At first I wanted to write blog post about how to stay anonymous by using privacy enhanced OS, but changed my mind during research process as I couldn’t pass by other highly useful solutions.
I ended up by choosing The Amnesic Incognito Live System and IPrediaOS as a two different privacy enhanced distributions. Lightweight Portable Security as a simple and secure end-node. Ubuntu Privacy Remix for an isolated system to deal with sensitive data.
Each of them has it’s use and fill different needs.
The Amnesic Incognito Live System
Name | Tails or The Amnesic Incognito Live System |
Short description | Tails is the best known live operating system that aims at preserving your privacy and anonymity. |
Current version | 1.1 |
Website | tails.boum.org |
Anonymity network | Tor, I2P |
Base distribution | Debian GNU/Linux |
Supported kernel architectures | 32 and 64 bit support |
Desktop environment | GNOME, no additional flavors |
License | GNU General Public License version 3 or above |
Interesting features |
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IprediaOS
Name | IprediaOS |
Short description | IprediaOS is a secure operating system that provides an anonymous environment using I2P anonymity network. |
Current version | 0.9.6 |
Website | www.ipredia.org |
Anonymity network | I2P |
Base distribution | Fedora |
Supported kernel architectures | 32 bit support |
Desktop environment | LXDE, GNOME Shell |
License | GNU General Public License version 2 |
Interesting features |
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Lightweight Portable Security
Name | LPS or Lightweight Portable Security |
Short description | LPS is a small and secure operating system created by the Air Force Research Laboratory created. |
Current version | 1.5.3 |
Website | www.spi.dod.mil/lipose.htm |
Anonymity network | none |
Base distribution | custom |
Supported kernel architectures | 32 bit support |
Desktop environment | XFCE |
License | GNU General Public License version 2 |
Interesting features |
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Ubuntu Privacy Remix
Name | UPR or Ubuntu Privacy Remix |
Short description | UPR is a Ubuntu-based distribution designed to provide secure isolated working environment with removed support for LAN, WLAN, Bluetooth and IR hardware. |
Current version | 12.04r1 |
Website | www.privacy-cd.org |
Anonymity network | none |
Base distribution | Ubuntu |
Supported kernel architectures | 32 bit support |
Desktop environment | GNOME |
License | GNU General Public License version 2 |
Interesting features |
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Last words
I did not described Whonix in spite of the fact that it is nice solution using KDE desktop environment,
as it uses completely different approach taking advantage of the virtual machines.
I have tried to run Freepto but failed miserably during installation phase [maybe just faulty USB stick]. It is an interesting project, so I will surely try it again in the near future.
I have skipped JonDo as it is an alternative anonymizing network that provides premium chargeable services, but you are free to try it and decide for yourself.