Kodachi Desktop Debian XFCE
Kodachi Desktop XFCE Edition
A full-featured desktop OS based on Debian 13 (Trixie) with the XFCE desktop environment, purpose-built for daily privacy-focused computing. Ships with the full Kodachi binary suite pre-installed, the Kodachi Dashboard (Tauri 2 + Svelte 5), a Lua-powered Conky system monitor, and a complete GUI application suite spanning browsers, office, multimedia, security tools, and development environments. Supports KAICS plus ai-gateway as optional add-ons, and kodachi-claw for anonymous autonomous AI agent operations with embedded Tor circuits. 18 months of development. Built for privacy-conscious desktop users.
Download & Installation First Release: 26 February 2026 9.0.1 | Desktop last updated 08 April 2026 - build #58
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Installation Methods
- Bare Metal - Install directly on hardware for maximum performance and daily use
- Virtual Machine - Run in VMware/VirtualBox/QEMU for testing or isolated environments
- Live USB - Boot from USB drive without installation (portable, leaves no traces)
- Persistent Storage - Enable persistence for configuration retention across reboots
Need boot-time LUKS nuke? Use the Debian installer from the ISO GRUB menu, not the normal GUI encrypted path. Boot the ISO, open Advanced options & fallback modes..., then choose Install Kodachi (Text + Full Disk Encryption, Boot-Nuke Compatible) or the unattended encrypted entry.
Those Debian-installer entries keep /boot outside LUKS so the passphrase prompt stays in initramfs, which is required for cryptsetup-nuke-password. The Calamares GUI installer is still fine for standard installs, but GUI encrypted installs may put the first LUKS prompt in GRUB, which blocks duress-at-boot nuke.
Create Bootable USB
dd command will overwrite the entire drive without confirmation. Use lsblk or diskutil list to verify the correct device before writing.
Why Kodachi Desktop
Kodachi Desktop is not a respin. It is a purpose-built operating system where every package, every configuration file, and every default setting was chosen with a single objective: uncompromising privacy for daily desktop computing.
Built over 18 months on Debian 13 (Trixie), Kodachi Desktop combines the terminal security stack with a complete XFCE desktop environment. The system includes 460 curated packages: 268 terminal-level security and networking packages plus 192 desktop GUI applications, each serving a specific privacy role.
The desktop ships with a dark theme (LK_Material-Black-Lime) optimized for operational security. Under the hood, Kodachi binaries form a unified security control plane managed through the Kodachi Dashboard (Tauri 2 + Svelte 5).
Privacy by Design
Every network connection leaving Kodachi Desktop is privacy-protected by default. The system enforces privacy from the moment the kernel loads.
12+ Routing Protocols
WireGuard, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, V2Ray, Xray (VLESS/Reality), Hysteria2, Mieru (MITA), Dante, and Microsocks. Any protocol can be layered with system-wide Tor routing via tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns, encrypting every packet including DNS queries.
DNSCrypt Auto-Config
Encrypted DNS activates automatically on first boot via dns-switch. No manual configuration required — the system selects optimal servers and enforces encrypted resolution from the moment the desktop loads.
MAC Randomization
Hardware identity is randomized on every boot via health-control. Your network adapter presents a different MAC address each session, preventing device fingerprinting across networks.
VPN Kill Switch
Blocks all outbound traffic instantly if the VPN connection drops. Prevents IP leaks during connection interruptions, ensuring your real address is never exposed to the network.
System Hardening
Kodachi Desktop applies defense-in-depth from the kernel upward. Mandatory access controls, file integrity monitoring, audit logging, device whitelisting, and application sandboxing create a layered security posture.
AppArmor
Mandatory access control that confines critical applications to minimum required permissions. Profiles restrict file access, network capabilities, and system call usage per application.
AIDE
File integrity monitoring with cryptographic hash detection. Maintains a baseline database of system files and alerts on unauthorized modifications, additions, or deletions.
auditd
System call recording, file access logging, and privilege escalation tracking. Writes tamper-resistant audit logs for forensic analysis and compliance reporting.
Firejail
Application sandboxing with separate filesystem namespaces and network stacks. Isolates browser, email, and messaging apps from each other and from sensitive system resources.
Portmaster
Application-level firewall and network monitor from Safing. Provides per-application traffic visibility and policy enforcement through a desktop UI and system service.
Secure Boot
UEFI Secure Boot with signed GRUB and shim packages. Verifies bootloader integrity before execution, preventing rootkits and unauthorized boot-time modifications.
Binary Security Suite
Kodachi Desktop ships a full set of high-performance binaries that form a unified security control plane. Each binary uses strict error handling with no .unwrap() calls in production code.
health-control
213 commands — System monitoring, emergency panic modes, security scoring, kill switches, MAC randomization, hostname management, and memory security controls.
tor-switch
107 commands — Tor lifecycle management, load balancing, exit node control, system-wide torrification, and circuit management.
dns-switch
27 commands — DNS server management, DNSCrypt configuration, Pi-hole integration, and encrypted resolution enforcement.
routing-switch
18 commands — VPN and Tor routing control, protocol switching between 12+ transport methods, and traffic redirection rules.
integrity-check
Binary signature verification, cryptographic hash validation, and system file integrity monitoring against the signed baseline.
permission-guard
File permission monitoring and enforcement. Detects unauthorized permission changes and restores correct ownership across critical system paths.
All binaries communicate through logs-hook, which writes structured JSON for forensic analysis. The kodachi-dashboard (Tauri 2 + Svelte 5) exposes the entire suite through a unified GUI.
Kodachi Dashboard
Four Modes. One Mission. Total Control.
