Top 5 Linux Distribution for Hackers and Pentesters

Introduction

The term “Linux distribution” (often shortened to “Distro”) refers to an operating system created from a group of software components that typically includes a package management system as well as the Linux kernel.

The core of the operating system, the Linux kernel, is responsible for crucial chores like memory management, process control, and hardware communication.

To build an operating system that users can interact with, however, the Linux kernel is insufficient on its own.

This is where Linux distributions come into play; a distribution consists of the Linux kernel along with a selection of programs, utilities, libraries, desktop environments, and other tools that make up the entire operating system.

What are the core components of a Linux distribution?

The core components of a Linux distribution typically include:

Linux Kernel:

The central processing unit of the operating system, in charge of overseeing hardware resources and offering fundamental services.

Package Manager:

An approach to managing, installing, and updating software packages. Package management systems used by various distributions may include apt (Debian-based), dnf (Fedora-based), or pacman (Arch-based).

Desktop Environment, or Window Manager:

User interaction with the system is made possible by the graphical user interface. Desktop environments that are in demand include Xfce, KDE Plasma, and GNOME.

Software Applications:

Many different pieces of pre-installed software, such as web browsers, office suites, media players, text editors, and more, are included with Linux distributions.

Configuration Tools:

Numerous tools and utilities for system configuration and administration are frequently included in distributions.

Documentation and Support:

The majority of distributions offer forums, documentation, and community support to help users with any problems they might run into.

1. Kali Linux:

An open-source, Debian-based Linux distribution called Kali Linux is designed for a range of information security tasks, including reverse engineering, computer forensics, penetration testing, and security research.

It is always simple to create an optimized version of Kali for your unique requirements due to the use of metapackages, designed specifically for the tasks of a security professional, and a highly accessible and well-documented ISO customization process.

Pentesting tools can be installed on any version of Linux, but they must be manually set up and configured.

A professional can just sit down and start using Kali because it is designed to do less work.

Download Link – https://www.kali.org/get-kali/

2. Parrot Security OS:

IT and security professionals can use Parrot Security’s extensive collection of tools, utilities, and libraries to test and evaluate the security of their assets in a consistent, legal, and repeatable manner.

The Parrot system takes care of everything for you in the most adaptable setting, from data collection to the final report.

Debian, the most cutting-edge and well-known all-purpose operating system, is the foundation upon which Parrot is built.

Download Link – https://www.parrotsec.org/download/

3. BlackArch Linux:

For penetration testers and security analysts, BlackArch Linux is a distribution built on the Arch Linux kernel.

BlackArch Linux is compatible with existing Arch installations, and the repository contains 2869 tools that can be installed individually or in groups.

There are various window managers included in the BlackArch Full ISO. The XFCE Desktop Environment is included in the BlackArch Slim ISO.

Download Link- https://blackarch.org/downloads.html

4. BackBox:

A network and systems analysis toolkit is offered by BackBox Linux, a Linux distribution that is focused on penetration testing and security evaluation.

It consists of some of the most well-known and widely used security and analysis tools, aiming at a variety of objectives, including web application analysis, network analysis, stress tests, sniffing, vulnerability assessment, computer forensic analysis, automotive, and exploitation.

It was created with the goal of being one of the top penetration testing and security distributions, but it is based on the Ubuntu core system with extensive customization.

Download link – https://www.backbox.org/download/

5. ArchStrike: