Parrot OS 6.4 Arrives: Powered by Linux 6.12 LTS with Enhanced Security Tools and Performance Upgrades

Parrot OS 6.4 Launches with Major Kernel and Security Tool Upgrades

Parrot OS 6.4, the latest iteration of the security-focused Linux distribution, is now officially available. This new release brings substantial enhancements under the hood, most notably integrating the robust Linux 6.12 LTS kernel, which promises improved stability, performance, and long-term support for both enterprise and personal use.

What is Parrot OS?

If you’re new to Parrot OS, it stands out among Linux distributions for its strong focus on cybersecurity and privacy. Built on top of Debian Linux, Parrot OS is a go-to platform for penetration testers, ethical hackers, digital forensics experts, and cyber security professionals worldwide. Its reputation as an all-in-one toolkit makes it an indispensable resource for professionals who demand advanced security testing and digital investigation tools.

Upgraded Security Tools for Advanced Threat Analysis

With Parrot OS 6.4, users gain access to a refreshed suite of essential security tools. Major updates include Metasploit 6.4.71 for penetration testing, PowerShell Empire upgraded to 6.1.2 for post-exploitation, and the web application security proxy Caido now at version 0.48.1. These tools offer improved capabilities for conducting penetration tests, incident response, and vulnerability assessment, keeping the operating system at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation.

Enhanced Browsing Privacy and Latest Browsers

For web browsing, Parrot OS 6.4 ships with Firefox 140 ESR, packed with Parrot’s custom-built privacy enhancements. The development team addressed Firefox’s new configuration handling by implementing an automatic solution: whenever Firefox is updated, Parrot’s unique privacy settings are instantly restored, ensuring that the browser’s telemetry never transmits user data without consent. Chromium fans will also benefit from the included update to version 138.0.7204.92, giving users a choice of modern browsers secured with Parrot’s mindful privacy features.

Developer-Friendly: Integrated Microsoft Tooling and Easy Updates

Parrot OS has expanded its repository by natively supporting powerful Microsoft development tools such as PowerShell 7.5 and the latest .NET SDKs. This makes it easier for developers and security professionals to set up cross-platform workflows directly from Parrot’s package manager. Additionally, the communication platform Rocket has been officially added to the repos, making team collaboration even smoother. Installing these new tools is as simple as running sudo apt install rocket in the terminal.

Simplified System Upgrades and Expanded System Packages

Upgrading to Parrot OS 6.4 is straightforward. Existing users can simply use sudo parrot-upgrade or sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade to bring their systems up to date. Noteworthy package updates include curl 8.14.1, golang-go 2:1.23, and systemd 254.26, ensuring an up-to-date and secure Linux foundation.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Parrot OS?

According to the development team, Parrot OS 6.4 will likely be the final release in the 6.x series. Work is already underway on Parrot OS 7, which will be based on the highly anticipated Debian 13. Future plans include supporting additional desktop environments and expanding compatibility to the emerging RISC-V architecture, signaling a commitment to innovation and broader hardware reach.

Parrot OS 6.4 not only solidifies its position as a premier security-focused Linux distribution but also ensures professionals have access to the latest and most reliable tools in cybersecurity. For those interested in a secure, versatile, and feature-rich operating system, Parrot OS 6.4 is a top contender worth exploring.