Built with Tauri 2 + Svelte 5, the Kodachi Dashboard orchestrates 517+ commands across 24 Rust binaries with zero GUI freezing. Choose your interface: gamified security ring, first-boot AutoShield wizard, compact command center, or professional multi-panel workstation.
Routing Guide
The Routing Guide is the dashboard's decision helper for choosing the right privacy path before you start switching protocols manually. It translates Kodachi's routing stack into plain-language tradeoffs such as speed, account safety, censorship resistance, DNS privacy, and layered anonymity.
Use it when you are unsure whether you need WireGuard, OpenVPN, anti-censorship transports, Tor, DNSCrypt, or a workflow-backed layered setup. The guide narrows the dashboard's large routing surface into recommendations that explain why a route fits, what you give up for more or less protection, and who can still see what.
For new users, this makes the dashboard easier to understand without learning every binary first. For experienced operators, it reduces mistakes such as picking the wrong route for logged-in accounts, changing protocols blindly, or combining VPN and Tor in the wrong order. In short: the Routing Guide helps you use Kodachi more safely, with a clearer mental model of what each routing choice actually does.
Gamified Security Ring
Interactive circular interface with 7 clickable security arcs surrounding a central hub showing real-time IP, country flag, and security score (0-100 with color-coded risk levels).
7 Security Arcs: Authenticate, MAC Randomize, Hostname Spoof, Random Timezone, DNSCrypt, WireGuard VPN, Torrify System
Victory Animations: Celebrate security milestones at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% completion
Dual Auto-Refresh: 30s for IP/status checks, 60s for deep metrics with pause/resume controls
4 Emergency Controls: Routing Recover, Internet Recover, Restart Tor, Secure Shutdown
First-Boot Setup Wizard
Countdown-driven setup wizard that launches automatically on first boot. Configures anonymity layers, randomizes system identity, and establishes secure connections with real-time telemetry and protection level visualization.
Automated Security Setup: VPN protocol selection, Tor configuration, DNSCrypt activation, and MAC randomization in one guided flow
Countdown Timer: Auto-executes security configuration after countdown, with manual override for custom setup
Protection Level Viz: Real-time system telemetry with security score, IP geolocation, and connection status indicators
Binary Verification: Validates all bundled core binaries, authenticates session, and collects system status on first run
Compact Command Center
Collapsible sidebar with 15 tabs providing quick access to essential security operations, AI chat, command library, system monitoring, and direct terminal access with live output display.
15 Sidebar Tabs: Actions, AI Chat, Library, Health, Resources, Processes, Network, Firewall, Startup, Logs, Passwords, Settings, About, Help
12 Primary Actions: Login/Logout, WireGuard, Torrify, DNSCrypt, Random DNS, Harden, MAC/Hostname/Timezone randomization, Recovery controls
Grid/List Toggle: Two visualization modes for command output with syntax highlighting and error detection
Live Metrics Footer: Real-time CPU usage, memory consumption, and network throughput monitoring
Professional Workstation
Multi-panel command center with 22 tabs across 4 major sections. Supports drag-and-drop command queuing, resizable panels, and parallel/sequential execution modes for power users.
4 Major Sections: Essentials (9 subtabs), Advanced (11 service tabs), System Monitor (7 subtabs), AI Integration
Drag & Drop Queue: Build complex operation sequences with reordering, parallel/sequential execution, and danger level badges
4 Panel Presets: Balanced split, logs-focused (70% logs), output-expanded, minimal sidebar with custom layout saving
24 Rust Binaries: Complete access to health-control (213 commands), tor-switch (107 commands), routing-switch (18 commands), dns-switch (27 commands), online-auth, workflow-manager, and more
Core Infrastructure Across All Modes
All four modes share the same powerful backend: 517+ commands orchestrated across 24 Rust binaries with async execution to prevent GUI freezing. Security score aggregates 5 categories (Core, Network, Hardening, Device, Advanced) with color-coded risk levels: Green (80+), Yellow (60-79), Red (<60).
Mode Comparison Matrix
| Mode | Window Size | RAM Usage | Interface | Skill Level | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circle | 720×720px | ~230MB | Gamified Ring | Beginner | Quick security setup |
| Lite | 1128×774px | ~230MB | 7-Tab Sidebar | Intermediate | Daily operations |
| Full | 1800×1000px | ~380MB | 23-Tab Workstation | Advanced | Power user workflows |
Connectivity Highlights
Recent desktop builds added practical fallback networking tools directly into the dashboard, exposing VPNGate access and a step-by-step recovery flow without dropping to the terminal.
Essentials > Actions > Connection > VPNGate
Built-InThe dashboard now includes a full VPNGate public server browser inside the Connection block, so free OpenVPN fallback routes are available even when your usual provider is down.
- Fetch and cache live public servers directly from the VPNGate API
- Filter by country and cycle sort by
speed,ping,score, orsessions - Connect in-place or export one or all
.ovpnprofiles for external OpenVPN clients
Essentials > Actions > Network Recovery > Fix Internet Wizard
Guided RepairA floating repair wizard now opens from the recovery block and runs through real diagnostics before changing anything.
- Pre-checks routing, DNS configuration, DNSCrypt, torrify state, ping, DNS lookup, and HTTP reachability
- Starts with normal recovery steps: full auto recovery, DNS cache flush, fallback DNS, and forced DNS repair
- Expands into advanced routing reset/recover, DNS mode toggle, DNSCrypt restart/remove, and full detorrify when needed
Lite Dashboard Recovery + VPNGate Shortcuts
Fast AccessLite mode mirrors the same fallback logic for operators who want one-click recovery and temporary backup tunnels without opening Full mode.
