Linux Kodachi — Overview
Linux Kodachi
Linux Kodachi is a privacy-focused Debian-based distribution with hardened defaults and an integrated anonymity stack (failover VPN, Tor routing, DNS protection, and anti-forensics utilities) that most operating systems leave users to assemble and harden manually.
Kodachi 9.0.1 introduces KAICS (Kodachi AI Command Intelligence System) plus ai-gateway, forming an intelligent, self-improving security platform: control services in plain English with ai-cmd, manage and validate models with ai-trainer, improve accuracy through feedback with ai-learner, automate monitoring with ai-monitor/ai-scheduler, and enforce machine-safe execution through ai-gateway. kodachi-claw provides an anonymous autonomous AI agent runtime with embedded Tor circuits, identity randomization, and OPSEC filtering. KAICS is offline-first, using tiered local intelligence (TF-IDF → ONNX semantic → Mistral.rs GGUF → GenAI/Ollama) with optional cloud inference routable through VPN or Tor only when explicitly selected (Claude CLI).
New users: start with the Quick Start, then review the AI Command Guide and the Binaries Overview.
Kodachi Desktop Edition — Released
Kodachi Desktop brings full Kodachi security to a permanent installation. A privacy-hardened Debian XFCE distribution with offline installation, bundled Secure Boot support, and the complete Kodachi anonymity stack pre-configured from first boot. No network required during setup — no IP prompts, no DHCP delays, no fingerprinting window. VPN failover, Tor routing, DNS protection, anti-forensics, and all 20 Rust security services ready out of the box. Get Kodachi Desktop →
Introducing Kodachi Claw — Anonymous AI Agent Runtime
kodachi-claw is here. Forged from ZeroClaw's ultra-lightweight Rust agent engine, it hides your AI agent inside the Tor network. Every API call, every model request, every channel message routes through embedded Tor circuits with identity randomization and OPSEC filtering. Connect to 28+ AI providers, listen on 15+ channels (Telegram, Discord, Slack, Matrix, Signal, and more), execute tools, manage memory, and run scheduled tasks — all from a single binary that cannot be tracked, fingerprinted, or traced. Explore Kodachi Claw →
New: Kodachi AI Command Intelligence — Ask Anything in Plain English
KAICS + ai-gateway transform Kodachi into an intelligent security platform. AI tooling with NLP-driven command processing, proactive security automation, offline-first tiered intelligence, and policy-enforced agent execution. kodachi-claw adds an anonymous AI agent runtime where every request routes through embedded Tor circuits with identity randomization. Just describe what you want — Kodachi handles safe orchestration.
The Kodachi Story
The Beginning (2005-2013)
Beginning in 2005, my journey with Linux started on the desktop, built on a solid background in server management. Initially drawn to the flexibility of Linux Mint, I realized many of its most powerful features were hidden behind graphical interfaces. That discovery led me back to Windows for a period, but my passion for Linux never faded. By late 2012, I set out to create a secure, user-friendly alternative, starting with Linux Mint before transitioning to Ubuntu for its driver support and broader hardware compatibility. On 20 October 2013, the first version of Kodachi OS was released, marking the start of a development journey that has now spanned nearly 12 years.
The Vision & Design (2013-2015)
My vision was clear: build an operating system that empowers everyday users with robust privacy and security without requiring deep technical expertise. Kodachi was designed as a secure daily driver, integrating a built-in VPN, DNS control scripts, Tor integration, encrypted crypto wallets, full-disk encryption utilities, and a custom browser with advanced security features. The result is an environment where powerful protection is accessible to anyone, not just experts.
Community Growth & Recognition (2015-2020)
Encouraged by its potential, I shared Kodachi with the wider community. Over the years there were moments when I stepped away from development, yet the unwavering support of its users continually pulled me back. Today, Kodachi stands among the top security-focused Linux systems, widely recognized for its intuitive dashboard, elegant interface, and role in making Linux security approachable for thousands of users. With an average of 7,000 downloads per month and peaks up to 10,000, as verified by SourceForge download statistics, Kodachi has earned a trusted place in the cybersecurity landscape.
Transformation & Impact (2020-2023)
Kodachi is more than software; it has been a transformative journey for both myself and its community. Users consistently share how it changed their approach to digital privacy, shifting them from passive observers to proactive guardians of their security. For many, Kodachi has been the bridge that opened their eyes to the true potential of Linux.
Commitment & Dedication (2023-Present)
Even as a one-person project, Kodachi continues to grow through relentless dedication and the inspiration drawn from its community. I prioritize security and stability above all else, addressing vulnerabilities swiftly and releasing timely patches, often in rapid succession, to ensure reliability. This hands-on response reflects my deep commitment to protecting users.
The Future Mission (2025 & Beyond)
Kodachi represents the rare balance of advanced protection with true ease of use. Every release strengthens this foundation, ensuring users can rely on it to safeguard their digital lives. Looking ahead, my mission remains the same: to evolve Kodachi as a trusted, cutting-edge platform where privacy and security are not optional, but built-in for everyone.
