Kicksecure - Secure by Default Operating System

Kicksecure ™

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A secure by default operating system with the latest security research in place.

Security-Focused Operating System

Reasonably Secure ● Stable by Design ● Hardened Debian Linux

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Pre-installed applications are reviewed and configured for security

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Fully Featured with Advanced Security Components

Protection from Targeted Malicious Updates

Kicksecure update servers know neither the identity nor IP address of the user because all upgrades are downloaded over Tor.

Kicksecure update servers know neither the identity nor IP address of the user because all upgrades are downloaded over Tor by default.

Kernel Self Protection Settings

Kicksecure uses strong kernel hardening settings, as recommended by the Kernel Self Protection Project (KSPP).

Kicksecure uses strong kernel hardening settings as recommended by the Kernel Self Protection Project (KSPP).

Time Attack Protection

Kicksecure protects its users from time attacks by implementing Boot Clock Randomization and secure network time synchronization using sdwdate.

Time attacks on Kicksecure users are defeated by Boot Clock Randomization and secure network time synchronization through sdwdate (Secure Distributed Web Date).

No Open Ports by Default

Kicksecure provides a much lower attack surface since there are no open server ports by default, unlike in some other Linux distributions.

Kicksecure provides a much lower attack surface since there are no open server ports by default, unlike in other Linux distributions. All unsolicited incoming connections are rejected.

CPU Information Leak Protection (TCP ISN Randomization)

Without TCP ISN randomization, sensitive information about a system’s CPU activity can leak through outgoing traffic, exposing the system to side-channel attacks. Tirdad protects against this vulnerability.

Without TCP ISN randomization, patterns in outgoing traffic can reveal unique characteristics of a system’s CPU, compromising user security. TCP ISN randomization helps preserve security by masking these signals.

Available for Many Virtualizers

With support for multiple virtualization options, trying out Kicksecure is easy. VMs also help contain and prevent the spread of malware.

You can easily try Kicksecure by using various virtualizers , which enables security compartmentalization by running a Kicksecure VM on top of a Kicksecure host to isolate malware and testing inside the VM.

15 more amazing features →

Brute Force Defense

Kicksecure protects Linux user accounts against brute force attacks by using pam_faillock.

Kicksecure protects Linux user accounts against brute force attacks by using pam_faillock.

Entropy Enhancements

Strong entropy is required for computer security to ensure the unpredictability and randomness of cryptographic keys and other security-related processes. Kicksecure makes encryption more secure thanks to preinstalled random number generators.

Strong entropy is required for computer security to ensure the unpredictability and randomness of cryptographic keys and other security-related processes. Kicksecure makes encryption more secure thanks to preinstalled random number generators.

Live Mode

Booting into Live Mode is as simple as choosing Live Mode in the boot menu. After the session, all data will be gone.

Booting a VM into Live Mode is as simple as choosing Live Mode in the boot menu. After the session, all data will be gone.

Ram Wipe

ram-wipe is a software project designed to protect against RAM extraction attacks by erasing the contents of a computer's random access memory (RAM) when the system is shut down or restarted.

ram-wipe wipes system RAM during the Linux shutdown and reboot sequence to reduce the risk of RAM extraction (warm boot) attacks.

USBGuard

USBGuard attempts to mitigate a limited subset of USB hardware attacks by rejecting most USB devices that are plugged in after boot.

USBGuard uses the Linux USB device authorization feature and a rule-based policy to allow, block, or reject USB devices based on their attributes. Kicksecure’s policy is designed to refuse suspicious or unexpected devices plugged in after boot, helping reduce exposure to BadUSB-style attacks. USBGuard is an additional layer, not a replacement for only using trusted USB devices, and it cannot stop physical damage attacks (for example "USB killer") or filter keystrokes from a device you have already allowed.

Based on Linux

Linux is highly reliable, secure, free, and Open Source. That's why Kicksecure is based on Linux.

Linux is highly reliable and secure. Its Open Source freedom paradigm sets it apart from other operating systems. That's why Kicksecure is based on Linux.

Onion Website for Enhanced Connection Security

Our website offers an alternative onion service. This provides higher connection security between the user and the server.

Our website offers an alternative onion service , which provides higher connection security between the user and the server. This is because connections over onion services provide an alternative end-to-end encryption that is independent of flawed TLS certificate authorities and the mainstream Domain Name System (DNS).

Risk Minimization

AppArmor profiles restrict the capabilities of commonly used, high-risk applications.

AppArmor profiles restrict the capabilities of commonly used, high-risk applications such as the Tor Browser.

Strong Linux User Account Isolation

Kicksecure strengthens user account boundaries with console hardening, anti-bruteforce protections, strict permission defaults, and per-user temporary directory isolation.

