The Linux distribution Whonix, which has been specially optimized for data protection, is based in the latest version 16.0 for the first time on Debian 11 (“Bullseye”) and is intended to protect the privacy of users with the help of the TCP anonymization network TOR Respect, protect and preserve as best as possible.
Proven principle on a new basis
The Linux distribution Debian GNU/Linux, which is particularly considered to be extremely stable, has always served as the basis for the free operating system, which, with the help of virtualization and onion routing, focuses entirely on the highest possible anonymity, privacy and security for users on the Internet. The open source operating system first appeared on September 29, 2012 and supports a wide variety of platforms from Linux to macOS to Windows.
Whonix in VirtualBox under Windows (Image: Whonix)
The Whonix-XFCE-16.0.2.7 (OVA) system image, which has grown significantly with 2.1 GB, and the size of the image of the predecessor Whonix 15 was 1.5 GB, can be updated to the latest version with the help of the free virtualization software Oracle VM VirtualBox Use version 6.1.26 under Windows 10 and 8 as well as macOS and Linux. To do this, the virtualization features Intel VT-x or AMD-V must be activated in the BIOS.
The main features of Whonix 16, which also makes a big leap on the desktop and yet The very old Xfce 4.12 changes to the current Xfce 4.16 and thanks to Debian 11 to the LTS kernel Linux 5.10.46, are logged in the official release notes as follows:
Major Changes
ported Debian base from Debian 10 buster to Debian 11 bullseye (discussion)
Monero GUI wallet (XMR) version 0.17.2.3
electrum Bitcoin (BTC) wallet version 4.0.9 (Debian stable version)
package binaries-freedom is deprecated (reason) (electrum installed from packages.debian.org stable repository)
switched back from deb.torproject.org tor package to packages.debian.org stable tor package (Tor integration in Whonix ™ Development Notes)
enable Debian fasttrack repository by default
updated paths from/usr/lib to/usr/libexec where appropriate as per lintian Debian FSH
VirtualBox version: this release is using VirtualBox guest additions version 6.1.26-dfsg-3 from fasttrack.debian.net version ( details)
Whonix 16 – Release Notes
A system of two virtual machines
The operating system itself still consists of two completely of each other separate virtual machines, the “Whonix workstation” and the “Whonix gateway” for onion routing of browsing, instant messaging, IRC, SSH, e-mail and P2P over the TOR network.
Communication runs 100 percent via TOR
With the help of the Whonix gateway, the Whonix workstation directs all network communication, even those for updates that are imported with the Linux package manager APT, via the decentralized and largely anonymous TOR network.
Qubes OS as host for particularly high security
In addition to VirtualBox and KVM, Whonix also supports the Linux distribution Qubes OS, which is also designed for anonymity and security and which is also used with the best recommendations by whistleblower Edward Snowden via the Whonix gateway, as virtualization software and host. The workstation always uses the gateway for external communication and only has a private IPv4 address.
I use Qubes and a Whonix gateway literally everyday, but you can't simply throw Qubes at a non-technical journalist and have them not get you arrested. Qubes is intended for people who understand how a network operates and what a virtual machine is. Most journalists don & # 39; t.
& mdash; Edward Snowden (@Snowden) August 25, 2019
Every time Whonix is started in a virtual environment, it checks whether the system is up to date and whether the time and date are correct are set correctly.
Check integrity and anonymity
The integrity of the system and the availability of updates as well as the proper connection to the TOR network can be checked and verified at any time using the system's own tool “Whonixcheck”.
In addition, the Linux distribution offers many useful applications and little helpers that also come with with a focus on data protection and the greatest possible anonymity.
The YouTube channel “Linux Network” demonstrates the Whonix feature set using version 15.
Note: After the initial installation or the first start-up in the virtual machine, Whonix 16 asks for a specified user name and password (changeme). The official documentation provides more information.