- VPNGate Free VPN includes rank-based Connect #1-#10, sort views, and Export All Profiles
- Quick Recovery exposes Fast Recover, Recover Internet, and Routing Recover
- Useful as a fallback path when your primary tunnel is broken or your normal provider is unreachable
Dashboard Hints & Tips
The operator field manual for the Kodachi Dashboard. Click any section to expand it. Every path uses the real GUI labels so you can go straight to the feature.
Top Status Bar & Panel Controls 11 tips
Top Status Bar > AI Chat Button
Opens the AI assistant popup over your current view. Ask for guidance, command syntax, or troubleshooting help without switching tabs. Available in every mode including Circle.
Top Status Bar > Clapperboard Icon
Toggles all dashboard animations on or off instantly. One click when the interface feels heavy -- does not change the Performance mode setting, just a quick override you can flip back any time.
Top Status Bar > Compact Mode Icon
Hides side panels to create a minimal workspace. Useful on small screens or when you need the dashboard visible but out of the way. Re-click to restore panels.
Top Status Bar > Auth Toggle
Login or logout of Kodachi cloud services. Controls access to premium features like VPN routing, identity randomization, and the full AutoShield step set. The auth state indicator updates across all tabs in real time.
Top Status Bar > Mode Selector
Switches between Circle, Lite, and Full mode. Move between quick setup and the full workstation without relaunching. Your last selection is remembered across sessions.
Top Status Bar > Sparkles Icon
Launches Kodachi AutoShield. Re-opens the first-boot automation wizard from inside the running dashboard. Use this whenever you want to re-run the multi-step security hardening sequence.
Service Panel Header > Grid / List Icon
Toggles between Quick Actions (grid of one-click buttons) and Command Builder (full parameter form). Quick Actions for speed; Command Builder when you need flags, arguments, or custom parameters.
Service Panel Header > Help Icon
Opens context-aware documentation for the currently active tab. Each service tab has its own help content. The help icon adapts so you never have to search the wiki for the feature you are already looking at.
Service / Logs Header > Swap Icon
Swaps the position of the Service panel and the Logs panel. Put logs on top if you spend more time reading output than issuing commands.
Service / Logs Header > Collapse Icon
Hides one panel so the other fills the full area. Expand the logs panel to full width when reviewing large JSON output or multi-line tables.
Top Status Bar > Draggable Chips
The status indicator chips (VPN, Tor, KNet, speed, etc.) in the top bar are draggable. Drag them to reorder the bar layout to your preference. The order persists across sessions so your most-used indicators stay front and center.
Sidebar Essentials -- 9 Subtabs 11 tips
Essentials > Actions
The main operator fast lane. This single tab bundles authentication, DNS, Tor, identity randomization, power controls, the unified Connection section, and the full Network Recovery block. Best starting page for daily operations when you need to act quickly.
Essentials > Actions > Connection > VPNGate
Switch the Connection block from Protocols to VPNGate to browse public fallback VPN servers inside the dashboard. Use Fetch Servers, filter by country, cycle sorting between speed, ping, score, and sessions, then either connect directly or export reusable .ovpn profiles.
Essentials > Actions > Network Recovery > Fix Internet Wizard
Opens the guided repair overlay with live checks for routing, DNS config, DNSCrypt, torrify state, IP reachability, domain resolution, and HTTP access. Start with the default queue, then expand Advanced Steps for routing recovery, DNS mode switching, DNSCrypt repair, or Detorrify system. Steps can be reordered, disabled, skipped, or retried.
Essentials > Hardening
Five toggle categories: Internet (firewall, port blocking), Hardware (USB protection, Bluetooth kill), Services (disable daemons), Security (kernel hardening), Privacy (telemetry blocking). Toggle all five for maximum hardening.
Essentials > Passwords
Password generators with configurable length, character sets, and strength meters. Generate credentials for VPN configs, encrypted volumes, or service accounts without leaving the dashboard.
Essentials > Tor
Tor instance overview, exit-node country selection, circuit management, and quick torrification controls. Daily Tor operations without opening the full Advanced > Tor Switch tab.
Essentials > DNS
Active DNS server display, DNSCrypt toggle, Pi-hole status, and DNS health checks. Verify encrypted DNS is active and leak-free after any routing change.
Essentials > Workflows
Workflow automation builder for multi-step command sequences. Create repeatable playbooks like "morning startup" (auth, VPN, DNS, harden) or "pre-meeting lockdown" (torrify, rotate MAC, flush DNS).
Essentials > Library
Searchable command library across all 517+ commands. Type a keyword like "leak" or "hostname" and the library shows every matching command with its service, danger level, and description.
Essentials > Emergency
KillSwitch, Nuke, Oniux isolation, Kodachi Claw (AI agent with embedded Tor), Proxy Services, panic controls, integrity verification, and secure wipe tools. If something goes wrong -- start here.
Essentials > AI
AI Commander (natural-language command interface) and AI Daemons (background monitors). Describe what you want in plain language and the AI translates it into the correct binary commands.
System Monitor -- 7 Subtabs 7 tips
Dashboard > Resources
CPU usage, memory consumption, disk usage per partition, disk health (SMART), boot logs, and X server logs. First stop for diagnosing slowness or boot problems.
Dashboard > Processes
Running process list with PID, CPU%, memory, and command line. Spot suspicious or resource-hungry processes. If an unknown process is using network, investigate immediately.
Dashboard > Network
Active connections with local/remote address, port, protocol, and state. After enabling Tor, all traffic should go through 127.0.0.1 Tor ports. Any direct external connection is a leak.
