BlackArch

BlackArch is a penetration testing distribution based on Arch Linux that provides a large number of security tools. It is an open-source distro created especially for penetration testers and security researchers. The repository contains more than 2800 tools that can be installed individually or in groups. BlackArch Linux is compatible with existing Arch Linux installations.^{[1] [2]}

BlackArch is similar in usage to both Parrot OS and Kali Linux when fully installed, with a major difference being BlackArch is based on Arch Linux instead of Debian.

BlackArch only provides the Xfce desktop environment in the "Slim ISO" but provides multiple preconfigured Window Managers in the "Full ISO".

Similar to Kali Linux and Parrot OS, BlackArch can be burned to an ISO image and run as a live system.^[1] BlackArch can also be installed as an unofficial user repository on any current Arch Linux installation.^[3]

BlackArch currently contains 2866 packages and tools, along with their dependencies.^[4] BlackArch is developed by a small number of cyber security specialists and researchers that add the packages as well as dependencies needed to run these tools.

Tools categories within the BlackArch distribution (Counting date: 15 April 2024):^[4]

1. blackarch-anti-forensic: 2 tools^[5]
2. blackarch-automation: 109 tools^[6]
3. blackarch-automobile: 3 tools^[7]
4. blackarch-backdoor: 47 tools^[8]
5. blackarch-binary: 71 tools^[9]
6. blackarch-bluetooth: 25 tools^[10]
7. blackarch-code-audit: 34 tools^[11]
8. blackarch-cracker: 169 tools^[12]
9. blackarch-crypto: 81 tools^[13]
10. blackarch-database: 5 tools^[14]
11. blackarch-debugger: 15 tools^[15]
12. blackarch-decompiler: 17 tools^[16]
13. blackarch-defensive: 46 tools^[17]
14. blackarch-disassembler: 20 tools^[18]
15. blackarch-dos: 30 tools^[19]
16. blackarch-drone: 4 tools^[20]
17. blackarch-exploitation: 186 tools^[21]
18. blackarch-fingerprint: 30 tools^[22]
19. blackarch-firmware: 4 tools^[23]
20. blackarch-forensic: 129 tools^[24]
21. blackarch-fuzzer: 85 tools^[25]
22. blackarch-hardware: 6 tools^[26]
23. blackarch-honeypot: 16 tools^[27]
24. blackarch-ids: 1 tool^[28]
25. blackarch-keylogger: 3 tools^[29]
26. blackarch-malware: 34 tools^[30]
27. blackarch-misc: 144 tools^[31]
28. blackarch-mobile: 43 tools^[32]
29. blackarch-networking: 170 tools^[33]
30. blackarch-nfc: 1 tool^[34]
31. blackarch-packer: 2 tools^[35]
32. blackarch-proxy: 38 tools^[36]
33. blackarch-radio: 15 tools^[37]
34. blackarch-recon: 38 tools^[38]
35. blackarch-reversing: 42 tools^[39]
36. blackarch-scanner: 313 tools^[40]
37. blackarch-sniffer: 46 tools^[41]
38. blackarch-social: 59 tools^[42]
39. blackarch-spoof: 17 tools^[43]
40. blackarch-stego: 13 tools^[44]
41. blackarch-tunnel: 27 tools^[45]
42. blackarch-voip: 22 tools^[46]
43. blackarch-webapp: 310 tools^[47]
44. blackarch-windows: 134 tools^[48]
45. blackarch-wireless: 81 tools^[49]
46. Uncategorized tools: 3 tools; didier-stevens-suite, python-search-engine-parser, python-yara-rednaga

• Official website
• BlackArch Installation and development Guide
• BlackArch Linux downloads
• BlackArch DistroWatch page