Linux is known to be the most secure and reliable OS currently available to the public. Although Windows and Mac both have more users than Linux, people who did their research choose Linux for security reasons.
Why the need for privacy?
The truth is that internet privacy has always mattered. However, it has become a worldwide concern recently. Now, many users care about the tools they use and how these applications deal with their data. For one, many users might choose to abandon social media due to recent concerns.
However, it is not just about how certain companies collect, share, and retain data. Every website you visit gets to know a lot about you. For instance, your IP address gives away your rough location. Hence, online entities get to know where you are. You can evade such geo-tracking by using a free VPN. The latter masks your IP address and encrypts all internet traffic. For privacy-concerned users, it is one of the best solutions available.
1. Qubes OS
Qubes OS is, without a doubt, the most popular distro that focuses on cybersecurity. Therefore, people looking for a well-rounded and high-security distro that’ll keep all their files safe mainly choose Qubes OS as their go-to.
Essentially, Qubes OS isolates the user’s files and protects them from malware and malicious data. The isolated data isn’t affected in any kind of way. Qubes OS uses RPM package manager, so it doesn’t consume a ridiculous number of resources. Operating on any desktop environment, Qubes OS is ideal for all Linux desktop users.
2. Linux Kodachi
Linux Kodachi is another option excellent for desktop Linux users. The Kodachi distro uses Xfce desktop to provide its users with a selection of privacy and security tools. It’s among the top cybersecurity options as it offers an anonymous and secure experience to its users.
Furthermore, Linux Kodachi takes numerous other actions to equip the users with top security. One of them is using a VPN before routing the connections to the network. Other steps include AppArmor for applications, while MAT, zuluCrypt, VeraCrypt, and KeePass XC are used as additional protection tools.
3. Tails
The Tails Linux distro was developed back in 2009, and its name stands for The Amnesiac Incognito Live System. It created having personal computers in mind, as it focuses on keeping the user’s activities anonymous and protecting their identity. This makes Tails among the best security solutions for personal use.
To put what Tails does in simple terms, it directs all outgoing and incoming traffic through a Tor connection, concealing the user’s location and increasing their privacy.
4. Kali Linux
Kali Linux is a Debian-based distro that was primarily developed for digital forensics, cybersecurity experts, and network security assessments. Nevertheless, this further led to Kali Linux becoming popular for personal use, as it provides the users with various tools, such as Wireshark, Foremost, Kismet, etc.
With the help of these tools, Linux users can dig deeper into their cybersecurity. For instance, they can check the targeted IP address or perform network recovery, which can be helpful in these kinds of situations.
5. Septor
Septor Linux is a finished product of a Serbian Linux project. It’s another distro that can make internet browsing much safer and more anonymous for all Linux users. Although it’s among the newer distros mentioned here, Septor does an excellent job maintaining top-class security and privacy.
In short, Septor routes all traffic through the Tor network and thus ensures the users remain anonymous and secure. Additionally, OnionShare and the Ricochet are some of the tools that further add to security.
6. Whonix
Whonix is the Linux distro you want to use if you’re looking for a private IP address. Created as a compact solution, Whonix runs as a virtual machine which is a part of the Virtualbox free tool.
Whonix is made of 2 essential parts - the gateway and the workstation. The gateway directs all internet actions through the Tor anonymous network. This ensures you use the workstation safely and securely. Because there is no way for your IP address to be leaked, Whonix keeps all its users safe.
7. Parrot Security OS
Parrot Security OS is another Debian-based tool that works wonders in maintaining the highest levels of privacy. FrozenBox developed it in 2013.
Like Kali Linux, Parrot Security OS was initially created for ethical hacking, anonymous working, and penetration testing. Today, Parrot Security OS is open source, making it great for developers, researchers, forensic investigators, or anyone interested in having an additional layer of security.
8. Discreete Linux
Finally, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Discreete Linux. This tool is also based on Debian, and it’s claimed to be one of the most secure distros currently available.
Contrary to many cybersecurity distros, Discrete doesn’t connect to the internet. This ensures the process isn’t connected to a non-trusted network. You don’t have to install it either. Simply store it on a USB stick and use it whenever you need it.
Final thoughts
Maintaining our security and privacy has become one of the top priorities. Although Linux is safe to begin with, using an extra layer of protection is never a bad idea. Thanks to these 8 Linux distros, you can browse the internet safely and securely.