Top 10 Best Linux Distros for Ethical Hacking & Penetration in 2020
Top 10 Best Linux Distros for Ethical Hacking and Pentesting in 2020
Depending on the task, ethical hacking requires the use of a large arsenal of hacking tools. An independent search is a long and laborious process that not everyone likes. Fortunately, there are ready-made distributions with all the necessary tools for:
- Ethical hacking.
- Pentests.
- Other cybersecurity operations.
Top 10 best Linux distros for the white hacker
Kali Linux
Kali Linux is the most popular OS for ethical hacking and penetration testing. It uses the Debian distribution as a basis. The first version was released in February 2006 to replace the BackTrack Linux family.
There are about 100 hacking tools preinstalled in Kali Linux for various operations, such as:
• Penetration testing.
• Malware analysis.
• Forensic analysis.
• Collection of information.
• Network scanning.
• Other.
In addition, Kali has one of the largest repositories where you can find tools for any task.
Download Kali Linux…
Parrot Security OS
Parrot Security OS is one of the best operating systems for hacking, penetration testing and forensic analysis. Designed for ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals.
The Parrot operating system contributes as much to the security community as Kali Linux, with many hacking tools and a great GUI.
A repository comparable in size to Kali, which contains many great hacking tools for beginners and experts.
Developed by FrozenBox. The first release took place in June 2013. Like Kali, it is based on Debian, and uses MATE as a graphical environment.
BackBox Linux
Backbox Linux is the 3rd OS on our list. It uses the more beginner-friendly Ubuntu LTS as a basis.
XFCE is used as the desktop environment.
BlackBox is a good choice for pentesting, as it contains the most professional and popular tools for this area, such as:
• MSF.
• NMAP.
• BurpSuite.
• Armitage.
• SQLMap.
• Others.
Developed by BackBox Team. The first release took place on September 9, 2010.
BlackArch Linux
Black Arch Linux based on Arch Linux. Lightweight and fast OS for ethical hacking and penetration testing. The distribution is suitable for the elite of white hackers and all those who can work with Linux on a professional level.
Black Arch contains around 2,500 hacking tools that cover almost every aspect of cybersecurity.
Fluxbox and OpenBox are used as desktop environments.
Huge repository with over 1,500 tools. The first release took place in 2013.
Pentoo
Pentoo is an OS for ethical hacking on Gentoo with a good collection of hacking tools. The first release was in June 2005. At the moment, the distribution kit has not been updated for a long time and can be called outdated.
Samurai Web Testing Framework (Samurai-WTF):
Samurai WTF is a highly specialized OS for testing web applications. Contains only WebApp Pentest tools:
• Burpsuite
• SQLMap
• And others
Uses Ubuntu as a basis. The first release took place in 2008.
Network Security Toolkit (NST)
Network Security Toolkit is a professional OS for working in the field of network security. Based on Fedora.
Contains professional tools in the field of Network PenTest.
The first release was in 2003.
Download NST
WifiSlax
Wifislax is an OS for ethical hacking and working with Wi-Fi networks. Based on Ubuntu.
There are many tools available for:
• Ethical hacking
• Penetration
• Wi-fi testing
Typically used on corporate networks to provide secure access for employees. The distribution was developed by the Italian security team.
Download Wifislax
Bugtraq
Bugtraq is a Linux distribution with rich white hacking toolkit, designed for:
• Pentests
• Reverse engineering
• Malware analysis
Debian is used as a basis. The first release took place in 2012.
Download Bugtraq
Cyborg hawk
Cyborg Hawk is another great Ubuntu-based penetration testing distribution. Contains over 700 hacking tools. Developed by the Cyborg Hawk team from Australia.
Download Cyborg Hawk
Choosing the best OS for ethical hacking and penetration testing is a sure step towards learning the concepts of white hacking and penetration testing to improve your skills and protect company assets from cybercriminals.
Also, do not forget that the profession of a white hacker is becoming more and more popular, and most importantly profitable. Today the top white hat earns several times more than the average programmer:
• 2.7 times in the USA
• In India 16 times
• 15.6 times in Argentina
• In Latvia, 5.2 times
According to the data The 2020 Hacker Report white hackers made more than 40 million in rewards alone, and their combined income was over $ 80 million in 2019.
Any of the Linux distributions for ethical hacking can be installed on servers AlexHost from only 0.99 € per month. Round-the-clock support, high reliability and complete anonymity will allow you to effectively use white hat tools for both educational and commercial purposes.