Kicksecure implements strong Linux user account isolation through Console Lockdown, root login disabled, and restrictions on su and sudo. It also applies Permission Lockdown so other accounts cannot read your home folder by default, sets a more restrictive default umask (for example 027), and provides per-user /tmp isolation via libpam-tmpdir. Online password cracking is limited by locking accounts after repeated failed login attempts. Learn more about our Strong Linux User Account Isolation.

Safer System Maintenance through User-Sysmaint-Split

Kicksecure boosts security by separating everyday use from system admin tasks. Two accounts are used by default, one for daily work and one for maintenance, limiting what harm malware could do.

Kicksecure increases safety by using separate accounts for daily use and admin tasks. This is called user-sysmaint-split. It prevents routine software, like a hacked browser, from gaining full system access or installing rootkits.

Safer Temporary Files with libpam-tmpdir

Kicksecure includes libpam-tmpdir to improve system security by isolating temporary files per user and tightening file permissions, reducing the risk of /tmp-based and symlink attacks.

To prevent /tmp-based attacks, Kicksecure uses libpam-tmpdir, which creates secure, per-user temporary folders and sets strict permissions. This blocks common threats like symlink exploits.

Hardening with Securing Debian Manual

Kicksecure applies key system hardening techniques from the Securing Debian Manual by default, and adds original research to boost the baseline security.

Kicksecure integrates many of the system hardening practices from the Securing Debian Manual to improve its security posture. Although Debian's manual is older, Kicksecure supplements it with its own research and publishes updated security guidance in its wiki, ensuring users benefit from both foundational and current best practices.

Comprehensive Security Documentation

Knowledge is a defense: Kicksecure offers extensive documentation to empower users with critical security information and best practices.

Knowledge is a defense: Explore Kicksecure's comprehensive documentation to strengthen your security posture and reduce vulnerabilities.

Virus Protection

Kicksecure provides additional security hardening measures and user education for better protection from virus attacks.

Kicksecure provides additional security hardening measures and user education to provide better protection from viruses / malware.

Console Lockdown

Legacy login methods can be a security risk. Console Lockdown disables them for improved security hardening.

Console Lockdown disables legacy login methods and thereby improves security hardening.

Home Folder Permission Lockdown

Kicksecure locks down user home folders by default, preventing one user from viewing another's files. This adds an extra layer of privacy and security.

Kicksecure enforces strict file permission settings in /home, automatically removing read, write, and execute access for others during setup or account creation. This prevents users from accessing each other's files and corrects unsafe permissions that may exist from earlier configurations. The approach aligns with hardening principles from the Securing Debian Manual.

Umask Hardening for Safer File Permissions

Kicksecure improves file security by setting a stricter default umask for non-root accounts, so new files aren’t readable by others unless explicitly allowed.

To reduce the risk of unintended file exposure, Kicksecure sets a stricter default umask for non-root accounts so that new files are inaccessible to other accounts by default. This enhances security beyond the /home folder, especially in shared areas like the folder /var.

Based on Debian

Kicksecure is based on Debian, one of the most reliable Linux distributions.

In oversimplified terms, Kicksecure is just a collection of configuration files and scripts. Kicksecure is not a stripped down version of Debian; anything possible in "vanilla" Debian GNU/Linux can be replicated in Kicksecure. About Kicksecure

Digitally signed releases

Downloads are signed so genuine Kicksecure releases can be verified.

Downloads are signed so genuine Kicksecure releases can be verified.

Warrant Canary

A canary confirms that no warrants have ever been served on the Kicksecure project.

A canary confirms that no warrants have ever been served on the Kicksecure project.

Swap File Creator

swap-file-creator automatically creates and enables a swap file on LUKS-encrypted disks at boot, helping prevent low-RAM freezes without exposing swap on unencrypted storage by default.

swap-file-creator creates a new swap file on every boot when the target path is on a LUKS-encrypted device. By default, it does not create swap on unencrypted disks, but this can be overridden (not recommended for privacy).

SUID Disabler and Permission Hardener

SUID Disabler and Permission Hardener enhances system security by strengthening the isolation of Linux user accounts and more.

The purpose of SUID Disabler and Permission Hardener is to enhance system security. It does this by strengthening the isolation of Linux user accounts, implementing stricter file permission settings, and decreasing potential security vulnerabilities by turning off SUID-enabled binaries.

Lean Default Install

Fewer unnecessary services are installed by default, which helps reduce the attack surface.

Kicksecure aims to avoid installing unnecessary network facing packages by default (for example exim, samba, cups in some setups). See Default Package Selection.

