Linux Kodachi

Overview

Linux Kodachi is a free, open-source Linux distribution based on Debian (earlier versions were based on Ubuntu 18.04.6 LTS). It focuses on privacy, anonymous browsing, and anti-forensic features. Designed as a live system (bootable from DVD or USB), it requires no installation. Developed by Warith AL Maawali and hosted on GitHub and digi77.com, it supports the x86_64 architecture and is suitable for desktop and mobile devices, featuring the KDE Plasma desktop environment. Linux Kodachi emphasizes security, anonymity, and ease of use, and comes pre-installed with Tor, VPNs, encryption tools, and anti-forensic software, making it suitable for journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious users. The latest version is Kodachi 9 (under development as of August 2025, 90% complete, based on Debian), which features an optimized GUI and security features. In 2025, ZDNet named it "One of the Best Linux Distributions for Privacy," highlighting its anonymity capabilities when VPNs fall short.

History and Development

• Origins:
  • 2016: Created by Warith AL Maawali as a live derivative of Debian, its goal was to provide one-click privacy and security tools to address user needs for anonymous browsing and anti-forensic analysis.
  • Early versions were based on Ubuntu 16.04 and introduced Tor and VPN integration.
• Development History:
  • 2018: Kodachi 5 was released, based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, adding more anti-forensic tools and a GUI dashboard.
  • 2020: Kodachi 7 optimized live USB persistent storage and supported more encryption options.
  • 2022: Kodachi 8 was based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and introduced the Kodachi Dashboard (GUI tool) to enhance anonymity.
  • 2023: Kodachi 8.27 fixes security vulnerabilities and optimizes Tor and VPN integration.
  • 2025: Kodachi 9 is in development (90% complete), based on Debian, removing Ubuntu dependencies, and enhancing anti-forensic and privacy tools. ZDNet's 2025 review listed it among the "Top 5 Best Anonymous Linux Distributions."
• Community and Support:
  • Maintained by Warith AL Maawali and the community, hosted on GitHub and digi77.com.
  • Supports English and Arabic (with some Chinese support via KDE settings), with documentation covering Live usage and tool configuration.
  • SourceForge users call Kodachi 9 "a must-have for privacy enthusiasts."
• Open Source Licenses:
  • GPL v3 (core scripts), MIT (some tools).

Key Features

Linux Kodachi focuses on privacy, anonymity, and anti-forensics, providing one-click tools. Here are its key features:

1. Privacy and Anonymity Tools
   • Pre-installed Tor, AnonSurf (system-wide Tor routing), and VPNs (NordVPN, ProtonVPN) provide one-click anonymity.
2. Anti-Forensics Features
   • Built-in BleachBit (for cleaning temporary files), Shred (for secure deletion), and TestDisk (for data recovery) prevent data remnants.
3. Kodachi Dashboard
   • A GUI dashboard for managing privacy tools, VPNs, and system settings.
4. Debian-Based Stability
   • Based on Debian (Kodachi 9), it provides stable repositories and supports apt and Synaptic.
5. Live System and Persistent Storage
   • Supports Live USB/DVD drives for persistent storage of settings and files.
6. Hardware Compatibility
   • Supports x86_64, and kernel 6.1 is compatible with Intel, AMD, and Nvidia.
   • Minimum requirements: 1 GB RAM, 4 GB disk (2 GB RAM, 8 GB disk recommended).
7. Development Support
   • Pre-installed Python and Git, with support for Flatpak and Snap.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Privacy Focus:
  • One-click Tor/VPN and anti-forensic tools, surpassing Parrot OS's security testing focus.
  • Post X called "Kodachi 9's Dashboard a privacy artifact."
• Live System:
  • Ready to use without installation, surpassing Rocky Linux's server-oriented approach.
• User-Friendliness:
  • GUI Dashboard simplifies operations, surpassing Slackware's command line.
• Debian Stability:
  • Long-term support, suitable for running Django or Krita.
• Community Support:
  • Active GitHub with scripts and tools.

Limitations

• Legacy Base:
  • Kodachi 8.27 is based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and may lack the latest features.
• Community Size:
  • Smaller than Ubuntu or Arch Linux, with limited Chinese documentation.
• Limited ARM Support:
  • No official ARM version, inferior to Raspberry Pi OS.

Summary

Linux Kodachi is a free, open-source, Debian-based live distribution. The latest version, Kodachi 9 (under development as of August 2025, 90% complete), is based on Debian and offers the KDE Plasma desktop and dashboard. It focuses on privacy protection, anonymous browsing, and anti-forensics, and comes pre-installed with tools such as Tor, VPN, and BleachBit. Linux Kodachi's privacy tools and live system are prominent, but its legacy base and community are relatively small.