Dashboard > Firewall
Active firewall rules (nftables/iptables) in readable format. Confirm kill-switch rules are in place after hardening. Check that no unexpected ACCEPT rules appeared.
Dashboard > Startup
Boot services (systemd units) with enabled/disabled status. Disable unnecessary services that start at boot. Fewer services means a smaller attack surface and faster boots.
Dashboard > Logs
System logs (syslog, auth.log, kernel messages) with filtering. Review authentication attempts, kernel warnings, and service failures after security incidents.
Dashboard > Terminal Tools
TUI-style diagnostics: speedtest (bandwidth), vnstat (traffic stats), local ports (listening services). Run a speedtest to verify VPN throughput or check vnstat for interface data.
Advanced Service Tabs -- Full Mode 14 tips
Routing Switch routing-switch
12+ protocols. WireGuard, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, V2Ray, Xray (VLESS/Reality), Hysteria2, Mieru, Dante, Microsocks, Tor routing, protocol benchmarking, config export/QR tooling, and the new VPNGate fetch/list/connect/export workflow. The main workbench for switching transport layers.
Tor Switch tor-switch
107 commands. Tor instances, exit-node country selection, load-balanced torrification, circuit rotation, and system-wide DNS-through-Tor. Deeper control than Essentials > Tor.
DNS Switch dns-switch
27 commands. DNSCrypt configuration, resolver switching, Pi-hole integration, random DNS selection, Tor DNS routing, and DNS health diagnostics.
DNS Leak dns-leak
DNS leak detection tests. Verify that DNS queries are not bypassing your VPN or Tor tunnel. Critical after any routing change.
Health Control health-control
213 commands. Identity randomization, internet recovery, security hardening, panic modes (soft/medium/hard), kill switches, USB protection, memory wiping, and scoring.
Online Auth online-auth
Authentication management: login, logout, session status, token refresh, heartbeat monitoring.
IP Fetch ip-fetch
Multi-provider IP geolocation with fallback. Verify your visible IP, country, ISP, and whether flagged as a known VPN/Tor exit.
Online Info online-info-switch
System information feeds: version checks, server status, update notifications.
Integrity Check integrity-check
Verify file signatures and hashes for all Kodachi binaries. Detect tampering or corruption. Run after system updates.
Permission Guard permission-guard
Monitor and enforce file permissions. Scan for permission drift on sensitive files (keys, configs, credential stores).
Workflow Manager workflow-manager
Create, edit, and execute multi-step automation workflows. Advanced version of Essentials > Workflows with full parameter control.
Global Launcher global-launcher
Binary deployment, verification, and cleanup for global symlinks. Manages installation of Kodachi binaries into system paths, verifies integrity, and handles uninstallation.
Kodachi AI kodachi-ai
AI integration hub: AI Commander, background daemons, and autonomous agent configuration.
Deps Checker deps-checker
Verify all system dependencies are present and correct. Run after major system updates to catch missing libraries.
Settings & Security Configuration 9 tips
Settings > Dashboard > Performance
Performance mode (master toggle), Disable glass effects, Disable glow effects, Reduce animations. Main optimization hub. Performance mode disables all visual effects at once for low-power hardware.
Settings > Dashboard > Conky Control
Enable Conky now hides or restores the desktop monitor overlay immediately for the current session, while Start Conky on boot controls persistence. Disable the overlay to free 3-8% CPU. The Lite Dashboard diagnostics menu also includes Conky Mask Enable, Conky Mask Disable, and Conky Mask Status for privacy-safe screenshots.
Settings > Security > Credentials
Password, Two-Factor Auth (TOTP), Recovery Codes. Set up dashboard access protection. Generate and store recovery codes offline in case you lose your TOTP device.
Settings > Security > Auto-Lock
Lock after configurable inactivity period. Set to 1-5 minutes in shared or high-risk environments so the dashboard locks when you walk away.
Settings > Security > Failed Attempt Protection
Maximum failed login attempts and response action (lockout, block, shutdown, panic). Defines the escalation path -- from temporary lockout to full panic response.
Settings > Security > Audit Log
Security event history: logins, lockouts, TOTP events, setting changes. Review who accessed the dashboard and when. Check for unexpected access attempts.
Settings > Emergency > Duress Password (Nuke)
Secondary password that triggers the destructive duress protocol. Displays a fake "System Update" while silently destroying sensitive data. Last-resort coercion response.
Settings > Emergency > Emergency Shortcuts
Global keyboard shortcuts with hold-to-trigger behavior. Arm from X11/XFCE desktop. Hold a key combination to trigger panic, kill-switch, or lockdown without opening the dashboard.
Sidebar Footer > Lock Button
One-click manual lock. Requires password (and TOTP if enabled) to unlock. Use before stepping away from the machine.
Scenarios & Power User Workflows 6 tips
Performance Optimization
Lowest resource usage: Open Sidebar footer > Settings > Dashboard > Performance and enable Performance mode. This disables glass blur, glow effects, and animations in one action.
Selective reduction: Leave Performance mode off and toggle only Disable glass effects and Reduce animations. Glass blur is the most GPU-expensive effect.
Desktop overhead: Open Settings > Dashboard > Conky Control and disable Enable Conky now plus Start Conky on boot to cut 3-8% CPU. Also available from the Lite Dashboard or Kodachi Rofi Actions menu.
Quick animation kill: Click the clapperboard icon in the top status bar for instant toggle.
Scenario: Before Visiting a Sensitive Site
1. Open Sidebar > Essentials > Actions and click Randomize MAC, Randomize Hostname, and Randomize Timezone to create a fresh identity.
