When you think about the tools cybersecurity professionals use to keep our digital world safe, Kali Linux often springs to mind first. It’s a favorite for many, packed with programs designed to test how strong IT and communication systems are. But hold on, it’s not the only player in this field. There’s another powerful system that just got a big update: Parrot 6.4.
Parrot OS, also known as Parrot Security OS, first came out in 2013. It’s built on Debian, a solid base for many Linux systems. Its main job is to help with system forensics and penetration testing. Think of it as a digital locksmith’s toolkit, designed for finding weak spots before the bad guys do.
This operating system comes ready with the MATE desktop environment. It uses LightDM, which helps you log in smoothly. This setup gives users a familiar and easy-to-use experience, even with all the specialized tools it holds.
The latest update, Parrot 6.4, brings some important changes. It now runs on the Linux Kernel 6.12 LTS. This means it has better support for different hardware and will receive long-term updates. It’s always good to see the core of an OS get a refresh.
What’s New in Parrot 6.4?
This new version packs even more punch with updated and brand-new security tools:
- Metasploit is now at version 6.4.71.
- Sliver, Caido 0.48.1, and netexec 1.4.0 have all been updated.
- Empire / PowerShell Empire is at 6.1.2, along with Starkiller 3.0.0.
- New tools have joined the lineup, including John The Ripper, Katana, Subfinder, WPScan, Goshs 1.0.5, and ConvoC2.
Beyond the tools, Parrot 6.4 now officially integrates with Microsoft tools via APT. This is a neat addition for those working in mixed environments. Plus, there are general improvements to the system and how users experience it. You can learn more about these changes in the official release notes on parrotsec.org.
It’s important to be clear: this operating system, with its powerful collection of tools, is meant for good. It’s for learning, for academic work, or for ethical hacking where you have permission to test systems. If you don’t know how to use these tools safely and responsibly, it’s best to stay away. They are designed to find weaknesses, and in the wrong hands, that power could be misused.
Parrot 6.4 is available in many different versions to fit various needs. You can get the Home Edition, Security Edition, or Architect & IoT Edition. There are also three Cloud Editions: Architect Edition, HackTheBox Edition, and Docker images. Even Raspberry Pi users can get in on the action with a specific version designed for their devices. All these editions can be downloaded from the official Parrot OS website.