Kicksecure/About
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< Kicksecure
Introduction[edit]
Kicksecure ™ is a free and open-source (non-anonymous) Linux distribution that aims to provide a highly secure computing environment. It has been developed from the ground up according to a formidable -- and time proven -- defense in-depth security design. In the default configuration, Kicksecure ™ provides superior layered defenses of protection from many types of Malware.
Kicksecure ™ is a complete desktop operating system designed to be run in a virtual machine (VM) on top of the host operating system [archive]. This configuration leverages the security benefits gained from running an operating system in a 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.
Design[edit]
Usability by Default[edit]
While developed with security-focused design goals, 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 that require a highly advanced security-centric platform. Since Kicksecure ™ is Freedom Software users may install any application of their choosing -- no restrictions are placed on how Kicksecure ™ can be used, customized or modified.
Based on Debian[edit]
In simple terms, Kicksecure ™ is a collection of configuration files and scripts. Based on Debian, 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[edit]
Many people wonder why developers would spend countless 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 Free [archive] / Freedom Software components and give back nothing to the community. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Kicksecure ™ and many other Libre software projects are only made possible because people invested time in writing code and kept it accessible for the public's benefit. Of course, a lot of us just find it great fun.
Releases[edit]
Kicksecure Version[edit]
Each Kicksecure ™ release is based on a particular version of Debian:
| Kicksecure ™ version | Debian Version | Debian Codename |
|---|---|---|
| Kicksecure ™ 15 | 10 | buster [archive] |
Release Schedule[edit]
Kicksecure ™ does not have a fixed release schedule. A new stable release only becomes available when it is deemed ready.
Support Schedule[edit]
Table: Kicksecure ™ Support Schedule
| Release | Description |
|---|---|
| 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 must 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 must 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 forum [archive]. Stay Tuned! All users must upgrade the respective platform promptly in order to remain safe. |
FAQ[edit]
Is Kicksecure an Anonymity Distribution like Whonix?[edit]
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 a sizable user population emerges and/or additional resources become available for development.
Table: Kicksecure ™ vs. Whonix ™ Comparison
| Kicksecure ™ | Whonix ™ | |
|---|---|---|
| Based On | Debian [1] | Tor, Kicksecure ™ and Virtualizer [2] |
| Security Focus | Yes [3] | Yes [4] |
| Online Anonymity | Maybe [5] | Yes [6] |
| Freedom Software | 100% | 100% |
| Usability | High [7] | Moderate [8] |
What's Next?[edit]
Learning more about Kicksecure ™ will allow you to leverage the numerous security enhancements to their fullest potential.
TODO
- Warning page
- Features and Advantages
- Finalize the FAQ
- Installation Guidelines
Footnotes[edit]
- ↑ And Virtualizer when run inside VM. At the time of writing (November 2019), Kicksecure ™ is supported in VirtualBox and KVM with and Qubes support is expected in the future.
- ↑ Whonix-Workstation ™: Other operating systems are also supported. With respect to Whonix-Gateway ™, 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.
- ↑ By design.
- ↑ By design. Whonix ™ is an security AND anonymity focused operating system based on Kicksecure ™.
- ↑ With Tor Browser installed. It can also be used as a custom Whonix-Workstation ™.
- ↑ Anonymity by design.
- ↑ Usability by design.
- ↑ Based on Tor which increases complexity and can decrease usability in some areas. (Anonymity vs. Usability trade-off).
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