Top 8 Linux Distros for Hacking and Penetration Testing in 2024
Top 8 Linux Distros for Hacking and Penetration Testing in 2024
For cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers, the right Linux distribution can make a significant difference. Here’s a list of the top 8 Linux distros tailored for hacking, penetration testing, and security auditing in 2024. These distros come with essential tools for assessing vulnerabilities, securing systems, and performing comprehensive security testing.
1. Kali Linux 2024
Overview: Kali Linux is the most widely used penetration testing and ethical hacking Linux distribution, featuring hundreds of security tools for network and system testing.
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Key Features:
- Pre-installed tools like Metasploit, Wireshark, Burp Suite, and Nmap.
- Rolling release model for the latest security tools.
- Fully customizable environment.
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System Requirements:
- RAM: 2 GB (4 GB recommended)
- CPU: 64-bit processor
- Storage: 20 GB
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Website: kali.org
Comment: “The go-to distro for penetration testing and ethical hacking.”
2. Parrot Security OS 5.4
Overview: Parrot Security OS is another powerful distro for penetration testing, digital forensics, and privacy protection. It offers a complete suite of tools and features a more lightweight design compared to Kali Linux.
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Key Features:
- Integrated tools for digital forensics and privacy.
- Anonymity features like the Anonsurf tool.
- Lightweight and optimized for security professionals.
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System Requirements:
- RAM: 2 GB (4 GB recommended)
- CPU: x86_64-compatible processor
- Storage: 16 GB
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Website: parrotsec.org
Comment: “A versatile security distro with a focus on privacy and performance.”
3. BackBox Linux 2024
Overview: Based on Ubuntu, BackBox Linux is a penetration testing and security-focused distro that’s known for its stability and user-friendly environment.
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Key Features:
- Provides a wide range of security tools.
- Based on Ubuntu, making it easy to use for beginners.
- Offers a sleek and modern desktop environment (XFCE).
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System Requirements:
- RAM: 2 GB (4 GB recommended)
- CPU: 1.5 GHz dual-core processor
- Storage: 20 GB
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Website: backbox.org
Comment: “Great for beginners who want to get into ethical hacking.”
4. BlackArch Linux 2024
Overview: BlackArch Linux is a powerful distro based on Arch Linux, specifically designed for penetration testers and security researchers. It provides a vast collection of security tools.
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Key Features:
- Over 2,000 tools for penetration testing.
- A rolling release model with bleeding-edge updates.
- Supports both GUI and terminal-based tools.
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System Requirements:
- RAM: 1 GB (2 GB recommended)
- CPU: 64-bit processor
- Storage: 20 GB
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Website: blackarch.org
Comment: “An Arch-based distro with an enormous arsenal of hacking tools.”
5. Parrot Home Edition 5.4
Overview: The Home Edition of Parrot OS is geared toward users who need a secure, privacy-focused operating system, offering basic hacking and penetration testing tools for casual users.
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Key Features:
- Lightweight and fast.
- Offers tools for privacy and basic penetration testing.
- Based on Debian, making it stable and flexible.
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System Requirements:
- RAM: 1 GB (2 GB recommended)
- CPU: x86_64-compatible processor
- Storage: 8 GB
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Website: parrotsec.org
Comment: “A privacy-focused distro with basic hacking tools.”
6. Cyborg Hawk Linux 2024
Overview: Cyborg Hawk Linux is a security-focused distribution that comes pre-loaded with tools for penetration testing, hacking, and digital forensics.
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Key Features:
- Includes tools like Metasploit, Wireshark, and others.
- Optimized for ethical hacking and cybersecurity professionals.
- Lightweight and quick, designed to run on lower-end hardware.
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System Requirements:
- RAM: 1 GB (2 GB recommended)
- CPU: 1.5 GHz processor
- Storage: 10 GB
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Website: cyborg-hawk.org
Comment: “A lightweight, beginner-friendly hacking distro.”
7. ArchStrike Linux 2024
Overview: ArchStrike is an Arch Linux-based penetration testing distribution that combines the power of Arch with the essential security tools for cybersecurity professionals.
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Key Features:
- Integrates with the Arch User Repository (AUR).
- Provides a large collection of hacking and security tools.
- Lightweight and customizable, with a rolling release model.
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System Requirements:
- RAM: 2 GB (4 GB recommended)
- CPU: 64-bit processor
- Storage: 20 GB
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Website: archstrike.org
Comment: “Arch-based with powerful security tools, perfect for professionals.”
8. Tails OS 5.7
Overview: Tails is a privacy-centric Linux distro designed to preserve anonymity while browsing and using the internet. While it’s not focused solely on penetration testing, it’s essential for security professionals who need an ultra-secure, anonymous OS.
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Key Features:
- Focus on anonymity and privacy.
- All internet connections are routed through the Tor network.
- Can be run live from a USB stick without leaving traces.
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System Requirements:
- RAM: 2 GB (4 GB recommended)
- CPU: 64-bit processor
- Storage: 8 GB (USB drive)
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Website: tails.boum.org
Comment: “The ultimate security tool for anonymous internet usage.”
These distributions are all packed with the tools needed for penetration testing, ethical hacking, and security auditing. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned professional, these distros offer a solid foundation for anyone in the cybersecurity space.
|–Edit by/created Bz-NeV2|
