1
Also covers privacy and security · open source
This community guide collects recommendations for improving security and privacy on macOS.
Alternatives
The Best Linux Hardening Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives2 free · 3 open source
Looking for something like Linux Hardening? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 2 are free or have a free plan and 3 are open source.
About Linux Hardeningvez.mrsk.me/linux-hardening.html
VisitThis guide collects Linux kernel and userland settings for improving security and usability, targeting Arch Linux and potentially other distributions.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionmacOS Privacy GuideThis community guide collects recommendations for improving…Free or freemium optionTombTomb makes strong encryption easier for everyday use by…Another optionTraceeTracee monitors runtime security events and supports…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | macOS Privacy Guide | — | Yes | macOS |
| 2 | Tracee | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 3 | Qubes | — | Not stated | Web |
| 4 | How to Secure a Linux Server | — | Not stated | Linux |
| 5 | USBGuard | — | Yes | Linux |
| 6 | Santa | — | Yes | macOS |
| 7 | WhoAmI Project | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 8 | Securely Wipe Disk | — | Not stated | Web |
| 9 | Kextviewr | — | Not stated | macOS, Web |
| 10 | Linux Hardening | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
All Linux Hardening alternatives
2
Tracee
aquasecurity.github.io/tracee/latestAlso covers linux, privacy, and security · same kind of website
Tracee monitors runtime security events and supports forensic analysis with eBPF instrumentation.
3
Qubes
qubes-os.orgAlso covers privacy and security · same kind of website
Qubes OS is a free, open-source operating system for personal computers that uses compartmentalization as a security approach.
4
How to Secure a Linux Server
github.com/imthenachoman/How-To-Secure-A-Linux…Also covers linux, privacy, and security
Follow this evolving guide for steps and configuration examples to secure a Linux server.
5
Also covers linux, privacy, and security · open source
Set USB device authorization rules with USBGuard, a framework for controlling device access.
6
Also covers privacy and security · open source
Authorize binary execution and file access on macOS with Santa, a system extension and policy tool.
7
WhoAmI Project
owerdogan.github.io/whoami-projectAlso covers linux and privacy · same kind of website
Use the WhoAmI Project to configure enhanced privacy and anonymity for Debian- or Arch-based Linux distributions.
8
Securely Wipe Disk
wiki.archlinux.org/title/Securely_wipe_diskAlso covers privacy · same kind of website
The ArchWiki guide covers securely wiping a disk, with related security articles and Arch Linux resources on the wiki.
9
Kextviewr
objective-see.org/products/kextviewr.htmlAlso covers privacy · same kind of website
View details about kernel modules loaded on macOS with KextViewr, a utility from Objective-See.
10
Linux Hardening
madaidans-insecurities.github.io/guides/linux-…Also covers linux and privacy · same kind of website
Follow this Linux hardening guide for steps to improve the security of a Linux system.
11
Telemetry.md
gist.github.com/ave9858/a2153957afb053f7d0e7ff…Also covers privacy · same kind of website
Read the telemetry disclosure and settings for the Telemetry.md GitHub Gist.
12
1Blocker
1blocker.comAlso covers privacy
1Blocker blocks ads, trackers, and unwanted web content in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, with rules and settings synced over iCloud.
13
ShuffleStacks
shufflecake.netAlso covers linux and privacy · same kind of website
Shufflecake is a Linux tool for creating multiple hidden filesystems with plausible deniability.
14
Collision
flathub.org/apps/dev.geopjr.CollisionAlso covers linux and privacy · same kind of website
Collision checks file hashes on Linux, with installation available through Flathub.
15
Also covers linux and privacy · same kind of website · free
Tomb makes strong encryption easier for everyday use by creating locked folders that can be transported and hidden in a filesystem.
16
Freenet
freenet.orgAlso covers linux and privacy · same kind of website
Freenet offers peer-to-peer apps that operate without company control or dedicated servers, according to the project site.
17
Hyphanet
hyphanet.orgAlso covers linux and privacy · same kind of website
Hyphanet provides information and downloads for a project focused on protecting internet privacy.
18
Also covers privacy · same kind of website · free plan
Stay for Safari lists userscripts and ad blocking among its features, with ratings and reviews available on the App Store.
19
OnionHop
onionhop.deAlso covers linux and privacy · same kind of website
OnionHop routes desktop traffic through Tor, with proxy and system-wide VPN modes, bridges, split tunneling, and a kill switch.
20
Tor Browser
torproject.orgAlso covers privacy · same kind of website
The Tor Project promotes online anonymity and tools to defend against tracking, surveillance, and censorship.
21
KnockKnock
objective-see.org/products/knockknock.htmlAlso covers privacy · same kind of website
Check which software is persistently installed on a Mac with KnockKnock, a tool for inspecting startup items.
22
Tunnelblick
tunnelblick.netAlso covers privacy · same kind of website
Tunnelblick is free, open-source macOS software for controlling OpenVPN connections, with downloads and support information on its site.
23
MailTrackerBlocker
apparition47.github.io/MailTrackerBlockerAlso covers privacy · same kind of website
The MailTrackerBlocker extension for macOS Apple Mail blocks email trackers, read receipts, and tracking pixels.
24
Lockdown Privacy
lockdownprivacy.comAlso covers privacy · same kind of website
Lockdown Privacy offers an open-source firewall for blocking trackers, ads, and badware in apps on iPhone and iPad.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
Stay24 alternativesmacOS Privacy Guide24 alternativesLinux Hardening24 alternativesHow to Secure a Linux Server24 alternativesCollision24 alternativesSecurely Wipe Disk24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to Linux Hardening?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to Linux Hardening are macOS Privacy Guide, Tracee, and Qubes.
Is there a free alternative to Linux Hardening?
Yes. Tomb and Stay are free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to Linux Hardening?
Yes: macOS Privacy Guide, USBGuard, and Santa.
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative