🔐PakOS 12 (Gelecek): Pakistan's Cybersecurity-Focused Linux Distribution🛡️
🔐PakOS 12 (Gelecek): Pakistan's Cybersecurity-Focused Linux Distribution🛡️
As we approached the end of 2024, PakOS, Pakistan's homegrown Linux distribution, released its latest version, PakOS 12 (Gelecek). This update marks a significant shift towards defensive cybersecurity, showcasing the distribution's commitment to user protection and privacy.
Background and Support
PakOS 12 (Gelecek) is the result of collaborative efforts, with support from Gelecek Technologies, a promising Pakistani start up. This partnership underscores the growing tech ecosystem in Pakistan and the increasing focus on cybersecurity in the region.
Key Features and Enhancements
Cybersecurity Focus
PakOS 12 has made substantial strides in security:
- Built-in Monitoring Tools: The inclusion of NOC monitoring agents like Zabbix and Wazuh SIEM agent, with user-friendly GUI configuration dialogs, simplifies network monitoring and security information management.
- CIS Hardening: Out-of-the-box hardening based on CIS standards level 1, utilizing modified open-source scripts.
- Lynis Auditing: Implementation of Lynis for system auditing, with plans for further hardening in future releases.
- Firewall Configuration: Pre-configured base firewall rules using UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) with a GUI for easy management.
Privacy and Browsing
- Sandboxed Firefox: A new "Firefox Secure" menu entry provides a fully sandboxed browsing experience, with user-configurable security levels.
- Search Engine Options: Users can choose between DuckDuckGo and Google as their default search engine, prioritizing privacy or familiarity as needed.
- Firefox Updates: Firefox is now installed via the official repository, ensuring users always have access to the latest version.
User Interface and Experience
- Rofi Launcher Enhancement: The Windows 11-inspired start menu now includes file browsing capabilities for the home folder.
- GRUB Theme: A visually appealing GRUB menu theme is applied on first launch, alongside system hardening steps.
- GUI Update Manager: Built-in update notifications and a graphical interface for managing system updates.
Productivity and AI Integration
- OnlyOffice Integration: The latest release of OnlyOffice is included, now with out-of-the-box support for Urdu text input.
- AI Assistant: A lightweight AI assistant offering access to Microsoft Co-pilot, Gemini, Poe, or Black Box AI agents.
System Improvements
- NTP Service: Fully configured Network Time Protocol service for automatic time synchronization.
- Performance Optimization: Continued focus on maintaining low resource usage, building on previous achievements.
Community and Development
PakOS maintains its commitment to community engagement:
- Discord Community: Users are encouraged to join the PakOS Discord server for support, tips, and collaborative learning.
- Open Source Foundation: PakOS acknowledges its roots in eznix's base scripts, demonstrating the collaborative nature of open-source development.
Looking Ahead
As PakOS enters 2025, its focus on cybersecurity, user privacy, and cultural relevance positions it as a significant player in the Linux distribution landscape, particularly for users in Pakistan and those prioritizing security.
Disclaimer
While PakOS 12 (Gelecek) offers enhanced security features, users should always follow best practices for cybersecurity and keep their systems updated. The effectiveness of security measures may vary based on individual usage and configuration.
References
2. Gelecek Technologies - LinkedIn
3. CIS Hardening Scripts Repository - GitHub
6. A First Look At PakOS - YouTube
7. PakOS Reviews - SourceForge
8. EznixOS download | SourceForge.net
9. PakOS Developer Profile - SourceForge
Gallery (Video Overview of Live ISO):
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