About

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Introduction

Kicksecure is a free and open-source (non-anonymous) Linux distribution that aims to provide an highly secure computing environment. Developed from the ground up according to a formidable -- and time proven -- defense in-depth security module. Kicksecure's layered defenses provides better protection from many types of viruses in its default configuration.

Kicksecure is an complete desktop operating system designed to be run in a virtual machine (VM) on top of the host operating systemarchive.org iconarchive.today icon. This configuration leverages the security benefits gained from running an operating systems in an virtual environment while also allowing cross-platform]compatibility with popular operating systems. Numerous applications come pre-installed with safe defaults which can be used immediately upon installation with minimal user input.

Usability By Default

While developed with design goals focused on security, Kicksecure remains highly flexible. The layered approach to security allows applications to retain usability. Kicksecure can be used for everyday "general-purpose computing" or for more risky activities where an highly advanced security-centric platform is required. Since Kicksecure is Freedom Software users may install any application of their choosing with no restrictions placed on how Kicksecure can be used, customized or modified.

Based on Hardened Debian

In simple terms, Kicksecure ™ is a collection of configuration files and scripts. Based on Hardened Debain, anything possible in "vanilla" Debian GNU/Linux can be replicated in Kicksecure. Likewise, most problems and questions can be solved in the same way. For example, "How do I install OpenVPN in Kicksecure ™ ? -- Would be answered with "The same way as in Debian; "apt-get install openvpn".

Based on Freedom Software?

You may ask yourself, why would numerous people spend hours of their own time to build an operating system, and then give it away? Kicksecure ™ developers believe it is immoral to benefit from those Freearchive.org iconarchive.today icon / Freedom Software components and give back nothing. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Kicksecure ™ and many other Libre software projects are made possible only because people invested time writing code, and kept it accessible for the public's benefit. Of course, a lot of us just find it great fun.

Kicksecure Version

Each Kicksecure release is based on a particular version of Debian:

Kicksecure version Debian Version Debian Codename
Kicksecure 1 10 busterarchive.org iconarchive.today icon

Release Schedule

Kicksecure does not have a fixed release schedule. A new stable release only becomes available when it is deemed ready.

Support Schedule

New Debian Release

One month after a new stable version of Debian is released, Kicksecure VMs may no longer be supported on any older version of Debian. All users need to upgrade the Debian platform promptly after the deprecation notice in order to use Kicksecure safely.

New Kicksecure ™ Release

One month after a new stable version of Kicksecure is released, older versions will no longer be supported. All users need to upgrade the Kicksecure ™ platform promptly in order to remain safe.

Deprecation Notices

The deprecation notice is provided at least one month in advance and posted in the Whonix.org news forumarchive.org iconarchive.today icon. Stay Tuned! All users need to upgrade the respective platform promptly in order to remain safe.

Is Kicksecure an Anonymity Distribution Like Whonix?

While Kicksecure and Whonix share the Whonix.org website, Kicksecure is a security focused operating system not a security and anonymity focused operating system like Whonix. Kicksecure may be hosted on its own URL once popularity and / or additional resources are available for development.

Table: Kicksecure ™ vs. Whonix Comparison

Kicksecure Whonix
Based On Debian and Virtualizer [1] Tor, Kicksecure and Virtualizer [2]
Security Focused Yes [3] Yes [4]
Online Anonymity Maybe [5] Yes [6]
Freedom Software 100% 100%
Usability High [7] Moderate [8]

Whats Next?

Learning more about Kicksecure will allow you to leverage the numerous security enhancements to their fullest potential.

TODO

  • Warning page
  • Features and Advantages
  • FAQ
  • Installation

Footnotes

  1. ↑ At the time of writing (Sep 08 2019) Kicksecure is supported in VirtualBox with KVM and Qubes support is expected in the near future.
  2. ↑ Whonix-Workstation ™ (Template:Workstation product name): Other Operating Systems are also supported. With respect to Whonix-Gateway ™ (Template:Gateway product name), developers are agnostic about supporting any other secure distributions. Of course another operating system could be used as the base, but it requires significant effort.
  3. ↑ By design
  4. ↑ By design. Template:Project nameWhonix is an security AND anonymity focused operating system based on Kicksecure
  5. ↑ With Tor Browser installed. Can also be used as an custom Template:Workstation product name
  6. ↑ Anonymity by design
  7. ↑ Usability by design
  8. ↑ Based on Tor which increases complication and can decrease usability in some areas.(Anonymity vs. Usability trade off)
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