Does Parrot Security is really an alternative to Kali Linux
Parrot Security OS is a growing security-distribution based on Debian-Linux. Easy to learn, suitable for beginners and professionals. In this article, we will tell about this distribution and about the development of the project from one of the contributors M. Emrah ÜNSÜR.
Parrot Security OS
A growing security-based distribution, based on Debian-Linux. Quite easy to learn, suitable for beginners and professionals. This distribution is aimed at both penetration testing and anonymous work on the Internet.
- Quite an easy and effective tool, many security professionals found it replacing the increasingly famous Kali Linux, especially since Parrot uses Kali repositories to update. It uses the MATE shell and the LightDM display manager.
- In terms of functionality, it’s similar to Kali Linux;
- As well along with the system, there is a huge amount of special software for testing security.
Of the distinctive features, we can name a larger, non-Kali bias in anonymity: integration of I2P (invisible internet project) and pre-installed TOR services.
There are several versions (including 32 and 64-bit platforms) of Parrot Security OS (3.8 – JollyRoger):
- Parrot Security 3.8 Full Edition – full version.
- Parrot Lite 3.8 Home Edition – no utilities, as the basis for your build.
- Parrot AIR 3.8 – for testing wireless networks.
- Parrot Cloud Edition – the version for the depot in cloud servers.
- Embedded Devices and IoT – Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, Pine64.
Project development
This distribution looks pretty promising, so we wanted to know a little more about it and we talked with one of the contributors and the active participant of the project – M. Emrah ÜNSÜR.
M. Emrah ÜNSÜR (meu @ Parrot Project) is a security researcher in a private company. He is the contributor and moderator of the Parrot project forum.
The team consists of volunteers, who are mainly divided into those who are engaged in the community and those who write the code. Parrot OS team is always glad to new participants:
- The official web page of the Parrot project: www.parrotsec.org
- Community (forum): community.parrotsec.org
- List of Parrot ambassadors: docs.parrotsec.org/community/ambassadors-list
- Local Communities of the Parrot Project: docs.parrotsec.org/community#local-communities
- Telegram (ParrotSec Global): t.me/parrotsecgroup
Why create your distribution? There are several reasons to do something like this. The main reason is that on hand, there is always the majority of the software products used in the most convenient packaging. In the case of Parrot Security OS, developers for one reason or another did not like the current distributions, in the form of a simple and ready-to-use assembly, with constant updates, modern technologies and an up-to-date list of software that is actually used for the most pent testing. (It’s about time to remember BlackArch ). Also, this distribution should be suitable for daily work.
- For those who complain about the fragmentation of projects, there is information about how open source communities work: fragmentation causes diversification and free expression of ideas from other teams of similar projects. As part of the work on the project, cooperation is underway Debian pkg-security.
The development plans include the creation of a complete pool of documents and textbooks on development, system administration, network interaction, cryptography, malware analysis, pen testing, etc. Another development vector is the support for new embedded devices. Also, the main problem – hardware compatibility – requires a lot of effort, and in development plans – attracting new members of the community who know Python, C, Bash.
Conclusion
If you are engaged in practical information security – we recommend that you familiarize yourself with this distribution, perhaps it will help to make your work on testing for penetration more productive and comfortable. If you have the time and the desire to participate in the development of the project Parrot Security OS – write to the official community, the participants will be happy with any help to the project.
