What Are the Most Secure Options?

Switching to Linux delivers many benefits for users. From a more stable system to a vast selection of good quality open source software, you're onto a winner. And it won't cost you a penny!

Another advantage of Linux is the increased degree of security. The Linux desktop is ignored by the majority of malware developers. So in most cases, you should be fine running any Linux operating system you choose.

But if you want an extra degree of security and privacy, you might consider a Linux OS that offers some enhanced features in these areas. Various options are available here, but which one should you choose?

Who Can Benefit from a Secure Operating System?

With many advantages to using a secure operating system, it might not be clear whether you should be using one. Perhaps it seems more suited to someone else. This is probably not the case.

Average computer users in an oppressive or censored environment (home country, city, place of employment or education, even a cyber café!) can certainly benefit. This may or may not mean you, but it probably does mean someone you know.

Do you know any political activists, or anyone else under targeted surveillance? Are you a journalist endangering your life (or your family) by reporting on organized criminal activity? Perhaps you're an investigator, researcher, whistleblower… basically anyone whose internet activity and computer use is of interest to others.

Whatever the nature of your sensitive work, you'll benefit from one of these five, secure Linux operating systems.

Tails

One of the problems with operating systems is that they remember. If anyone wants to find out what you've been up to, it's a trivial matter to check your logs. Viruses and worms can be installed without your knowledge; they'll still be there when you reboot.

Everything is stored.

But you can get around this with a live OS called Tails, which will run from a USB stick, SD card, or DVD.

Tails enables you to preserve your privacy and anonymity, which is vital for avoiding online censorship. As such, all internet connections while using Tails are routed via the Tor network. For further privacy and security, state-of-the-art cryptographic tools are employed to encrypt your vital files and communications (i.e., emails, instant messages, etc.).

All you need to do to run Tails is download the image, write it to your chosen media, and boot from the disk. Better still, Tails will leave no trace on the computer you use it with.