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Abstract: Real "black hat" hackers use their skills to provide malicious attacks against government, institutions and other organizations for either financial benefits, methods of protest or publicity. Although it is true that most hackers prefer Linux operating systems, many advanced attacks occur in Microsoft Windows in plain sight. Linux is an easy target for hackers because it is an open-source system. This means that millions of lines of code can viewed publicly and can easily be modified. The system is very flexible, and the hacker can easily check for vulnerabilities through penetration testing, while also having the capabilities to hide their tracks. Windows is a required, but dreaded target for most hackers because it requires them to work in Windows-only environments. It is much more restrictive than Linux, yet is still vulnerable because most exploits are directed at targets running on Windows operating systems. These types of attacks can only be approached in a Windows based environment. This research paper will compare different operating systems used to hack, with a focus of Linux and Windows. It will explain the methodology behind why Hackers choose Linux, as their system of choice to and include key preferences such as source code and interface types. This paper will also cover some of the most popular operating systems besides Linux and Windows for 2017, including: Parrot Security OS, Samurai, Pentoo and Bugtraq.
Keywords: cyber-attacks, cyber warfare, cyber security, operating systems, professional hackers, Microsoft Windows, Linux, open source, closed source, command line interface, graphical user interface, portability, traceability, universality, system vulnerabilities, Parrot Security OS, Samurai, Pentoo, Bugtraq
1. Introduction
Professional hackers need to use operating systems that cannot be traced back to them. The purpose of this research is to examine what hackers look for in operating systems. We will examine and compare user interfaces, source type, portability, universality and other features of operating systems. Previous research indicates that hacking requires an extensive and detailed understanding of information technology. By determining methods hackers use and their preference of attacks, one can better prepare to defend against such attacks. This study can both benefit ethical hackers and researchers, as well examine different attack mechanisms of black hat hackers. Black and gray hat hackers are considered the typical professional in the...