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10 Best Linux Operating Systems for Hacking and Pentesting

January 21, 2025
The Linux penquin mascot Tux centered with the numbers 1 through 10 repeated in the background

Linux is an open-source operating system (OS).1 That means anyone can inspect, modify, and redistribute its source code. This characteristic has allowed developers to customize several Linux distributions (distros) for hacking and penetration testing.

Today, the best Linux operating systems for hacking come with built-in hacking tools and are more secure than other operating systems, such as Windows.2 As a result, security researchers, penetration testers, ethical hackers, and other cybersecurity professionals rely on Linux to do their jobs. 

Read on to discover the ten best Linux operating systems for hacking and how each is tailored for specific use cases.

Key Features to Look for in a Pentesting Linux OS

There are many pentesting Linux distros, making it difficult for new Linux users to choose the right one.3 To narrow down the search, consider key features for an advanced penetration testing platform:

  • Pre-installed hacking and security tools
  • Ease of use and customization
  • Strong community support and documentation

The 10 Best Linux Distros for Hacking and Pentesting

If you’re trying to learn ethical hacking, check out this list of Linux distros used by hackers–both cybercriminals and ethical hackers as well as government agencies and cybersecurity and security professionals everywhere.

1. Kali Linux

Kali Linux is the most widely used Linux distro in cybersecurity, primarily because it comes with more than 600 pre-installed penetration testing tools.4,5 Kali linux offers a range of tools for digital forensics, security evaluation, ethical hacking, and penetration testing

2. Parrot Security OS

ParrotOS has a Security Edition that mirrors Kali in some ways: It’s Debian-based, comes with pre-installed basic hacking tools, and is a popular hacking system in the cybersecurity world.6 However, Parrot Security OS is less resource-intensive than Kali and has additional anonymity and encryption tools. Parrot also offers unique features for:

  • Wi-Fi cracking 
  • Threat prevention
  • Security analysis
  • Risk assessment

3. BackBox

BackBox Linux is a hacking operating system known for its simplicity, which makes it ideal for beginners. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the menus, this OS has tips and descriptions for each bundled tool to help you find what you need. While it doesn’t offer as many hacking features as Kali and ParrotOS, BackBox provides tools for forensic analysis.7 It's ideal for analyzing digital evidence, recovering data, and detecting system vulnerabilities.

4. BlackArch Linux

BlackArch Linux is a pentest OS based on Arch Linux. It can be challenging to navigate this OS, but if you put in the effort to learn, you’ll get access to a repository of thousands of preconfigured penetration testing tools.8 Because of its unfriendly user interface, though, BlackArch is best suited for advanced users.

5. Fedora Security Lab

Fedora Security Lab is a Linux distribution tailored for security auditing and testing. While it comes preloaded with security tools, Fedora Security Lab lets you configure custom hacking simulators based on your own testing needs. It has a version that doesn’t require installation on the computer’s hard drive. You can run a fully operational ethical hacking and penetration per environment from a USB drive without altering the existing operating system.

For security auditing, you get tools such as:

  • Network analyzer
  • Password crackers
  • Forensic utilities

6. Digital Evidence and Forensic Toolkit (DEFT)

DEFT is a Linux OS that's preconfigured with forensic tools and documentation for evidence acquisition and penetration testing. It offers features for analyzing files, recovering deleted data, calculating cryptographic hashes, and managing disk cloning. 

As such, DEFT is used by military personnel, law-enforcement agencies, researchers, investigators, and forensic specialists. 

7. Computer-Aided Investigative Environment (CAINE)

Digital forensics is a critical process in solving cybercrime, and CAINE is one of the top forensic Linux operating systems because it has many tools to help investigators recover, analyze, and preserve data and digital evidence.9 One of its biggest strengths is its adherence to forensic best practices that can stand up in court.

8. Pentoo

Pentoo is a minimalist, bare-bones Linux OS for advanced users. It lets you tailor your pentest environment while accessing comprehensive tools such as: 

  • Network sniffers
  • Vulnerability scanners
  • Exploitation frameworks
  • Cryptography tools

Since it integrates with Gentoo, you can install Pentoo as a live hacking OS on an existing Gentoo distro. However, if you’re a beginner, it might require a steep learning curve.

9. ArchStrike

For researchers, ArchStrike is an ideal Linux OS because it has extra repositories for security research and penetration testing. While it’s not beginner-friendly, it’s lightweight and can run directly from a USB drive. As such, you can run a live hacking and pen testing environment without making any changes to the host computer.

10. Dracos Linux

Dracos is a hacking operating system that has hundreds of tools for penetration testing, reverse engineering, and forensics. Although the tools are excellent for pentests, the OS doesn’t have a graphical user interface (GUI). You can access the tools only by using the command line. This can be challenging for some beginners. However, Dracos has an active community that provides support, develops tools, and reviews new features.

How to Choose the Right Linux OS for Pentesting

Selecting the best Linux OS for hacking and penetration testing can be challenging. There are many Linux options, and each can get the job done. However, there are two particularly important factors you want to consider:

  1. Your experience
  2. OS compatibility

If you’re a Linux beginner, operating systems with intuitive interfaces are ideal. Conversely, if you’re familiar with Linux, the advanced distros with comprehensive hacking tools might better serve your needs.
Even so, you may want to stick to an operating system that closely aligns with a Linux environment you're already familiar with. More importantly, remember that some Linux operating systems demand a lot of resources and may overwhelm aging computers.

Learn More About Cybersecurity Tools and Techniques at Yeshiva Katz

Yeshiva University’s online Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity program offers the foundational skills you need to thrive in the ever-changing world of cybersecurity. Our rigorous curriculum includes up-to-the-minute protocols and procedures, with a focus on ethics and professionalism. You’ll learn how to be a thoughtful decision-maker, operator, and contributor to any team you join, setting you up for a fulfilling cybersecurity career.

Since the program is administered online, it won’t interfere with other aspects of your life, like your family or hobbies. Reach out to an admissions outreach advisor to start your professional development today.