Global Reach & Community Trust
Kodachi 9: Development & Architecture
Linux Kodachi Architecture
Complete security lifecycle from boot verification through secure termination
Master VPS Node
Authentication Gateway
- User Authentication
- Documentation Access
- VPS Node Assignment
- Initial Access Control
Connection Flow
After authentication, users connect DIRECTLY to assigned VPS nodes
Free VPS Nodes
- Shared VPS
- High Load
- Many Users Per Server
FREE TIER USERS
Premium VPS Nodes
- Limited Users/Node
- Balanced Performance
- Better Speed
PREMIUM TIER USERS
Enterprise Nodes
- Dedicated Servers
- Custom Architecture
- Maximum Performance
ENTERPRISE USERS
Client Connection
VPS Infrastructure & Master Node
All deployments connect here for authentication, updates, and security services
Kodachi Binaries / Backend Services
Released: 03 October 2025
Updated: 26 February 2026
Components:
- 13 Rust Binaries
- Service Layer
- Security Core
Foundation: Rust Optimized Core Components
Purpose: Foundation for all deployments
Availability: Also available standalone for Linux distros
Frontend Desktop App
GUI Components
System Controls
Released: 03 October 2025
Updated: 26 February 2026
Kodachi Desktop
Debian + XFCE Desktop
Full OS with GUI
Released: 26 February 2026
Updated: 20 February 2026
Kodachi Terminal Server
Terminal-Only Live ISO
Testing & SOCKS Proxy Gateway
Released: 30 October 2025
Updated: 26 February 2026
Support Kodachi's Mission
View our pricing plans, donation options, and learn how your support keeps Kodachi free for personal use while ensuring long-term sustainability.
View Support & PricingKodachi Desktop Edition — Released
Now Available: Kodachi Desktop XFCE
A full XFCE desktop based on Debian 13 (Trixie), designed for daily privacy-focused computing with a complete GUI application suite. Ships with all 22 Kodachi binaries, the Tauri Dashboard, Conky system monitor, and 10 dynamic application layers.
For complete documentation, installation guides, and layer details:
View Desktop DocumentationKodachi Terminal Server Edition — Production Ready
Now Available: Terminal Server Live ISO
A minimal, terminal-only live ISO based on Debian 13 (Trixie) designed for two critical missions: bulletproof testing of the full Kodachi toolchain and operating as a dedicated SOCKS proxy gateway for your network. Built for power users, hardened servers, and elegant headless deployments.
For complete documentation, installation guides, and workflow examples:
View Terminal Server DocumentationKey Use Cases
Binary Testing Environment: Safe, isolated environment to test all 22 Kodachi binaries in VMware, VirtualBox, or bare metal without affecting your main system.
Network-Wide SOCKS Proxy: Run as a dedicated proxy gateway on old hardware or VM to anonymize your entire network through a single centralized point.
Privacy-First Operations: 92+ pre-configured security workflows, 12+ routing protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, Tor, Shadowsocks, V2Ray, Xray, Hysteria2), and comprehensive anonymity configurations.
AI-Powered Intelligence: KAICS plus ai-gateway — 6-tier AI engine (TF-IDF → ONNX → Mistral.rs → GenAI/Ollama → Legacy LLM → Claude CLI), natural language command interface with real-time streaming and native tool calling, proactive monitoring, automated scheduling, and policy-enforced machine execution for trusted agents. kodachi-claw adds an anonymous autonomous AI agent runtime with embedded Tor circuits, identity randomization, and OPSEC filtering — every AI request invisible on the network. All core AI processing happens locally — optional cloud AI tiers can be routed through VPN or Tor.
Security & Privacy Linux Operating Systems — Feature Comparison
This comparison highlights key capabilities across major privacy OS platforms.
Note: This comparison was generated by GPT and Claude AI.
Global Recognition & Awards
Major Media Recognition
ZDNet 2025
Featured as one of the "5 best Linux distros for staying anonymous when a VPN isn't enough"
Linux Format UK
Named "Top Privacy Distribution" by Linux Format World UK Magazine (2020)
APC Magazine
Awarded "Lab Hot Product" designation by Australian APC Magazine (August 2021)
Global Presence
Wikipedia Recognition
Official documentation across multiple languages
Global Reach: Official recognition across 3 major Wikipedia editions, serving millions of readers worldwide
Professional Reviews & Analysis
Professional Reviews & Media Coverage
Learn Through Video
Featured Video Content
Release history
Kodachi has been continuously updated since October 20, 2013. With 50+ releases spanning 11 years, each version brings enhanced security, new features, and improved performance. View the complete release timeline for all versions.
Legal Notice and Terms of Use
By using Linux Kodachi, you acknowledge and agree that its primary purpose is to protect legitimate privacy rights and ensure secure online activities.
IMPORTANT LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Kodachi must NOT be used for illegal activities or criminal purposes
• Users are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws in their jurisdiction
• The developers disclaim all liability for misuse or illegal use of this software
• This software is provided for legitimate privacy protection, security research, and educational purposes only
If you intend to use this software for unlawful purposes, you must discontinue use immediately.