2. Go to Sidebar > Essentials > Tor and rotate the exit node to a different country.
3. Open Sidebar > Advanced > DNS Leak and run a leak test to confirm DNS goes through Tor.
4. Check Sidebar > Dashboard > Network to verify no direct connections exist outside Tor/VPN.
5. Open the target site in Tor Browser (launched from the XFCE panel or AutoShield footer).
Scenario: Internet Connection Drops
1. Open Sidebar > Essentials > Actions > Network Recovery and launch Fix Internet Wizard.
2. Read the pre-fix badges for Routing Status, DNS Configuration, DNSCrypt Status, Torrify Detection, IP Ping Check, Domain DNS Check, and HTTP Connectivity. If the host is torrified, trust HTTP more than ping.
3. Run the normal queue first: Full auto recovery, Flush DNS caches, Emergency fallback DNS, and Detect and fix DNS.
4. If that still fails, expand Advanced Steps and try Recover routing from failure, Toggle DNS mode, Restart DNSCrypt service, or Detorrify system when Tor firewall rules are the blocker.
5. Once the banner returns ONLINE, reconnect your preferred protocol from Essentials > Actions > Connection or fall back to VPNGate, then finish with a DNS Leak test.
Scenario: Switching from VPN to Tor
1. Open Sidebar > Advanced > Routing Switch and disconnect the active VPN protocol.
2. Switch to Sidebar > Advanced > Tor Switch and run torrify-system-nftables-dns to route all traffic through Tor.
3. Open Sidebar > Advanced > IP Fetch to confirm the IP is a Tor exit node.
4. Run Sidebar > Advanced > DNS Leak to verify DNS queries go through Tor.
Note: Disconnect VPN before enabling torrification. To layer VPN + Tor, connect VPN first, then torrify.
Scenario: Emergency -- Physical Access Threat
Fastest path: Use Emergency Shortcuts at Settings > Security > Emergency Protocol > Emergency Shortcuts. Hold the configured key combination to trigger panic without opening the dashboard.
From dashboard: Open Sidebar > Essentials > Emergency and use KillSwitch for instant network cut, or trigger panic level (soft/medium/hard).
Duress: Enter the Duress Password at login to show a fake "System Update" while silently destroying data.
Power User: Command Queue & Favorites
Command Queue (Full mode): Drag commands from any service tab into the queue. Reorder via drag-and-drop. Execute sequentially or in parallel. Each command shows danger level badges.
Favorites: Star any command to save it. Access from the sidebar for one-click execution of frequent operations.
Output formats: Switch between Text, JSON, Table, and Raw in the logs panel. JSON for structured data, Table for multi-row results.
Panel Presets (Full mode): Switch between Balanced, Logs-focused, Output-expanded, and Minimal layouts.
Output Panel & Command Features 8 tips
Output Panel > Format Switching
Toggle between Text, JSON, JSON-Pretty, and JSON-Human formats. JSON-Pretty auto-validates and prettifies JSON output. JSON-Human converts technical output into readable summaries. Use Text for raw terminal output.
Output Panel > QR Code Rendering
When a command generates a QR code (e.g., VPN protocol configs, TOTP setup), the output panel renders it as an embedded PNG image. Scan directly from screen without saving to a file.
Output Panel > ANSI Color Support
Terminal color codes (ANSI escape sequences) are converted to HTML colors. Command output with colored status indicators, warnings, and highlights appears properly styled in the dashboard.
Output Panel > Copy & Clear
Click Copy to capture the full output to clipboard. Click Clear to reset the output between commands. The output auto-scrolls to the latest line during live command execution.
Command Builder > History Strip
The top of the command builder shows your recent command history. Click any previous command to re-run it instantly. Commands are tagged with danger level badges and auth requirement icons.
Command Builder > Dynamic Options
Each command exposes context-aware options in the builder. Toggle options on/off, set values, and preview the full command syntax before executing. Hover the info icon to see what each option does.
Command Builder > Danger Level Badges
Commands show color-coded danger badges: green (safe read-only), yellow (modifies system), red (destructive). Auth-required commands show a lock icon. Check these before running unfamiliar commands.
Queue > Drag-and-Drop Reorder
Drag queued commands to reorder execution sequence. Use the three-dot menu button on each item for Copy, Rerun, Requeue, Enable/Disable, Move Up/Down, or Remove. Expand each item to view its full output. Use keyboard arrows for navigation.
Auto Runners & Background Tasks 5 tips
Settings > Dashboard > Auto Command Runner
Schedule any command to run at intervals from 10 seconds to 24 hours. Each task has its own interval, notification routing (dashboard, system, both, or silent), and enable/disable toggle. Tasks persist via systemd services -- they keep running when the dashboard closes.
Auto Command Runner > Notification Enrichment
Enable metadata enrichment per task to include timestamp, CPU load, and RAM usage in notifications. System notifications auto-select icons based on command type (sudo, network, security, loop). View last execution time and exit code per task.
Settings > Dashboard > Auto Internet Recovery
Configurable background task that monitors internet connectivity and automatically runs health-control recover-internet when connection drops. Set check intervals from 10 seconds to 24 hours. Continues running when dashboard is closed. Toggle on/off without changing the interval.
Settings > Dashboard > Timeout Configuration
Two separate timeouts: Default Command Timeout (120s) for regular commands, and Network Command Timeout (180s) for VPN, Tor, and DNS operations that need more time. Settings sync automatically to the Rust backend.
Settings > Dashboard > Reset Options
Reset Layouts restores panel positions only. Reset All Settings performs a factory reset with detailed feedback showing what was cleared (runner tasks, GUI keys, etc.) and any warnings. Requires confirmation to prevent accidental resets.
