Linux Kodachi Overview
The Linux Kodachi operating system, a derivative of Xubuntu 18.04.6, offers a highly secure, anti-forensic, and anonymous computing environment. It’s designed with privacy in mind, incorporating all the features needed to maintain user confidentiality and security.
With a straightforward setup process, Kodachi is user-friendly and doesn’t require any Linux expertise. Simply boot the system from a USB drive, and you’ll be up and running with a fully-operational operating system. This includes an automatically established VPN connection, a pre-configured TOR connection, and a running DNSCrypt service, all optimized to maximize your online security and privacy.
One of the key features of Kodachi is its transient nature. The entire operating system operates from your computer’s temporary RAM memory. As a result, once you power down the system, it leaves no trace—effectively erasing all your activities and ensuring that your privacy is maintained at all times.
Kodachi is a live operating system, meaning it can be launched on virtually any computer from a DVD, USB stick, or SD card. Its primary goal is to preserve your privacy and anonymity. The features of Kodachi are designed to enable you to:
- Browse the internet anonymously: All of your online connections are routed through a VPN and then the Tor network, coupled with DNS encryption, to ensure maximum privacy.
- Leave no trace on the host computer: Kodachi does not leave any footprints on the computer you’re using, unless explicitly instructed to do so.
- Utilize cutting-edge cryptographic and privacy tools: These tools allow you to encrypt your files, emails, and instant messages to further enhance your privacy.
Built on the robust foundations of Linux Xubuntu/Debian and customized with XFCE, Kodachi presents a stable, secure, and uniquely personalized operating system.
Journey of Innovation: The Birth and Rise of Kodachi OS
Beginning in 2005, my exploration of Linux commenced on the desktop, building upon a solid foundation of server management expertise. Initially captivated by the flexibility and potential of Linux Mint, I quickly realized that many of its powerful features were concealed behind a graphical interface, prompting a return to the familiarity of Windows. However, my passion for Linux never waned. By late 2012, I embarked on a mission to create a secure, user-friendly version of Linux Mint, eventually transitioning to Ubuntu to leverage its superior driver support and broader hardware compatibility. By October 20, 2013, Kodachi’s first release was made public, marking the beginning of a development journey that now spans over 11 years—a testament to Kodachi’s continuous evolution and commitment to security and usability.
My vision was clear: to develop an operating system that empowers everyday users with robust privacy and security tools, all seamlessly integrated and easily accessible. Kodachi OS was meticulously crafted as a secure daily driver for personal use, combining essential features such as a built-in VPN, DNS scripts, Tor integration, encrypted crypto wallets, disk encryption utilities, and a custom browser with advanced security enhancements. These tools are designed to provide comprehensive protection without requiring users to possess deep technical knowledge.
Recognizing the broader potential of Kodachi, I decided to share it with the community. Despite moments of stepping away from development, the unwavering support and enthusiasm of Kodachi’s users continually inspired me to return and enhance the platform. Today, Kodachi stands proudly among the top security-focused operating systems worldwide, celebrated for its intuitive interface, unique dashboard, and its pivotal role in demystifying Linux’s formidable capabilities for countless users. Kodachi achieves an impressive average of 7,000 downloads per month, with peaks reaching up to 10,000 downloads, as verified by third-party statistics on SourceForge. This consistent growth underscores Kodachi’s vital role in the cybersecurity landscape and its trusted reputation among users worldwide.
Kodachi has been more than just an operating system; it has been a transformative journey for both myself and its users. Feedback from the community highlights how Kodachi has opened their eyes to the advanced security features inherent in Linux, empowering them to take control of their digital privacy and security. Many users have shared how Kodachi has shifted their perspective, evolving their approach to cybersecurity from passive to proactive, and making robust security accessible to non-experts.
Driven by a relentless commitment to privacy and security, I continue to develop Kodachi single-handedly, fueled by the support and ideas from the community. While no system is without its flaws, I prioritize the security and stability of Kodachi by promptly addressing vulnerabilities and releasing updates swiftly. Often, I release multiple patches in quick succession to ensure that any reported issues are resolved without delay, demonstrating my dedication to maintaining Kodachi’s integrity and reliability.
Kodachi embodies the perfect balance between powerful security and user-friendly design. It transforms Linux into a fortified environment where ease of use and advanced protection coexist seamlessly. Every release reinforces this foundation, ensuring that users can trust Kodachi to safeguard their digital lives effectively. As a one-person project driven by community collaboration, Kodachi stands as a testament to what passionate dedication and collective support can achieve in the realm of cybersecurity.