Open Link Confirmation

Helps prevent accidental link opening in supported browsers.

Open Link Confirmation adds a safety check before opening links, reducing accidental clicks and improving hygiene against social engineering.

Bluetooth Hardening

Bluetooth is disabled by default and requires manual user activation when needed.

Bluetooth increases attack surface. Kicksecure disables Bluetooth by default and applies additional safety settings. See Bluetooth hardening.

Hardened SSH Defaults

Strong SSH defaults help reduce risk when using SSH as a client or running an SSH server.

Kicksecure ships hardened SSH configuration defaults (client and server), improving cryptographic choices and reducing risky settings. See the SSH configuration.

Full Disk Encryption by Default

The installer enables Full Disk Encryption by default, helping protect data if a device is lost or stolen.

Kicksecure enables Full Disk Encryption by default in the ISO installer (Calamares), so stored data is protected when the device is powered off.

Physical Security Check

systemcheck can point out common physical security weaknesses like missing disk encryption or unsafe login settings.

The Physical Security Check highlights issues such as Full Disk Encryption status, password status, autologin status, and root account lock status.

Recovery Options Lockdown

Safer defaults reduce risky recovery paths that can weaken physical security.

Kicksecure applies recovery related hardening (for example removing the Linux recovery mode boot option from the default GRUB menu and disabling the dracut recovery console). See Recovery Mode.

Bootloader Password Support

Helps users set a bootloader password to protect boot settings against tampering.

Kicksecure encourages and improves usability for setting a Bootloader Password. A helper tool exists: grub-pwchange.

Emergency Shutdown

Quickly powers off the system in emergencies, helping protect sensitive data during physical compromise scenarios.

emerg-shutdown provides emergency power off capabilities (for example a panic key sequence), which can help reduce exposure during physical compromise situations.

Password and Disk Passphrase Tools

Simple command line tools help change login passwords and disk encryption passphrases safely.

Kicksecure includes password management helpers such as pwchange. It also includes a helper for changing LUKS passphrases (crypt-pwchange) to simplify disk encryption maintenance. See Full Disk Encryption.

Unicode Defense

Pre-installed tools help detect suspicious Unicode in files and reduce the risk of hidden tricks in source code reviews.

Some Unicode characters can be used to hide confusing or malicious text in code and configuration files. Kicksecure includes Unicode scanning helpers such as grep-find-unicode-wrapper and unicode-show. Kicksecure also implements defenses against adversarial Unicode in source code review contexts. See Searching Files and Folders for Unicode and Unicode.

Usability Tools and Convenience

Friendly helpers for maintenance, setup, keyboard layouts, automation, and permission inspection.

Kicksecure includes usability tools designed to reduce mistakes and make common tasks easier.
System Maintenance Panel (sysmaint-panel) provides a simple GUI for common administrative tasks such as updates, installing software, managing accounts, password changes, keyboard layout configuration, and running system checks.
Kicksecure also provides keyboard layout tooling for system-wide use and early boot contexts, including GRUB and the disk encryption passphrase prompt. See Keyboard Layout.
For automation and scripting, non-interactive helpers are available such as apt-get-noninteractive and dpkg-noninteractive, plus apt-get-reset for resetting configuration to vendor defaults.
Convenience tools such as chmod-calc help inspect and understand file and directory permissions.
Kicksecure also aims to provide clearer download and installation guidance and sensible defaults that work out of the box. Start with ISO installation.

Digital Signature Policy

Signed git commits, tags, and images are required. Unsigned code is strictly prohibited in builds and deployments. Documentation encourages digital signature verification.

Checking digital signatures helps protect users from harmful software (malware or viruses). It proves the software is real, hasn't been tampered with, and keeps users safer. The Kicksecure Digital Signature Policy requires signed git commits, tags, and images. Unsigned code is strictly prohibited in builds and deployments. Documentation encourages digital signature verification.

Freedom Values

Open Source

We respect user rights to review, scrutinize, modify, and redistribute Kicksecure. This improves security and privacy for everyone.

All the Kicksecure source code is licensed under OSI Approved Licenses. We respect user rights to review, scrutinize, modify, and redistribute Kicksecure. This improves security and privacy for everyone.

Freedom Software

Kicksecure is Freedom Software and contains software developed by the Free Software Foundation and the GNU Project.

Kicksecure is Freedom Software and contains software developed by the Free Software Foundation and the GNU Project.

Research and Implementation Project

Kicksecure is an actively maintained research project making constant improvements; no shortcomings are ever hidden from users.

Research and Implementation Project: Kicksecure makes modest claims and is wary of overconfidence. Kicksecure is an actively maintained research project making constant improvements; no shortcomings are ever hidden from users.

