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Predator-OS 3.5, released on January 1, 2025, is a cutting-edge Linux distribution designed for cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, and privacy enthusiasts. This powerful and versatile operating system combines advanced security features with user-friendly interfaces, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced users in the field of information security.
Introduction
Predator-OS is an advanced Linux distribution developed in 2021 by Hossein Seilany, an experienced computer scientist from Iran. It is based on Debian 12 Stable and features the Linux kernel 6.6.15 LTS. Predator-OS is the latest addition to Seilany's impressive portfolio of Linux distributions, which includes Emperor-OS, Hubuntu, and Little-Psycho.
Designed as a free and open-source project, Predator-OS focuses on security, privacy, and academic education. The distribution emphasizes penetration testing and ethical hacking while also offering features for anonymity, hardening against various types of attacks, hardware and software stress testing, and data destruction.
Key Features and Highlights
Predator-OS 3.5 boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart from other security-oriented distributions:
1. Extensive Tool Collection: The distribution comes pre-installed with over 1,200 tools, organized into more than 40 categories. These tools cover a wide range of security-related tasks, including penetration testing, ethical hacking, privacy protection, and system hardening.
2. Nine Security Modes: Predator-OS operates in nine distinct security modes, allowing users to quickly switch between defensive, offensive, privacy, hardened, secured, settings, and pen-testing configurations.
3. Customized Kernel and User Configurations: Most kernel and user-level settings are pre-configured to prevent hacking attempts, restrict non-privileged access, and reduce the overall attack surface.
4. Multiple Desktop Environments: Predator-OS 3.5 features four fully customized desktop environments: Plasma, Mate, LXQT, and LXDE, all tailored with specialized menus for easy access to security tools.
5. Enhanced Boot Options: The distribution includes numerous boot GRUB parameters for both live mode and post-installation use, allowing for greater flexibility and control.
6. Optimized Performance: Predator-OS disables unnecessary services and loggers during boot-up, improving system performance and reducing potential security risks.
7. Automatic System Detection: The OS automatically detects other installed operating systems and adds them to the GRUB boot menu.
8. User-Friendly Installation: Predator-OS utilizes the Calamares installer, providing an easy and intuitive installation process.
9. Privacy and Anonymity Tools: The distribution includes a comprehensive set of privacy, hardening, and anonymity tools and configurations.
10. Compact ISO Size: Despite its extensive tool collection, Predator-OS maintains a smaller ISO file size compared to similar distributions like BlackArch, Tsurugi Linux, and dracOS Linux.
11. Versatile Boot Options: Users can boot Predator-OS in various modes, including safe mode, text mode, NoACPI, IOMMU, and forensic mode.
Comprehensive Tool Collection
Predator-OS 3.5 offers an extensive array of tools and resources:
- 40+ IPv6 tools
- 100+ search engines
- 100+ cybersecurity training websites
- 40+ resources for setting up cybersecurity labs
- 10+ cybersecurity roadmap collections
- 150+ tools for data destruction and system stress testing
- 200+ AWS Cloud tools
- 300+ forensic tools
- 300+ educational scripts
- 500+ tools for Red and Blue Teams
- 100+ cybersecurity tutorial files
- 300+ Web3 and Cloud security tools
- 800+ OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) websites
- 1,000+ entries in the Google Hacking Database
- Over 2TB of password lists (online and offline)
- Tools for hacking across 7 different platforms, including Cloud and AWS, Web3, IoT and Embedded, iOS, Android, Operating Systems, and Hardware
Nine Security Modes
Predator-OS Linux features nine distinct modes, each serving a specific purpose related to security, privacy, and system management:
1. Security Mode: Enhances overall system security
2. Offensive Mode: Designed for penetration testing and ethical hacking
3. Defensive Mode: Focuses on defending the system against attacks
4. Anonymized Mode: Protects user privacy by anonymizing internet activity
5. Privacy Mode: Ensures sensitive information remains confidential
6. Tutorial Mode: Provides guided tutorials and resources for learning
7. Emergency Mode: Designed for critical situations requiring quick system recovery
8. Monitoring Mode: Used for real-time monitoring of system activities and network traffic
9. Setting Mode: Allows configuration and customization of system settings
Available Editions and Desktop Environments
Predator-OS 3.5 is available in two main editions:
Security Edition ISO
Designed for penetration testing, ethical hacking, privacy, hardening, and security, ensuring anonymity. It includes:
- Plasma and LXQT (QT-based)
- Mate and LXDE (GTK-based)
Users can select their preferred desktop environment directly from the login window.
- No Desktop option
- Pre-configured Virtual Machine files: VMware and VirtualBox images are provided for users who prefer or require a virtual machine environment.
Home Edition ISO
Designed for desktop users focused on privacy, hardening, and security, with anonymized and optimized performance — without any penetration testing tools. It includes:
- Plasma and LXQT (QT-based)
- Mate and LXDE (GTK-based)
Users can select their preferred desktop environment directly from the login window.
- No Desktop option
- Windows-Like option
- MacOS-Like option
Installation Guide and Hardware Requirements
Hardware Requirements
To ensure optimal performance, Predator-OS 3.5 recommends the following hardware specifications:
- Processor: 2 GHz dual-core 64-bit processor or better
- RAM: 4 GB (recommended)
- Storage: 25GB hard disk space (SSD preferred)
- Boot Device: Bootable CD-DVD drive or USB stick
- Internet Access: beneficial
- Complete compatibility in live mode: You can run Predator-OS in live mode and access all its features seamlessly.
Installation Process
1. Download the Predator-OS 3.5 ISO from the official website.
2. Create a bootable USB drive or DVD using the downloaded ISO.
3. Boot your computer from the installation media.
4. Select your preferred desktop environment from the login window.
5. Use the following default credentials to log in:
Username: user
Password: user
For root access:-
Username: root
Password: user
6. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the Calamares installer to complete the installation process.
Support and Contact Information
To get in touch with the developer or support the Predator-OS project:
1. Official Website: Visit Penetration testing and Ethical hacking for the latest news, updates, documentation and ways to donate.
2. GitHub Repository: Contribute to the project or report issues at https://github.com/hosseinseilani/predator-os.
3. Social Media: Follow the developer on various platforms for updates and community engagement.
Conclusion
Predator-OS 3.5 represents a significant advancement in the field of security-focused Linux distributions. Its comprehensive toolset, multiple security modes, and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for both cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts. The distribution's versatility, combined with its robust feature set, positions Predator-OS as a formidable contender in the realm of ethical hacking and penetration testing platforms.
Disclaimer
Predator-OS is designed for educational and professional use in ethical hacking and cybersecurity. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations when using this distribution. The developer of Predator-OS is not liable for any misuse or illegal activities conducted with this open-source software. This post does not endorse or promote any activities involving malware, viruses, or harmful content that could damage or interfere with networks, devices, or other infrastructure.
References
1. Predator-OS Official Website
4. Predator-OS-books – Penetration testing and Ethical hacking
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