AI Commander & Kodachi Claw 8 tips
Essentials > AI Commander > Engine Selection
Choose from 8 AI engines: auto (smart routing), tfidf, onnx, onnx-classifier, mistral, genai, llm, and claude. Local engines (tfidf, onnx) work offline. Cloud engines (claude, genai) need internet. Use auto for best balance of speed and accuracy.
AI Commander > Voice Input
Use ai-cmd voice with device selection for hands-free command input. Enable --continuous mode for persistent voice sessions. The AI interprets voice commands and maps them to the correct Kodachi binary and flags.
AI Commander > Monitor Daemon
Background daemon that monitors your security score and generates actionable suggestions. Filter suggestions by category: security, privacy, network, performance. Resolve, dismiss, or cleanup suggestions. Set learning periods: last day, 7 days, 30 days, year, or all-time.
AI Commander > Scheduler
Schedule AI tasks to run at specific intervals. Add, list, and remove scheduled tasks. Combine with the Monitor Daemon for automated security posture management that runs continuously in the background.
AI Commander > Tor Proxy Support
Route AI queries through Tor using --tor-proxy for anonymous AI interactions. Cloud engine requests go through Tor circuits so your AI usage cannot be correlated with your identity.
AI Commander > Model Downloads
Download local LLM models in three sizes: default, small (faster), and large (more accurate). Local models provide complete offline AI capability with no cloud dependency.
Essentials > AI Commander > Claw Tab
Kodachi Claw provides persistent AI daemon integration. Configure AI providers (Claude, OpenAI, etc.), manage channels, toggle automation, and control the AI gateway with firewall and policy controls. Includes onboarding wizard for first-time setup.
AI Commander > Discovery Reindex
Rebuild the AI service discovery index per binary. Run this after installing new binaries or updating services so the AI knows about all available commands and can accurately map natural language to the correct operations.
Monitoring, Network & Window Management 8 tips
Dashboard > Network > Terminal Tools Grid
Launch TUI tools in native terminal windows from the dashboard: htop, btop (system monitors), iftop, nethogs, nload (network monitors), ncdu (disk usage), plus DNS Config, Enabled Services, and APT Sources viewers. Each tool opens in its own terminal window, not inside the dashboard.
Dashboard > Network > Local Ports & Routing
View all active listening ports with process names in the Local Ports panel. Inspect system routing tables in the Routing Table panel. Check current DNS resolver configuration in the DNS Config panel. Useful for verifying no unexpected connections exist.
Dashboard > System Info > Machine Identity
View hardware identifiers and system fingerprint data in one place: CPU model, memory, kernel version, hostname, MAC address, disk info. Cross-reference with your randomization settings to confirm identity changes took effect.
Essentials > DNS Servers > Database Features
Filter DNS servers by category: reputable, normal, encrypted, fallback. Search by name or IP. Each server shows a color-coded health score. Fetch fresh servers from remote sources, choosing 50, 100, or all results. Toggle between compact and grid views.
Essentials > Tor > Instance Management
Click any Tor instance for detailed config. Adjust load-balancing weights per instance. Use the Exit Node Modal to select countries, regions, or alliances. Batch-create instances with naming patterns. Set per-instance auto-IP-change timers.
Settings > Dashboard > Window & Startup
Appearance: Always on Top pins the dashboard above all windows. Startup: Auto-start on Boot launches the dashboard automatically; Start Minimized launches hidden in tray; Show Welcome Screen toggles the onboarding overlay. System Tray: Close to Tray minimizes instead of exiting; show/hide the tray icon independently.
Settings > Dashboard > Notifications
Set notification display duration (2-15 seconds). Enable command completion sound and admin message sound separately. Choose custom sound files for each event type. Preview sounds before saving to find the right alert level.
Sidebar > Collapse Sections & Version Check
Monitor, Advanced, and Essentials sections collapse independently. Collapsed state persists across sessions. The version number in the sidebar shows an update badge when a newer version exists. Click the version to see the detailed changelog and update details.
Mode Selection Guide
Circle mode is for first-time users and quick security checks -- it presents a gamified ring interface in a compact 720x720 window. Lite mode adds a 15-tab sidebar for daily operations at 1128x774. Full mode is the professional workstation at 1800x1000 with all 22+ tabs, command queue, drag-and-drop, and 4 panel presets. Start in Lite and upgrade to Full when you need the Advanced service tabs or command queuing.
Discovery Without Memorization
If you do not know which binary provides a feature, open Sidebar > Essentials > Library and search by keyword. The Library indexes all 517+ commands from all 24 Rust binaries with descriptions, danger levels, and required authentication status. This is faster than reading service documentation.
Hardening Checklist
For maximum security posture in under 60 seconds: open Sidebar > Essentials > Hardening and enable all five categories (Internet, Hardware, Services, Security, Privacy). Then open Sidebar > Essentials > Actions and run Randomize MAC, Randomize Hostname, and Randomize Timezone. Finish by verifying with Sidebar > Advanced > DNS Leak and Sidebar > Dashboard > Network.
AI Chat Across All Modes
The AI Chat button in the top status bar works in Circle, Lite, and Full modes. You can ask it to explain what a command does, suggest the right sequence for a task, or troubleshoot an error -- all without leaving your current tab. For deeper AI control, use Sidebar > Essentials > AI to access the AI Commander and configure AI daemons.
Browser Privacy Configuration
Kodachi treats browsers as high-risk attack surfaces and applies aggressive privacy hardening. Both LibreWolf and Tor Browser run inside Firejail sandboxes with telemetry elimination, fingerprinting defense, and tracking protection at the configuration level.
