Distro Zoo – Security-Focused Distros

This month, I'm reviewing two security-focused distros. Kicksecure touts itself as a hardened version of Linux, offering better security. Naturally, these claims are difficult to verify unless you're a skilled developer. Most cybersecurity experts also warn users against "security in a box" solutions, because people may feel that once they've installed a particular operating system (OS) they're protected against all types of online threats.

You sometimes also have to be pragmatic. The Manjaro-based rolling release Mabox Linux, which I also review this month, offers users a choice between open source and proprietary drivers during setup. From a security standpoint, it makes far more sense to favor the transparency of open source code. However, manufacturers of key hardware usually keep at least some components closed source, no doubt to prevent giving competitors an edge. This means you may have make tradeoffs between security and, say, having a working touchpad.

Naturally, the safest approach is to customize setup as much as possible. That's why I focused on the Installer version of Kali Linux 2025.4 this month, because the text-based installer offers granular control over which desktop environment and programs will end up in the OS. Still, users of most Linux distros don't need to be overly paranoid. Ubuntu, on which Rhino Linux 2025.4 is based, utilizes AppArmor to confine programs to designated resources. It also has no open ports listening on external interfaces by default, preventing unauthorized incoming connections. If you've just switched to Linux, rest assured, you've never been safer.

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