Top 3 Operating Systems Favored by Ethical Hackers

Ethical hacking involves probing systems for vulnerabilities and identifying security gaps to prevent malicious attacks. Using the right operating system is crucial for cybersecurity professionals practicing white-hat hacking. Many ethical hackers prefer open-source OS options that are free and equipped with essential toolsets for testing and debugging.

If you're interested in starting ethical hacking, selecting an appropriate OS is key. Here are three popular operating systems widely used by ethical hackers for penetration testing and security analysis.

Kali Linux: Kali Linux is a Debian-based OS equipped with over 600 tools for security testing, digital forensics, and penetration assessments. It supports installation on physical drives, live USBs/CDs, and virtual machines. Compatibility extends to development platforms like Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, and Odroid. Kali offers tools for password cracking, exploitation, and vulnerability detection, making it a top choice for security testing professionals.

BackBox: Designed for penetration testers, BackBox is a lightweight, user-friendly Linux distribution packed with 70 security testing applications. It excels in web analysis, network testing, vulnerability assessments, and forensic investigations. Its minimalist interface makes it easy to operate, and it supports cloud-based testing, automated backups, and legacy system configurations.

Parrot Security OS: Built on Debian and incorporating elements from Kali Linux and Frozenbox OS, Parrot Security offers a comprehensive environment for security assessments and penetration testing. It supports anonymous browsing, vulnerability management, and digital forensics. With a user-friendly GUI based on LightDM and the MATE desktop, it is highly customizable and backed by an active community, ideal for aspiring ethical hackers.