Parrot Security OS: What You Need to Know
Parrot is a free and open-source distribution that evolved from the well-known Debian Linux, known initially as Parrot Security OS or Parrot OS.
Parrot is pre-loaded with a variety of IT security and digital forensics tools, utilities, libraries, development and programming tools, as well as privacy protection solutions. Parrot is designed for security, privacy, and development.
MATE Desktop Environment (DE) is included by default, however, users can install additional DEs.
Parrot OS’s Main Features:
- Freedom - It is open-source and free. Anyone can read, modify, and contribute to the source code in its entirety.
- System security - With native support for full disc encryption, lightning-fast security upgrades, and a hardened Debian core, it is built from the ground up to be secure.
- Numerous privacy-protection technologies are offered.
- It can run on any device, including servers, desktops, laptops, virtual machines, cloud containers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and Docker.
- High Performance - It is speed-optimized and lightweight, even on older PCs.
- provides a large number of tools; there are over 600 included.
- Developer-Friendly - Supports a wide range of frameworks, programming languages, and development tools.
- Different editions are available for various use scenarios.
Parrot Security Edition
The Security Edition is a specialized operating system created for penetration testing (pen-testing) and red team operations, a cyber assault simulation exercise led by intelligence that evaluates an organization's attack readiness.
It provides a flexible environment for IT, security experts, to test and evaluate the security of an IT infrastructure and comes pre-installed with more security tools, utilities, and libraries than you could possibly require. It can be used for a variety of things, including anonymous browsing, computer forensics, vulnerability evaluation, and mitigation.
Parrot Home Edition
A general-purpose, fully functional operating system with an emphasis on a daily usage, privacy, and software creation is called the Home Edition. Additionally, you can manually add Parrot tools to put together a unique and light pen-testing environment.
Parrot Cloud Edition
Other notable Parrot Security editions designed for cloud environments, virtual machines, embedded devices, and other specialized deployments are available in Parrot Cloud Edition. Additionally, it offers Docker images so that users can use Parrot OS features in cloud environments or on top of other operating systems.
It's interesting to note that the HackTheBox edition (also known as Pwnbox) is a fully web-based virtual hacking distribution that provides access to every feature a hacker's operating system should have. Through a single set of hacking experiences, it enables you to join a hacker community that is dynamically expanding.
Parrot Architect & IoT
This edition is for you if you want to design a unique Parrot OS environment for your business. It is a Parrot minimal iso file that only offers the installer; nothing is pre-installed. It is simply completely adaptable because only the system's core is shipped with it, allowing users to customize it to meet their needs.
It is a "ready for any context" version that enables users to install any desktop environment and software immediately after installation. The full desktop system must be installed using an active internet connection or a local mirror, despite the fact that the basic system can be installed entirely offline. It is the ideal edition for server deployment.
Parrot Raspberry Pi Images
The first trial Raspberry Pi edition of Parrot has just been made available by the program's creators as of this writing. Following this, there will be ongoing development and support for other boards throughout the year. Additionally, this edition is a "ready for any context" version that enables users to set up their preferred DE and tools.
These images (the Raspberry Pi Images) "may work on older Raspberry Pi models, however, Raspberry Pi 4 or above with at least 4GB of RAM is recommended," according to a warning on the official website.
Parrot Future Developments
Parrot OS will continue to develop, and we anticipate significant growth both now and in the future. These modifications, enhancements, and new products will help Parrot OS keep up with the always-evolving needs of cyber security professionals.
Importantly, you can join the development platform and contribute to the project if you are a developer or wish to contribute in other ways, such as by providing system documentation.
I'm done now! A sophisticated and adaptable architecture, Parrot OS is ideal for any cyber security operation. The 5.0 Electra Ara version has been launched, and it includes a number of updates and new goods.
