Astra Linux Special Edition 1.8 Released in Russia

Rusbatek-Astra LLC Introduces Special Edition of Astra Linux
Rusbatek-Astra LLC has unveiled a special purpose distribution of Astra Linux Special Edition 1.8, designed for the protection of confidential information and state secrets of “special importance”. The distribution, based on the Debian GNU/Linux package base, features additional security mechanisms including a proprietary seizure system, audit, file control and authenticity (PARSEC), guaranteed file removal, and a core with enhanced safety patches. The user interface is built on the proprietary environment of the Fly desktop with components using the QT library. According to a licensed agreement, users are restricted from commercial use without a license agreement, decompilation, and dissemination of the product. The original work algorithms and source codes developed exclusively for Astra Linux are classified as commercial secrets. Users are allowed to install only one copy of the product on one computer or virtual machine and create only one backup copy of the carrier with the product. Ready-made assemblies are not yet publicly available. The distribution has undergone rigorous testing in the certification system of information protection tools by FSTEK of Russia, achieving the highest level of trust. This allows it to be used for processing information classified as state secret of “special importance”. The certification confirms compliance with security requirements for operating systems, virtualization and containerization tools, as well as database management systems. The major updates included in Astra Linux Special Edition 1.8 are: Updated base to Debian 12. Choice of two Linux kernel packages based on releases 6.1 and 6.6, with long-term and short-term support respectively. Introduction of two separate repositories: Main for certified packages and Extended for development tools and additional packages. Launch of the new Astra-Innstaller for system installation in Live mode with support for remote installation control via VNC protocol. Automated update process from Astra Linux 1.7 to release 1.8 with rollback option in case of update issues. Implementation of predictable network interface naming scheme.

Rusbatek-Astra LLC Introduces Special Edition of Astra Linux

Rusbatek-Astra LLC has unveiled a special purpose distribution of Astra Linux Special Edition 1.8, designed for the protection of confidential information and state secrets of “special importance”. The distribution, based on the Debian GNU/Linux package base, features additional security mechanisms including a proprietary seizure system, audit, file control and authenticity (PARSEC), guaranteed file removal, and a core with enhanced safety patches. The user interface is built on the proprietary environment of the Fly desktop with components using the QT library.

According to a licensed agreement, users are restricted from commercial use without a license agreement, decompilation, and dissemination of the product. The original work algorithms and source codes developed exclusively for Astra Linux are classified as commercial secrets. Users are allowed to install only one copy of the product on one computer or virtual machine and create only one backup copy of the carrier with the product. Ready-made assemblies are not yet publicly available.

The distribution has undergone rigorous testing in the certification system of information protection tools by FSTEK of Russia, achieving the highest level of trust. This allows it to be used for processing information classified as state secret of “special importance”. The certification confirms compliance with security requirements for operating systems, virtualization and containerization tools, as well as database management systems.

The major updates included in Astra Linux Special Edition 1.8 are:

Updated base to Debian 12.
Choice of two Linux kernel packages based on releases 6.1 and 6.6, with long-term and short-term support respectively.
Introduction of two separate repositories: Main for certified packages and Extended for development tools and additional packages.
Launch of the new Astra-Innstaller for system installation in Live mode with support for remote installation control via VNC protocol.
Automated update process from Astra Linux 1.7 to release 1.8 with rollback option in case of update issues.
Implementation of predictable network interface naming scheme.

/Reports, release notes, official announcements.