Support Linux Kodachi: Donations
Your support is essential to the future of Linux Kodachi. Contributions directly fund ongoing development, enhance customer support, and help Kodachi continue as a premier secure OS. Every donation, no matter the size, strengthens our mission to provide a secure, private operating system to users worldwide. Consider supporting Kodachi today through one of the following options:
- Donate with Cryptocurrency
Support us using a variety of cryptocurrencies through our secure donation portal. - Donate with PayPal Direct
Make a one-time donation directly via PayPal. - Donate with PayPal via Donorbox
Contribute through Donorbox for a streamlined donation experience with PayPal.
Thank you for helping us continue to innovate and prioritize user privacy and security.
Download Linux Kodachi
Download the latest version of Linux Kodachi, a secure, privacy-focused operating system. Below are the details and links to access Kodachi.
Version Information
- Version: 8.27
- Size: 2.91 GB
- Release Date: 22 February 2023
- Platform: Linux
Security Hashes
- MD5:
9b35261444f08d924ebc6ac61c5659d8
- SHA-256:
b7d4c59788e4bcee4726261fd5a0e2e27f4b0fce4c5cb5414bd627057ff96819
- Hash List: Text File
PGP Verification
- Keys ID:
9F853D05
- Fingerprint:
CB3C 988D 191F 9B33 BB62 F01B 1D0D B5E5 24DC 5927
- Public Key
- PGP Signature
Change Log and Source Code
Release History
For a full history of releases, hover to view dates or refer to our release archive: Release History
Web API
Access the API in JSON format for Kodachi integration.
Download Links
- 64-bit Kernel 6.2: Download from Sourceforge (Worldwide)
- DKM Broadcom Supported Kernel 5.4.231: Download from Sourceforge (Worldwide)
Hints
To Login as Normal User (Recommended)
- Username:
kodachi
- Password:
r@@t00
Note: The “00” in the password represents double zeros.
To Login as root
- Username:
root
- Password:
r@@t00
Changing Passwords for User and Root
To set your own password for added security, use the following commands in the terminal:
- Change Kodachi User Password:
passwd
- Change Root Password:
su passwd
Built-In Features and Pre-Installed Tools
Kodachi includes numerous pre-installed applications and tools to enhance security and privacy:
- Change Tor Exit Country: Easily switch countries with a single click.
- Reset DNS Servers: Instantly reset DNS settings to enhance privacy.
- Driver Compatibility: Kodachi supports a wide array of wireless and display drivers, thoroughly tested on various hardware, including an older setup and the latest 2020 setup.
Security Models
Understanding Security Components
Each component in Kodachi serves a specific security or anonymity function:
Torified System: A setup where all device traffic is routed through the Tor network, enhancing privacy across applications. This ensures that every application on your device uses Tor, making it highly secure and private.
Kodachi Loaded Browser: This browser is configured for maximum security, with additional privacy plugins and a default setup that routes all traffic through the Tor network. While this setup enhances anonymity and security, it may result in slower browsing speeds and can be blocked by some websites. The Loaded Browser is ideal for critical activities requiring heightened privacy.
Kodachi Lite Browser: The Lite Browser is optimized for speed, with fewer plugins and no default Tor configuration. It is suitable for general tasks, such as checking email and browsing websites that don’t require intense privacy measures. This browser offers faster performance, and its non-Tor connection is less likely to be restricted by websites.
Kodachi ghacks Browser: Built on the foundation of the Loaded Browser, the ghacks Browser includes additional security enhancements based on the well-known ghacks project. It provides an even higher level of security, making it ideal for users who need the utmost protection. However, due to its intensive security settings, some websites may not function as expected. This browser is best suited for highly sensitive activities where maximum security is essential.
- VPN: Encrypts all internet traffic to provide a unified point of anonymization.
- Tor or Tor Browser: Encrypts only browser traffic through the Tor network, routing it via multiple nodes for anonymity.
- Torified System: Configures all device traffic to pass through Tor, boosting privacy across applications.
- Dnscrypt: Encrypts DNS queries, ensuring the privacy of browsing activity through DNS over TLS.
- Tor DNS: Randomly encrypts DNS queries within the Tor network, further securing your DNS activity.
Recommended Configurations for Anonymity and Security
For Optimal Anonymity:
- Maximum Anonymity (but slower performance)
ISP ➔ Router VPN ➔ Kodachi VPN (VM NAT) ➔ Torified System ➔ Tor DNS ➔ Kodachi loaded browser. - Highly Anonymous (but slow)
ISP ➔ Kodachi VPN ➔ TOR endpoint ➔ Torified System ➔ Tor DNS ➔ Kodachi loaded browser. - Anonymous & Fast
ISP ➔ Kodachi VPN ➔ TOR endpoint ➔ Tor DNS ➔ Kodachi lite browser. - Moderate Anonymity
ISP ➔ Kodachi VPN with forced VPN traffic ➔ Torified System ➔ Tor DNS ➔ Kodachi loaded browser. - Standard Anonymity
ISP ➔ Kodachi VPN ➔ Torified System ➔ Tor DNS ➔ Kodachi loaded browser. - Enhanced Anonymity with Double TOR
ISP ➔ Kodachi VPN with forced VPN traffic ➔ Torified System ➔ Tor browser ➔ Tor DNS. - Double TOR Alternative
ISP ➔ Kodachi VPN ➔ Torified System ➔ Tor browser ➔ Tor DNS.
