Qubes OS

Operating system that compartmentalises work into isolated virtual machines.

FreeOpen sourceLinux
Official websitequbes-os.orgSource codegithub.com

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About Qubes OS

Qubes OS runs applications in separate Xen virtual machines grouped by trust level, with coloured window borders showing which qube each window belongs to, and dedicated qubes for networking and USB so a compromise stays contained. Whonix is integrated for anonymous qubes.

Strengths

  • Compromise of one qube does not reach the others, by design
  • Networking and USB are themselves isolated in dedicated qubes

Limitations

  • Demanding hardware requirements and a strict compatibility list
  • Day-to-day use requires changing how you think about files and applications

Details

Pricing
FreeThe open-source system is available without a license fee.
License
Open source, license not stated
Developer
The Qubes OS Project
Platforms
Linux
How it runs
Operating system
Best suited for
Operating system that compartmentalises work into isolated virtual machines
Categories
Security tools
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Selected from the TechWalrus Resource Hub (Cybersecurity & Pentesting); facts checked against the developer's own pages, 3 sources on file.

Alternatives to Qubes OS

Compare all

Software that can replace Qubes OS for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • Kicksecure

    Hardened Debian derivative with kernel hardening and exploit mitigations.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Kicksecure is a hardened Debian derivative that relies on kernel hardening instead of isolating work in virtual machines, and it can convert an existing Debian install.

  • OpenBSD

    A free, security-focused BSD Unix operating system that runs on many hardware platforms.

    FreeOpen sourceCommand line

    OpenBSD is a security-focused BSD Unix with a strong default install record, but it offers no virtual machine compartmentalisation and puts less focus on desktop convenience.

  • HardenedBSD

    A security-hardened fork of FreeBSD that adds exploit mitigations such as ASLR.

    FreeOpen sourceCommand line

    HardenedBSD adds exploit mitigations such as ASLR on top of FreeBSD rather than compartmentalising work, and it is aimed at users already comfortable with FreeBSD.

Qubes OS as an alternative

Listings that name Qubes OS as an alternative.

  • Sandboxie-Plus

    Runs a Windows program inside an isolated box, so whatever it writes to disk or the registry disappears afterwards.

    FreeOpen sourceWindows

    Qubes OS replaces Windows entirely with an operating system that isolates work in separate virtual machines, giving stronger separation but with demanding hardware requirements.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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