Fully Auditable

Kicksecure is independently verifiable by security experts and software developers around the world. This improves security and privacy for everyone.

Kicksecure is independently verifiable by security experts and software developers around the world; you don’t have to trust developer claims. This improves security and privacy for everyone.

Deep Scan Ready

Kicksecure supports offline inspection so you can verify storage and boot components from a clean external environment, without trusting the running system.

Deep scan readiness means you can power the device off and inspect it from outside, for example by booting a trusted Live USB or scanning the disk from another computer. This enables full system checks, including bootloader and kernel components, and reduces the risk of malware hiding itself during a scan.

Complete respect for privacy and user freedom

Kicksecure respects data privacy principles. We don’t make advertising deals or collect sensitive personal data.

Kicksecure respects data privacy principles. We don’t make advertising deals or collect sensitive personal data. There are no artificial restrictions imposed on possible system configurations .

Upcoming Security Enhancements

Sandbox App Launcher

sandbox-app-launcher is an application launcher that can start each application inside its own restrictive sandbox. Each application runs as its own user, in a bubblewrap sandbox and confined by AppArmor.

sandbox-app-launcher aims to run each desktop application as its own user inside a restrictive bubblewrap sandbox, confined by AppArmor and filtered with seccomp. This is intended to reduce the blast radius of a compromised app by limiting filesystem access, IPC, and dangerous system calls. The project is a work in progress and is currently developers-only.

8 more Enhancements →

AppArmor.d

apparmor.d - Full system Mandatory Access Control (MAC) policy - "AppArmor for everything".

apparmor.d is a full system AppArmor policy that aims to confine all user space processes, starting from init and systemd, and then applying profiles to services and applications. The goal is "AppArmor for everything" and stronger least-privilege enforcement across the whole OS. This is still in development and not yet supported or available for general users.

Deactivate malware after reboot

Deactivate malware after reboot from non-root compromise.

VirusForget is a design effort to make non-root malware persistence harder by cleaning up common autostart and hook locations in the user profile at boot. The idea is to reset or quarantine unexpected changes (for example in dotfiles and autostart entries) so that a compromise of the user account does not automatically survive a reboot. This is an active design topic and not yet a finished, default-enabled feature.

Hardened Linux Kernel

A hardened Linux kernel configuration and patch set.

hardened-kernel combines a hardened kernel configuration with hardening patches from the linux-hardened project. A VM-focused configuration can disable most hardware drivers to reduce attack surface, while a host configuration targets broader hardware support. For additional hardening, the VM kernel is designed to be compiled locally, producing unique symbols that can make some classes of kernel exploits harder.

Limit Kernel Information Leaks

Limit kernel and hardware information exposure to non-root users.

This enhancement builds on Reduce Kernel Information Leaks in security-misc. It restricts non-root access to sensitive hardware and kernel metadata (for example parts of /sys and /proc) to reduce fingerprinting and limit what locally running malware can learn. It is currently disabled by default because it can break applications, and root can still access this information.

Hide Other Users' Processes

Hide other users' processes for better isolation.

hidepid hardens process privacy by mounting /proc so unprivileged users can only see their own processes. This reduces cross-user information leakage and helps isolation on multi-user systems. It is opt-in because it can break some workflows and tools (for example pkexec) unless additional compatibility workarounds are applied.

Enhanced Security via Mount Options (noexec)

Harden writable directories using mount options such as noexec, nodev, and nosuid.

Mount options such as noexec, nodev, and nosuid reduce risk in writable data locations by preventing direct execution, device node interpretation, and SUID/SGID privilege escalation from those paths. The goal is to make common persistence and "run-from-home" attack patterns harder. Some advanced workflows may need adjustments or an opt-out when running programs from home directories.

Limit Compiler and Interpreter Access

Reduce post-compromise capability by restricting compilers and interpreters by default.

Restricting access to compilers and interpreters reduces the ability of malware to compile or run arbitrary code on the system after an initial compromise. This is intended as a defense-in-depth measure alongside sandboxing and mount hardening. Developers and power users will still be able to opt out when they need toolchains locally.

Post-quantum cryptography resistant signing of releases

Add quantum-resistant signatures to strengthen long-term release integrity.

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) aims to provide digital signatures that remain secure even if future quantum computers can break widely used algorithms such as RSA and ECC. This enhancement explores adding quantum-resistant signing for releases, for example using Codecrypt, a GnuPG-like tool that uses quantum-resistant algorithms for encryption and signatures. PQC signing would complement existing signatures to strengthen long-term integrity and update trust.

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Kicksecure A secure by default operating system with the latest security research in place.

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