For Optimal Security (e.g., Email, Banking, Cryptocurrency):
- Highly Secure Setup
ISP ➔ Host machine (XMR VPN) ➔ Kodachi VPN (VM) with forced VPN traffic ➔ Kodachi browser ➔ Dnscrypt. - Secure and Fast
ISP ➔ Kodachi VPN with forced VPN traffic ➔ Kodachi loaded browser ➔ Dnscrypt. - Enhanced Security
ISP ➔ Kodachi VPN with forced VPN traffic ➔ Kodachi loaded browser ➔ Tor DNS. - High Speed and Security
ISP ➔ Kodachi VPN with forced VPN traffic ➔ Kodachi lite browser ➔ Tor DNS. - Double Security with Dnscrypt
ISP ➔ Kodachi VPN with forced VPN traffic ➔ Tor browser ➔ Dnscrypt. - Double Security with Tor DNS
ISP ➔ Kodachi VPN with forced VPN traffic ➔ Tor browser ➔ Tor DNS.
Note: These configurations should be chosen based on personal needs and specific threat models. Consult privacy and security experts or follow trusted sources for the latest best practices. Additionally, ensure that you comply with legal and regulatory requirements in your region when using such technologies. Stay informed on the latest developments in security practices.
Where to Use Kodachi
Linux Kodachi is designed for versatile use cases, providing security across various environments:
- Personal Computing: Ideal for daily use on desktops or laptops, Kodachi can be booted from a flash drive, DVD (slower), or within a virtual machine.
- Corporate Environments: Useful for secure operations in office settings, Kodachi can run from a flash drive, DVD, or virtual machine.
- Internet Cafés: Perfect for public internet access points where privacy is paramount; boot from a flash drive or DVD (may be slower).
- Travel and Hotels: Maintain digital privacy on the go by booting Kodachi from a flash drive or DVD.
- Educational Institutions: Suitable for use in school computer labs, with easy booting from a flash drive or DVD.
- General Compatibility: Kodachi runs on any computer with a DVD-ROM or USB port, provided it supports booting from these devices.
Note: Booting from a DVD ensures compatibility but is slower than using a flash drive. Choose the best method based on your hardware and needs.
Accolades and Reviews
Linux Kodachi has received numerous accolades for its focus on privacy and security. Below are the highlights, organized for quick reference.
🏆 TechRadar Awards (2020–2024)
Recognized as the top Linux distribution for privacy and security for four consecutive years.
- Original Article
- TechRadar PDF 2020
- TechRadar PDF 2021
- TechRadar PDF 2022
- TechRadar PDF 2023
- TechRadar PDF 2024
🏅 Linux Format UK Magazine (2020)
Named the top privacy distribution by Linux Format World UK magazine.
🔥 APC Magazine Hot Product Award (August 2021)
Awarded the “Lab Hot Product” designation by Australian APC Magazine.
🌐 HostZealot & Wikipedia Mentions
- HostZealot Blog lists Kodachi among the top privacy-focused Linux distributions for its security features and ease of use, making it ideal for users concerned about online privacy.
- Wikipedia Pages: Kodachi has dedicated Wikipedia pages available in multiple languages, reflecting its global reach and recognition.
- English Wikipedia
- Italian Wikipedia
- Russian Wikipedia
📄 LinuxHint (2021)
Recognized as the best OS for security and privacy.
💬 TechRepublic & MakeUseOf Reviews
- TechRepublic Review
- MakeUseOf Linux Kodachi Overview
- MakeUseOf Tails vs Linux Kodachi
- MakeUseOf Best Linux Distros for Privacy & Security
- MakeUseOf PDF 2022
🌍 Global Language Reviews
- Losst (Russian, Version 7.1)
- LinuxNewbieSince (English, Version 7.0)
- LinuxInsider (English, Version 5.6)
- Arabic Reviews:
🔹 DistroWatch Recognition (2019)
Awarded first place in privacy by DistroWatch.
📘 Kodachi eBook by Ushby Technical Team
A comprehensive eBook detailing Kodachi’s privacy features and usage.
Join the Kodachi community! Connect with other users, share your experiences, and ask questions on our Discord forum.