LibreWolf
Primary clearnet browser with 16 pre-installed privacy extensions
Core Extensions
uBlock Origin (8 filter lists), ClearURLs (tracking parameter removal), Decentraleyes (local CDN resources), Cookie AutoDelete (tab-close cleanup)
Multi-Account Containers
4 isolated contexts with strict cookie separation: Personal, Work, Banking, Shopping
Fingerprinting Defense
Font Fingerprint Defender (blocks enumeration), WebRTC disabled (prevents IP leaks), Canvas protection, User-Agent randomization
DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH)
TRR mode 3 (fail-closed) forces all DNS through encrypted channels with zero plaintext fallback. Excludes localhost/kodachi.local for VPN/Tor compatibility
Search Engine Hardening
Removed 6 tracking engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo, Amazon, eBay, Wikipedia). Default: DuckDuckGo with privacy parameters (!safeoff, !ads-off)
Privacy Testing Bookmarks
20+ testing links: IP detection (whatismyip, ipleak.net), DNS leaks (dnsleaktest.com), WebRTC leaks, fingerprinting (amiunique.org, EFF Panopticlick)
Tor Browser
Dedicated .onion access with three security levels
Three Security Modes
Standard: Full features. Safer: Disables JavaScript on non-HTTPS. Safest: Disables JS/fonts/media on all sites
Circuit Display
Transparent routing path visualization showing entry guard, middle relay, and exit node with country flags
Firejail Sandboxing
Restricted filesystem access (read-only /usr, /lib, /bin; write-only ~/.tor-browser), seccomp filtering, disabled network namespaces to preserve Tor routing
.onion Service Access
Native support for onion addresses with automatic circuit creation for hidden services. No clearnet DNS lookups for .onion domains
Profile Separation
Dedicated browser profile prevents cross-contamination with LibreWolf. Separate cookie jars, cache, and browsing history
Circuit Refresh
New Identity button wipes all cookies/cache and creates fresh Tor circuits. Prevents long-term tracking correlation
Dual-Browser Architecture with Firejail Isolation
Both browsers run in Firejail sandboxes with restricted filesystem access, seccomp filtering to block dangerous syscalls, and disabled network namespaces to preserve VPN/Tor routing. This dual-browser approach separates clearnet browsing (LibreWolf) from onion services (Tor Browser), preventing cross-contamination of browsing profiles and reducing fingerprinting surface area.
Accessing .onion Addresses
.onion domains are special addresses that exist only within the Tor network. Regular DNS servers cannot resolve them, so browsers and applications need specific configuration to reach onion services. Kodachi provides two methods depending on your workflow.
Method 1: Tor Browser (Simplest)
Open Tor Browser from the XFCE panel or AutoShield footer. It handles .onion addresses natively with its own built-in Tor circuits. No system torrification is needed — Tor Browser manages its own SOCKS proxy and DNS resolution internally.
Method 2: Kodachi Browser (LibreWolf) with Torrification
LibreWolf blocks .onion domains by default (per RFC 7686). To access onion services through Kodachi Browser, you must first torrify the system and then configure both the browser and the FoxyProxy extension.
Step 1: Torrify the system with DNS redirection
Choose any of these methods:
| Lite Dashboard | Open Sidebar > Essentials > Tor. Under the Torrify Mode group, select "Single instance with DNS" (or "Load balanced multi instance"), then click Torrify System. |
| Advanced | Open Sidebar > Advanced > Tor Switch. Go to the Firewall tab, select nftables, and click Enable Torrification. For DNS-only routing, use the DNS tab and click Enable DNS over Tor. For load-balanced mode, use the Load Balancing tab to set the mode then go to the Overview tab and click Torrify. |
| AutoShield | Launch AutoShield from the dashboard header (shield icon). Enable the Torrify System + DNS step row, then click its play button. |
| Terminal | sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns |
Step 2: Open LibreWolf and navigate to about:config. Set these two values:
network.dns.blockDotOnion |
false |
network.proxy.type |
0 (no proxy — system handles routing) |
Step 3: Configure FoxyProxy (pre-installed extension)
Open the FoxyProxy extension from the toolbar. Add a new SOCKS5 proxy entry and drag it to the top of the list so it takes priority. Set the proxy type to SOCKS5, the hostname to 127.0.0.1, and enable Proxy DNS (send DNS through the proxy). The port depends on your torrification mode:
Single Instance Torrify (torrify-system-nftables-dns)
Uses the default Tor instance. Set FoxyProxy to:
| Type | SOCKS5 |
| Hostname | 127.0.0.1 |
| Port | 10000 (default instance SocksPort) |
| Proxy DNS | Enabled |
Finding the correct ports for your instances
The port table below shows the default assignment. To verify the actual SOCKS, TransPort, and DNS ports for each running instance along with their current IP and exit country:
| Lite Dashboard | Open Sidebar > Essentials > Tor — instances are listed with their ports, IPs, and exit countries. |
| Advanced | Open Sidebar > Advanced > Tor Switch > Instances tab — the grid shows SOCKS, Ctrl, DNS, Trans, IP, and Exit columns for every instance. |
| Terminal | sudo -n tor-switch list-instances-with-ip |
Tip: Always use nftables for torrification — it is more reliable than iptables for transparent proxy and DNS redirection.
