BackTrack is an Ubuntu-based distribution with a collection of security and forensics tools.

Offensive Security has announced the release of BackTrack 4, an Ubuntu-based live DVD containing a large collection of tools for security audits, computer forensics and penetration testing: "BackTrack 4 final is out and along with this release come some exciting news, updates, and developments.

BackTrack 4 has been a long and steady road, with the release of a beta last year, we decided to hold off on releasing BackTrack 4 final until it was perfected in every way, shape and form.

This release includes a new kernel, a larger and expanded toolset repository, custom tools that you can only find on BackTrack, and more importantly, fixes to all major bugs that we knew of.

This release has received an overwhelming support from the community and we are grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success of this release."

Updates (via Distrowatch):

Offensive Security has announced the release of the second respin of BackTrack 4, an Ubuntu-based distribution featuring a collection of security tools for digital forensics and penetration testing: "Yes, the time has come again -- for a new kernel, and a new release of BackTrack. Code-named 'Nemesis', this release is our finest as yet, with faster desktop responsiveness, better hardware support, broader wireless card support, and streamlined work environment. The run down: Linux kernel 2.6.35.8 with a much improved mac80211 stack; USB 3.0 support; all wireless injection patches applied, maximum support for wireless attacks; a revamped Fluxbox environment for the KDE challenged; Metasploit rebuilt from scratch, MySQL db_drivers working out of the box; updated old packages, added new ones; new BackTrack Wiki with better documentation and support...."

Read the full release announcement for further details.

Download (MD5): bt4-r2.iso (1,941MB, torrent).

Recent releases:

• 2010-11-23: Distribution Release: BackTrack 4 R2
• 2010-08-11: Distribution Release: BackTrack 4 R1
• 2010-01-12: Distribution Release: BackTrack 4
• 2009-06-20: Development Release: BackTrack 4 Pre-Final
• 2009-02-11: Development Release: BackTrack 4 Beta
• 2007-03-07: Distribution Release: BackTrack 2.0

BackTrack is an Ubuntu-based distribution with a collection of security and forensics tools. It was created by merging Auditor Security Linux with WHAX (formerly Whoppix).

Features

BackTrack focuses its central idea on the needs of Penetration testers. The inclusion of Live CD and Live USB functionality enables any user to just insert their respective data medium and boot up BackTrack. Direct hard disk installations (2.7 GB uncompressed) can also be completed within the Live CD (700 MB compressed) environment through the basic graphical installation wizard with no restart subsequent to installation. BackTrack further continues its compatibility with the computer forensics demographic with accessibility and internationalization by including support for Japanese input in reading and writing in Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji.

The key additions to the BackTrack suite are notably -

* Metasploit integration
* RFMON Injection capable wireless drivers
* Kismet
* AutoScan-Network - AutoScan-Network is a network discovering and managing application
* Nmap
* Ettercap
* Wireshark (formerly known as Ethereal)

A screenshot of the BackTrack 2 categories
The BackTrack 1.0 desktop

BackTrack's functionality further increases with the arrangement of each tool in 16 categories. The tool categories are as follows -

* Enumeration
* Exploit Archives
* Scanners
* Password Attacks
* Fuzzers
* Spoofing
* Sniffers
* Tunneling
* Wireless Tools
* Bluetooth
* Cisco Tools
* Database Tools
* Forensic Tools
* Reversing
* Misc

Screenshots:

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About Hugo

Ubuntu is a Linux distribution that offers an operating system predominantly focused on desktop computers but also provides support for servers. Based on Debian GNU / Linux, Ubuntu focuses on ease of use, freedom in usage restriction, regular releases (every 6 months) and ease of installation.