Security-focused operating system explained

This is a list of operating systems specifically focused on security. Similar concepts include security-evaluated operating systems that have achieved certification from an auditing organization, and trusted operating systems that provide sufficient support for multilevel security and evidence of correctness to meet a particular set of requirements.

Linux

See main article: Linux.

Android-based

See main article: Android (operating system).

• CalyxOS is designed for privacy, security, and accessibility.^[1]
• DivestOS is a fork of LineageOS that aims to increase privacy and security.
• GrapheneOS is a privacy and security-focused mobile operating system for selected Google Pixel smartphones and tablets.
• Kali NetHunter is a mobile penetration testing platform based on Kali Linux.^[2]

Arch-based

See main article: Arch Linux.

• BlackArch is a penetration testing distribution that provides a large number of security tools.

Debian-based

See main article: Debian.

• Kali Linux is designed for digital forensics and penetration testing.^[3]
• Parrot OS Security Edition is designed for penetration testing, vulnerability assessment and mitigation, computer forensics, and anonymous web browsing.^[4]
• Tails is aimed at preserving privacy and anonymity.^[5]
• Whonix consists of two virtual machines. All communications are forced through Tor.^{[6] [7] [8]}

Gentoo-based

See main article: Gentoo Linux.

• Pentoo is a Live CD and Live USB designed for penetration testing and security assessment.

Other Linux distributions

• Alpine Linux is designed to be small, simple, and secure.^[9] It uses musl, BusyBox, and OpenRC instead of the more commonly used glibc, GNU Core Utilities, and systemd.^[10]
• Fedora Silverblue is an immutable desktop operating system. Every Silverblue installation is identical to every other installation of the same version, and it never changes as it is used.^[11]

BSD

See main article: Berkeley Software Distribution.

• OpenBSD is a Unix-like operating system that emphasizes portability, standardization, correctness, proactive security, and integrated cryptography.^[12]

Xen

See main article: Xen.

• Qubes OS aims to provide security through isolation.^[13] Isolation is provided through the use of virtualization technology. This allows the segmentation of applications into secure virtual machines.

Notes and References

1. Web site: About The Calyx Institute - Calyx Institute. 2021-11-02. calyxinstitute.org.
2. Web site: Kali NetHunter Documentation . Kali Linux Documentation. 2020-04-05.
3. • Web site: Kali Linux 1.0 review . LinuxBSDos.com . 2013-03-14 . 2019-11-26.
   • Web site: Review: BackTrack 2 security live CD . Linux.com . 2007-04-24 . Lorenzo . Simionato . 2019-04-10.
   • Web site: Test your environment's security with BackTrack . Linux.com . Joe . Barr . 13 June 2008 . 2019-04-10.
   • Web site: BackTrack 4 - Hacking galore . 2009-05-15 . Dedoimedo.com . 2019-04-10.
   • Web site: BackTrack 5 R3 review . LinuxBSDos.com . 2012-08-17 . 2019-04-10.
4. Web site: Parrot Security Could Be Your Next Security Tool. Linux.com The source for Linux information. 2 December 2016. en. 2018-03-09.
5. Web site: The Amnesic Incognito Live System: A live CD for anonymity [LWN.net]]. Vervloesem. Koen. 27 April 2011. lwn.net. 14 June 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170821050853/https://lwn.net/Articles/440279/. 21 August 2017. live.
6. Web site: Devs cook up 'leakproof' all-Tor untrackable platform . The Register . 13 Nov 2012 . 10 July 2014.
7. Web site: How to Anonymize Everything You Do Online . Wired . 17 June 2014 . 10 July 2014 . Greenburg, Andy.
8. Web site: Whonix adds a layer of anonymity to your business tasks . TechRepublic . 4 January 2013 . 10 July 2014.
9. Web site: about | Alpine Linux . alpinelinux.org.
10. Web site: Alpine Linux 2 review | LinuxBSDos.com. GigaTux. says. 24 August 2010.
11. Web site: Fedora Silverblue User Guide :: Fedora Docs. 11 October 2021. docs.fedoraproject.org. 11 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211011040633/https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/fedora-silverblue/. live.
12. Web site: OpenBSD. OpenBSD Project. 19 May 2020. OpenBSD.org. 12 October 2020.
13. Web site: Qubes OS bakes in virty system-level security . . September 5, 2012.