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).

• 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.

Debian-based

See main article: Debian.

• Tails is aimed at preserving privacy and anonymity.^[1]
• Whonix consists of two virtual machines. All communications are forced through Tor.^{[2] [3] [4]}
• Linux Kodachi is a security-focused operating system.^[5]

Other Linux distributions

• Alpine Linux is designed to be small, simple, and secure.^[6] It uses musl, BusyBox, and OpenRC instead of the more commonly used glibc, GNU Core Utilities, and systemd.^[7]
• Owl - Openwall GNU/Linux, a security-enhanced Linux distribution for servers.

BSD

See main article: Berkeley Software Distribution.

• OpenBSD is a Unix-like operating system that emphasizes portability, standardization, correctness, proactive security, and integrated cryptography.^[8]

Xen

See main article: Xen.

• Qubes OS aims to provide security through isolation.^[9] 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: 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.
2. Web site: Devs cook up 'leakproof' all-Tor untrackable platform . The Register . 13 Nov 2012 . 10 July 2014.
3. Web site: How to Anonymize Everything You Do Online . Wired . 17 June 2014 . 10 July 2014 . Greenburg, Andy.
4. Web site: Whonix adds a layer of anonymity to your business tasks . TechRepublic . 4 January 2013 . 10 July 2014.
5. Web site: Choudhury . Ambika . 2019-06-04 . 10 Most Secured Linux Distros For Advanced Privacy & Security . 2024-11-01 . AIM . en-US.
6. Web site: about | Alpine Linux . alpinelinux.org.
7. Web site: Alpine Linux 2 review | LinuxBSDos.com. GigaTux. says. 24 August 2010.
8. Web site: OpenBSD. OpenBSD Project. 19 May 2020. OpenBSD.org. 12 October 2020.
9. Web site: Qubes OS bakes in virty system-level security . . September 5, 2012.