6 Best Security-Centric Linux Distributions For Privacy Protection In 2017

Security-centric Linux distributions are now going to be more helpful than before because online privacy protection is one of the important problem our generation facing today.

Since many popular operating systems which we trust with our data and information claims to protect our privacy itself spying on us. So if you are concerned about your privacy or you think your operating system is leaking your personal online details without your permission — then it’s the time to ditch that OS.

Actually open source operating systems, I mean Linux distributions are now becoming more and more popular among users because of many reasons. One of the features of Linux distros is its security and privacy protection.

Almost every Linux operating systems are built to serve users, not to spy on users personal life. So you if you are a general tech geek you can start protecting your online privacy by simply installing any simple Linux distro.

But you are really serious about online privacy, then you should use one of this privacy protection security-centric Linux distribution.

Since these operating systems are not suitable as desktop replacements, so most users will probably also need to use a ‘regular’ operating system for day-to-day use, in which case be sure to perform sensitive tasks only within the secure Linux environment.

Security-Centric Linux Distributions For Privacy Protection

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1. Tails :

The Amnesic Incognito Live System (Tails) is is a security-focused Debian-based Linux distribution. The main moto of the this Linux OS is to provide complete Internet anonymity for the users.

Tails is a live security-centric Linux operating system that you can start on almost any computer from a DVD, USB stick, or SD card and leave no trace on the computer you are using unless you ask it explicitly. The important feature of Tails is, all its outgoing connections are forced to go through Tor and non-anonymous connections are blocked. The Tor Project has provided financial support for its development.

The product ships with several Internet applications, including the web browser, IRC client, mail client and instant messenger, all pre-configured with security in mind and with all traffic anonymised.

2. Whonix :

Whonix is another privacy and security focused Linux distribution based on  Debian GNU/Linux that run on Tor anonymity network. The operating system consists of two virtual machines — One solely runs Tor and acts as a gateway, which is called Whonix-Gateway. The other, which is called Whonix-Workstation, is on a completely isolated network.

Whonix benefits anyone who does sensitive work on their desktop or online. Only connections through Tor are possible. With Whonix, you can use applications and run servers anonymously over the Internet. DNS leaks are impossible, and even malware with root privileges cannot find out the user’s real IP.

Unlike Tails, Whonix is not “amnesic”; both the Gateway and the Workstation retain their past state across reboots. Not being amnesic improves security on the Gateway, by allowing Tor’s “entry guard” system to choose long-lived entry points for the Tor network, reducing adversaries’ ability to trap users by running malicious relays.

3. Linux Kodachi :

Linux Kodachi is based on Debian GNU/Linux operating system and built around the modern GNOME desktop environment. It will provide you with a secure, anti forensic, and anonymous operating system considering all features that a person who is concerned about privacy would need to have in order to be secure.

Kodachi is also a live privacy protection operating system with established VPN connection + Tor Connection + DNScrypt service running. The entire OS is functional from your temporary memory RAM so once you shut it down no trace is left behind all your activities are wiped out.

4. TENS :

Trusted End Node Security (TENS) is a Linux-based live CD with a goal of allowing users to work on a computer without the risk of exposing their credentials and private data to malware, key loggers and other Internet-era ills.

It includes a minimal set of applications and utilities, such as the Firefox web browser or an encryption wizard for encrypting and decrypting personal files. The live CD is a product produced by the United States of America’s Department of Defence and is part of that organization’s Software Protection Initiative.

5. IprediaOS :

IprediaOS is a fast, powerful and stable operating system based on Linux that provides an anonymous environment. All network traffic is automatically and transparently encrypted and anonymized by I2P.

I2P is an anonymizing network, offering a simple layer that identity-sensitive applications can use to securely communicate. All data is wrapped with several layers of encryption, and the network is both distributed and dynamic, with no trusted parties.

Many applications are available in IprediaOS, including mail, peer-peer, bittorrent, IRC chat and others.

6. Subgraph OS :

Subgraph OS — a Debian-based Security-focused Linux operating system that aims to combat hacking attacks easier, even on fairly low-powered computers and laptops.

Subgraph OS comes with all the privacy and security options auto-configured, eliminating the user’s manual configuration. The secure Linux distro provides several security, anonymous web browsing and hardening features. Subgraph OS uses a hardened Linux kernel, application firewall to block specific executables from accessing the network and forces all Internet traffic through the Tor network. The distribution’s file manager features tools to remove meta-data from files and integrates with the OnionShare file sharing application. The Icedove e-mail client is set up to automatically work with Enigmail for encrypting e-mails.

That’s it for now….

Soon we will add more security-centric Linux distros with online privacy protection feature. Now choose a best Linux distro from above list and use it along with your existing OS.