List of security-focused operating systems

Last updated January 19, 2026

This is a list of operating systems specifically focused on security. Similar concepts include security-evaluated operating systems that have achieved certification from an auditing organization, and trusted operating systems that provide sufficient support for multilevel security and evidence of correctness to meet a particular set of requirements.

Linux

Android-based

GrapheneOS uses a hardened kernel, C library, custom memory allocator (hardened_malloc) and offers privacy/security features, such as Duress PIN/Password or disabling the USB-C port at a driver/hardware level to avoid exploitation.

Debian-based

Tails is aimed at preserving privacy and anonymity.^[1]
Whonix consists of two virtual machines. All communications are routed through Tor.^[2]^[3]^[4]
Linux Kodachi is a security-focused operating system.^[5]

Other Linux distributions

Alpine Linux is designed to be small, simple, and secure.^[6] It uses musl, BusyBox, and OpenRC instead of the more commonly used glibc, GNU Core Utilities, and systemd.^[7]
Owl - Openwall GNU/Linux, a security-enhanced Linux distribution for servers.

BSD

OpenBSD is a Unix-like operating system that emphasizes portability, standardization, correctness, proactive security, and integrated cryptography.^[8]

Xen

Qubes OS aims to provide security through isolation.^[9] Isolation is provided through the use of virtualization technology. This allows the segmentation of applications into secure virtual machines.

References

↑ Vervloesem, Koen (27 April 2011). "The Amnesic Incognito Live System: A live CD for anonymity [LWN.net]". lwn.net. Archived from the original on 21 August 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
↑ "Devs cook up 'leakproof' all-Tor untrackable platform". The Register. 13 November 2012. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
↑ Greenburg, Andy (17 June 2014). "How to Anonymize Everything You Do Online". Wired. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
↑ "Whonix adds a layer of anonymity to your business tasks". TechRepublic. 4 January 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
↑ Choudhury, Ambika (4 June 2019). "10 Most Secured Linux Distros For Advanced Privacy & Security". AIM. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
↑ "about | Alpine Linux". alpinelinux.org.
↑ says, GigaTux (24 August 2010). "Alpine Linux 2 review | LinuxBSDos.com".
↑ OpenBSD Project (19 May 2020). "OpenBSD". OpenBSD.org. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
↑ "Qubes OS bakes in virty system-level security". The Register. 5 September 2012.

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[1] Vervloesem, Koen (27 April 2011). "The Amnesic Incognito Live System: A live CD for anonymity [LWN.net]". lwn.net. Archived from the original on 21 August 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2017.

[2] "Devs cook up 'leakproof' all-Tor untrackable platform". The Register. 13 November 2012. Retrieved 10 July 2014.

[3] Greenburg, Andy (17 June 2014). "How to Anonymize Everything You Do Online". Wired. Retrieved 10 July 2014.

[4] "Whonix adds a layer of anonymity to your business tasks". TechRepublic. 4 January 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2014.

[5] Choudhury, Ambika (4 June 2019). "10 Most Secured Linux Distros For Advanced Privacy & Security". AIM. Retrieved 1 November 2024.

[6] "about | Alpine Linux". alpinelinux.org.

[7] says, GigaTux (24 August 2010). "Alpine Linux 2 review | LinuxBSDos.com".

[8] OpenBSD Project (19 May 2020). "OpenBSD". OpenBSD.org. Retrieved 12 October 2020.

[9] "Qubes OS bakes in virty system-level security". The Register. 5 September 2012.

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