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

NameTails 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 version1.1
Websitetails.boum.org
Anonymity networkTor, I2P
Base distributionDebian GNU/Linux
Supported kernel architectures32 and 64 bit support
Desktop environmentGNOME, no additional flavors
LicenseGNU General Public License version 3 or above
Interesting features
  • Microsoft Windows 8 camouflage mode
  • MAC address spoofing
  • Easy way to clone operating system to another USB device
  • Persistent storage

IprediaOS

NameIprediaOS
Short description

IprediaOS is a secure operating system that provides an anonymous environment using I2P anonymity network.

Current version0.9.6
Websitewww.ipredia.org
Anonymity networkI2P
Base distributionFedora
Supported kernel architectures32 bit support
Desktop environmentLXDE, GNOME Shell
LicenseGNU General Public License version 2
Interesting features
  • Built around I2P support
  • LXDE flavor is a way faster then its GNOME counterpart

Lightweight Portable Security

NameLPS or Lightweight Portable Security
Short description

LPS is a small and secure operating system created by the Air Force Research Laboratory created.

Current version1.5.3
Websitewww.spi.dod.mil/lipose.htm
Anonymity networknone
Base distributioncustom
Supported kernel architectures32 bit support
Desktop environmentXFCE
LicenseGNU General Public License version 2
Interesting features
  • Designed to act as trusted end-node
  • Outstanding smart card support
  • Two flavors: tiny LPS-Public and LPS-Public-Deluxe with LibreOffice and Adobe Reader software

Ubuntu Privacy Remix

NameUPR 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 version12.04r1
Websitewww.privacy-cd.org
Anonymity networknone
Base distributionUbuntu
Supported kernel architectures32 bit support
Desktop environmentGNOME
LicenseGNU General Public License version 2
Interesting features
  • Use godmode kernel parameter to enable sudo utility
  • Designed to safely work with sensitive data
  • TrueCrypt support

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.

ko-fi