There are several options you can choose from when it comes to penetration testing and ethical hacking operating systems. This article lists some OSes that are widely regarded as the best cybersecurity OS and some newer ones on the market.
However, before we get to our list, it's essential to distinguish between the types of hackers who may use these operating systems.
Black Hat Hackers Vs. Ethical Hackers
Individuals who use bugs and infiltrate computer systems and networks are what most people refer to as hackers. On the other hand, ethical hackers are skilled individuals who weed out any vulnerabilities in the computer system and secure systems and networks against cybercriminals.
Professional hackers and virus writers carry out a variety of attacks each day in today's cyber world - something not many casual users are aware of. Hackers achieve these breaches with the help of a hacking operating system.
Ethical hackers use hacking-specific operating systems typically based on a Linux distribution to counter this. In addition, most operating systems used by ethical hackers are sophisticated working systems because they are equipped with many ethical hacking and penetration testing tools.
Best Cybersecurity OSes
Now let's get into 13 of the best operating systems used by ethical hackers for penetration testing, security auditing, computer forensic analysis, and ethical hacking.
Every operating system in this list is free, open-source, based on the Linux distribution, Ubuntu, Windows, etc.
Live Hacking OS
This hacking operating system is Linux-based. It is equipped with many valuable ethical hacking and penetration testing features and comes with GNOME, the UI, out of the box.
You can also opt for another variation of this OS with a command-line only. The hardware required to operate this system is minimal, and you don't need to be a skilled hacker to find your way around this OS.
Network Security Toolkit (NST)
https://www.networksecuritytoolkit.org/nst/index.html
Based on the Fedora Core, this is a bootable live distribution that computer security researchers acknowledge as one of the best open-source computer security systems. In addition, it runs on most x86 platforms.
This toolkit was created to deliver an exhaustive set of open source security tools to network security administrators. NST is used for routine networking diagnostics, monitoring, and security tasks.
DEFT
https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=deft
DEFT is an OS based on the Ubuntu operating system and stands for Digital Evidence and Forensic Toolkit. It is a collection of documents on computer forensics and programs generated by tens of thousands of firms, people, and teams, each with their own license.
The License Policy outlines the procedure to determine which software will be provided and installed by default.
Kali Linux
Kali Linux is designed specifically for digital forensics and penetration testing. This OS is one of the best-multifaceted penetration testing Linux distributions. It was developed by Devon Kearns and Mati Aharoni of Offensive Security by rewriting BackTrack. Today, it is maintained and financed by Offensive Security Ltd.
Its tools get frequent updates, and it is accessible from various platforms, including ARM and VMware.
Knoppix STD (Security Tools Distribution)
This is a Knoppix-based live Linux distribution that focuses on computer security technologies. GPL-licensed tools can be found in the following categories:
- Forensics
- Password cracking
- Network utilities
- Honeypots
- Encryption
- Penetration
- Wireless networking
- Authentication
- Packet sniffers
- Firewalls
- Vulnerability assessment
- Intrusion detection system
- Assemblers
Cyborg Hawk
https://www.linux.com/training-tutorials/cyborg-hawk-linux/
There seems to be a consensus among many hackers that Cyborg Hawk, a new Ubuntu Linux-based operating system, is the most powerful hacking operating system to have existed. As a result, it ranks highly among the quintessential tools for cyber-security researchers and professional, ethical hackers. In contrast with Kali, which has 300 tools, Cyborg Hawk has a whopping 700+. And it doesn't stop there! In addition to the 700 security and penetration tools, the OS has dedicated features for malware analysis and mobile security.
Samurai Web Testing Framework
Samurai Web Testing Framework is another live Linux environment that operates a web pen-testing environment. The operating system comprises some of the best free and open-source tools for identifying vulnerabilities by showing how websites may be attacked.
Pentoo
Pentoo is another contender for the best cyber security operating system based on Gentoo Linux. This OS was created for penetration testing and security assessment.
It is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. It can also be used as an overlay with an existing Gentoo installation.
Blackbuntu
https://sourceforge.net/projects/blackbuntu-v1/
Blackbuntu is a Linux-based penetration testing distribution designed for network security experts and security training students. Like Live Hacking OS, this one is also based on GNOME Desktop Environment.
GnackTrack
https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=gnacktrack
GnackTrack is an open-source OS based on Ubuntu that combines Linux GNOME desktop and testing tools. This live distribution has many features, including W3AF, Metasploit, and Armitage.
NodeZero
https://www.horizon3.ai/nodezero/
Put together by a skilled team of security professionals, researchers, and developers, this distribution comes from Ubuntu and is based on the Linux operating system.
Traditionally, such distributions use the concept of a Linux Live system, meaning they try to avoid permanently affecting a system. As a result, all changes are lost after a reboot and running.
After several uses for testing on a regular basis, however, its utility diminishes. Furthermore, Live Systems are thought not to scale well in a rigorous testing environment.
Parrot OS
An operating system for penetration testing and IT security created by Frozenbox Development, Parrot security provides arguably the best penetration and testing experience by combining Debian GNU/Linux-based operating system with Kali Linux and Frozenbox OS.
Fedora Security Lab
https://labs.fedoraproject.org/en/security/
Formerly known as Fedora Security Spin, this OS creates an environment for learning security testing. It is an educational platform teaching auditing, computer forensics, and testing. For anyone looking to learn ethical hacking, there is no better option than Fedora.
Conclusion
While there are many cybersecurity OS available on the market, it is vital to research and select an operating system best suited for your unique needs.
If you're a seasoned professional, the right OS is unlikely to be the same as the one a student who wishes to learn a new distribution will choose. If you're auditing networks, Kali Linux is the way to go. However, SamuraiWTF or Fedora might be good options if you want to learn.
It all boils down to what you want to do with it, so choose accordingly!
