetrtion testing. This is a relatively new project and is compatible with existing Arch installs. The repository contains more than 2000 tools which can be easily installed individually or in groups.
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3| Discreete Linux
This operating system has been designed specially for protecting data against surveillance attacks with trojan software. The distro provides protection against attacks and vulnerabilities and can be used by anyone without deeper computer knowledge but high security requirements. It creates a secure, isolated environment for processing and encrypting/decrypting sensitive data.
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4| IprediaOS
IprediaOS is a fast, powerful and stable operating system based on Linux which provides an anonymous environment. In this distro, all network traffic is automatically and transparently encrypted and anonymised. The operating system includes features such as I2P router, anonymous BitTorrent client, anonymous e-mail client, anonymous IRC client, etc. You can also be able to browse internet anonymously as well as find anonymous eepSites.
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5| Kali Linux
Kali Linux is an open source Debian-based Linux distribution which is maintained and funded by the provider of world-class information security training and penetration testing services, Offensive Security. This distro contains several hundred tools which are geared towards various information security tasks, such as penetration testing, security research, computer forensics and reverse engineering. It is the new generation of the industry-leading BackTrack Linux penetration testing and security auditing Linux distribution which has a complete re-build of BackTrack from the ground up, adhering completely to Debian development standards
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6| Linux Kodachi
Linux Kodachi operating system is based on Xbuntu 18.04 which will provide you with a secure, anti-forensic, and anonymous operating system. The entire operating system is functional from your temporary memory RAM so once you shut it down no trace is left behind all your activities are wiped out. Kodachi is based on the solid Linux Debian with customized XFCE which makes this distro stable, secure, and unique.
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7| Qubes OS
Qubes OS is a security-oriented operating system (OS) which runs all the other programs on a computer. This operating system implies security by compartmentalisation, which allows you to compartmentalise the various parts of your digital life into securely isolated compartments called qubes. This distro is free and open-source software which means that the source code is openly available so others can contribute to and audit it.
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8| Subgraph OS
Subgraph OS is a Debian-based Linux distribution which provides several security, anonymous web browsing and hardening features. It was designed to reduce the risks in endpoint systems so that individuals and organisations can communicate, share, and collaborate without fear of surveillance or interference. Subgraph OS includes strong system-wide attack mitigations which protects all applications as well as the core operating system, and key applications are run in sandbox environments to reduce the impact of any attacks against applications.
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9| Tails
The Amnestic Incognito Live System (TAILS) operating system is a Debian-based Linux Distribution which aims at preserving privacy as well as anonymity. By using this distro, you can use the Internet anonymously and circumvent cencorship, use the state-of-the-art cryptographic tools to file encryption, instant messaging, etc.
Click here to download.
10| Whonix
This is a Debian GNU/Linux based operating system which is designed for advanced security and privacy. Whonix mitigates the threat of common attack vectors while maintaining usability. It utilises Tor’s free software which provides an open and distributed relay network to defend against network surveillance.
Click here to download.
