Matriux Leandros:An Open Source Penetration Testing and Forensic Distribution

Matriux is the first full-fledged Debian-based security distribution designed for penetration testing and forensic investigations. Although it is primarily designed for security enthusiasts and professionals, it can also be used by any Linux user as a desktop system for day-to-day computing. Besides standard Debian software the Matriux Arsenal contains a huge collection of more than 350 most powerful and versatile security and penetration testing tools with around 20-50 more tools being added every release cycle of 6 months. Matriux comes with a custom-built Linux kernel to provide better performance and higher support for hardware to work even with a Pentium IV and 512 MB RAM comfortably. Matriux was first released in 2009 under code name “lithium” and then followed by versions like “xenon” based on Ubuntu. Matriux “Krypton” then followed in 2011 where we moved our system to Debian. Other versions followed for Matriux “Krypton” with v1.2 and then Ec-Centric in 2012. This year we are working releasing Matriux “Leandros” which is currently in beta testing and a major revamp over the existing system. Matriux arsenal is divided into sections with a broader classification of tools for Reconnaissance, Scanning, Attack Tools, Frameworks, Radio (Wireless), Digital Forensics, Debuggers, Tracers, Fuzzers and other miscellaneous tool providing a wider approach over the steps followed for a complete penetration testing and forensic scenario. Although there are were many questions raised regarding why there is a need for another security distribution while there is already one. We believed and followed the free spirit of Linux in making one. We always tried to stay updated with the tool and hardware support and so include the latest tools and compile a custom kernel to stay abreast with the latest technologies in the field of information security. Matriux is also designed to run from a Live environment like a CD/ DVD or USB stick which can be help