[Updated] The 5 Best Hacking Operating Systems for Penetration Testing

There are operating systems and there are operating systems – a slangs I learnt from a friend. When you talk of operating system as a whole, then you’re referring to the system software that manages the hardware in the computer. However, with the help of the operating system, the application software can function.

The operating system recommended for penetration testing and hacking are normally open-source operating systems. As known, we got the closed source, like your normal windows operating system and MAC OS which isn’t free to use and its source code isn’t released to the public but when talking of open-source operating systems, their source codes are usually released to the public and free for usage.

In addition, open-source operating systems are usually used for ethical hacking and penetration testing, and this brings us to the topic of the day, which themes, “The 6 Best Hacking Operating System for Penetration Testing”.

[Updated] The 5 Best Hacking Operating Systems for Penetration Testing

#5. Ubuntu Linux

If you can recall the ancient Africa word codenamed “Humanity to others”, then you’re definitely referring to Ubuntu. In other words, you can refer Ubuntu as, “I am what I am because of who we all are”. However, it’s under Debian-based Linux distribution which makes it an open source operating system and it’s one of the best operating system recommended for ethical hackers and can be used for penetration testing.

#4. NodeZero Linux

If you’re looking for a specialist tool for penetration testing and security auditing, then NodeZero Linux is one of the best choice. Using the NodeZero Linux operating system, you get the best out of penetration testing and ethical hacking because the operating system is stable, reliable and powerful. So, I expect you not to waste any more time to download this free operating system and kick-off with it.

#3. BackBox Linux

This operating system is also an open-source operating system which is a Linux distribution and also based on Ubuntu. However, the operating system is best recommended for penetration test and security auditing, fast, and easy to use and always outs the latest of its version for stability and reliability purpose.

#2. Kali Linux

Kali Linux is said to be a Debian-based Linux distribution that focuses on security audit and penetration testing. For those of you that are familiar with back track, the Kali Linux is a complete re-build of it which contains hundreds of tools to carry out security tasks, Forensics, penetration testing and reverse engineering. I already published an article on how to use Kali Linux to hack WiFi (WPA2 & WPS), and also how to install Kali LINUX on android device, so I advise you take a stroll to those articles.

#1. BackTrack 5r3

BackTrack is a Linux distribution that is aimed on digital forensics and penetration testing. However, unleashing a native environment which will be dedicated to hacking. It’s also known to be an open source unit developed by security professionals. The BackTrack recent release is the Backtrack 5 R3 featuring over 350 security tools for digital forensics and penetration testing which now supports 32bit, 64bit and ARM Architecture. Learn how to install Backtrack on windows here, and on android here.

That’s it on the 5 best hacking operating systems for penetration testing, so I advise you get any of these operating systems on your device. Feel free to drop your comment and don’t forget to share these list with your friends on social networks.