Linux is an open-source operating system (OS).1 That is, anyone can inspect, edit, and redistribute the source code. This feature has enabled developers to customise many Linux distributions (distros) for hacking and penetration testing.

Today’s top Linux operating systems for hacking have built-in hacking tools and are more secure than other operating systems such as Windows. As a result, security researchers, penetration testers, ethical hackers, and other cybersecurity experts prefer Linux to accomplish their tasks.

Salient features to look for Pen Testing Linux OS :-

There are numerous pen testing Linux distributions, making it difficult for new Linux users to select the best one.3 To restrict the search, consider the following critical features for a sophisticated penetration testing platform:

1. Pre-installed hacking and security tools.
2. Easy to use and customized.
3. Strong community support and documentation.

Best OS for hacking:-

1. Kali Linux:- Kali Linux is the most popular Linux distribution in cybersecurity, because of its more than 600 pre-installed penetration testing tools. 4,5 Kali Linux has a variety of tools for digital forensics, security review, ethical hacking, and penetration testing.
2. Parrot OS security :- ParrotOS features a Security Edition that resembles Kali in several aspects. It is Debian-based, comes pre-installed with basic hacking tools, and is a well-known hacking system in the cybersecurity community.6 However, Parrot Security OS is less resource-intensive than Kali and has more anonymity and encryption features. Parrot also provides unique features for:-
   • Wi-Fi cracking 
   • Threat prevention
   • Security analysis
   • Risk assessment
3. Backbox:- BackBox Linux is a hacking operating system recognised for its simplicity, making it perfect for newcomers. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the menus, this OS includes advice and descriptions for each bundled tool to assist you discover what you’re looking for. Backbox, while lacking in hacking features compared to Kali and ParrotOS, does give forensic analysis tools.7 It’s perfect for analysing digital evidence, retrieving data, and identifying system weaknesses.
4. Black Arch Linux:- Black Arch Linux is a pen testing OS based on Arch Linux. It can be difficult to traverse this operating system, but if you put in the time to learn, you will have access to a collection of thousands of preconfigured penetration testing tools.8 However, because of its unattractive user interface, Black Arch is best suited for experienced users.
5. Fedora Security Lab :- Fedora Security Lab is a Linux distribution specifically designed for security auditing and testing. Fedora Security Lab comes preinstalled with security tools, but you may also create bespoke hacking simulators to meet your specific testing requirements. It includes a version that does not require installation on the computer’s hard drive. You can run a fully operational ethical hacking and penetration test environment from a USB drive without changing the existing operating system.
6. Digital Evidence and Forensic toolkit:- DEFT is a Linux operating system that includes forensic tools and documentation for acquiring evidence and conducting penetration tests. It includes tools for analysing files, retrieving erased data, calculating cryptographic hashes, and controlling disc cloning. Therefore, DEFT is used by military personnel, law enforcement agencies, researchers, investigators, and forensic experts.
7. Computer-Aided Investigative Environment (CAINE) :- Digital forensics is an important step in cybercrime investigation, and CAINE is one of the best forensic Linux operating systems since it has numerous tools to assist investigators in recovering, analysing, and preserving data and digital evidence.9 One of its most notable qualities is its commitment to forensic best practices that can be shown in court.
8. Pentoo:- Pentoo is a minimalist Linux operating system designed for expert users. It allows you to customise your pentest setup while obtaining extensive tools such as:
   • Network sniffers
   • Vulnerability scanners
   • Exploitation frameworks
   • Cryptography tools
9. Arch Strike:- ArchStrike is an attractive Linux distribution for researchers since it has additional repositories for security research and penetration testing. While not ideal for beginners, it is lightweight and can be run simply from a USB device. As a result, you can operate a live hacking and pen testing environment without making any changes to the host machine.
10. Dracos Linux:- Dracos is a hacking operating system with hundreds of tools for penetration testing, reverse engineering, and forensics. Although the tools are ideal for pentesting, the operating system lacks a graphical user interface (GUI). You can only access the tools through the command line. This can be difficult for some novices. Dracos, on the other hand, has a vibrant community that offers assistance, creates tools, and evaluates new functionality.