Load-Balanced Torrify (torrify-system-nftables-load-balanced)
When using load-balanced torrification (round-robin, weighted, or consistent-hashing), Kodachi runs up to 10 Tor instances simultaneously. Each instance can have a different exit country. Point FoxyProxy to the specific instance whose exit country you want for .onion browsing:
| Instance | SOCKS Port | TransPort | DNSPort |
|---|---|---|---|
| kodachi_tor_inst_1 | 10000 | 14000 | 16000 |
| kodachi_tor_inst_2 | 10001 | 14001 | 16001 |
| kodachi_tor_inst_3 | 10002 | 14002 | 16002 |
| kodachi_tor_inst_4 | 10003 | 14003 | 16003 |
| kodachi_tor_inst_5 | 10004 | 14004 | 16004 |
| kodachi_tor_inst_6 | 10005 | 14005 | 16005 |
| kodachi_tor_inst_7 | 10006 | 14006 | 16006 |
| kodachi_tor_inst_8 | 10007 | 14007 | 16007 |
| kodachi_tor_inst_9 | 10008 | 14008 | 16008 |
| kodachi_tor_inst_10 | 10009 | 14009 | 16009 |
Set exit country per instance — then point FoxyProxy to that instance's SOCKS port:
| Lite Dashboard | Sidebar > Essentials > Tor > Tor Actions dropdown > Exit Countries submenu > select a country (e.g., Germany (DE)) or region (e.g., Random Europe, 5-Eyes). Applies to all instances. |
| Advanced | Sidebar > Advanced > Tor Switch > Exit Nodes tab > choose between Countries, Regions, Alliances, or Random > select target > choose Apply to All Instances or a specific instance > click Apply Exit Node. Alternatively, go to the Instances tab, right-click any instance, and select Set Exit Node. |
| Terminal | sudo tor-switch set-exit-node us --instance kodachi_tor_inst_1 |
Example: set inst_1 to exit via US, then use FoxyProxy SOCKS port 10000 to browse .onion through a US exit.
Load Balancing Modes
| Round-Robin | Distributes traffic evenly across all active instances in sequence. Each new connection goes to the next instance. |
| Weighted | Distributes traffic proportionally based on configured weights. Higher-weight instances receive more traffic. Set weights with sudo tor-switch set-instance-weight kodachi_tor_inst_1 5 |
| Consistent-Hashing | Routes traffic based on source IP hash. The same client always reaches the same Tor instance, providing session affinity. |
How to set the mode and apply:
| Lite Dashboard | Sidebar > Essentials > Tor > Load Balancing group > select Round-Robin, Consistent, or Weighted > click Apply. Then under the Torrify Mode group, select "Load balanced multi instance" and click Torrify System. |
| Advanced | Sidebar > Advanced > Tor Switch > Load Balancing tab > select Round Robin, Weighted, or Consistent Hashing. Set per-instance weights if using Weighted. Then go to the Overview tab and click Torrify, or use the Firewall tab to enable torrification. |
| Terminal | sudo tor-switch set-load-balancing-mode round-robin then sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-load-balanced |
Why this does not cause Tor-over-Tor
The nftables/iptables torrification rules exclude localhost (127.0.0.0/8) from the TransPort redirect. When FoxyProxy sends traffic to 127.0.0.1:10000, the connection stays local and reaches Tor's SOCKS port directly — it is not redirected through the TransPort a second time. The result is a single Tor layer, not double routing.
AI-Powered Intelligence
Kodachi Desktop integrates an AI operations suite running entirely through anonymous channels. AI queries, model interactions, and automated tasks cannot be traced to your identity or location.
kodachi-claw is an autonomous AI agent runtime operating through embedded Tor circuits. Every API request routes through dedicated Tor circuits, making correlation impossible for AI providers. KAICS (Kodachi AI Command System) provides 8 specialized sub-binaries including ai-cmd for natural language OS control, ai-trainer for local model fine-tuning, and ai-gateway for routing AI requests through anonymous channels. All AI operations route through Tor for complete anonymity.
Dashboard Fortress
The Kodachi Dashboard is locked behind a multi-layer authentication system. Password, TOTP two-factor, recovery codes, and automated threat response combine to create an impenetrable access control system that makes unauthorized dashboard access virtually impossible.
Password + TOTP 2FA
Primary authentication requires a strong password. Enable TOTP-based two-factor authentication for a second verification layer. Compatible with any authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.). Both factors required on every login.
8 Single-Use Recovery Codes
When TOTP is enabled, the system generates 8 single-use recovery codes. Each code works exactly once. If you lose your authenticator device, these codes are your lifeline. Store them offline, printed, or in a separate encrypted volume.
Auto-Lock Timer
Configure automatic session lockout: 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, or never. When the timer expires, the dashboard locks and requires full re-authentication. Prevents walk-away exposure.
Audit Logging
Every authentication event is logged: successful logins, failed attempts, TOTP verifications, recovery code usage, lockouts, and configuration changes. Full audit trail for forensic review. Logs are tamper-resistant and timestamp-verified.
Threat Response Levels
When too many failed authentication attempts are detected, the system escalates through four configurable threat response levels. Each level applies progressively stronger countermeasures.
Lockout → Block → Shutdown → Panic
Nuclear Options
When compromise is imminent or confirmed, Kodachi provides irreversible data destruction capabilities that no forensic team can recover from. Two independent nuke systems — LUKS Nuke at boot and Dashboard Duress Protocol at login — ensure data destruction is always one password away. Boot-time LUKS nuke works only on installs that keep the unlock prompt in initramfs, so if you require it you must install from the GRUB Debian-installer entry labeled Text + Full Disk Encryption, Boot-Nuke Compatible (or the unattended encrypted equivalent).
LUKS Nuke Password
Configure a special boot nuke password alongside your normal LUKS decryption password from the Dashboard Emergency > LUKS Nuke section. On a boot-nuke-compatible install, entering that password at the initramfs LUKS prompt triggers instant LUKS header destruction. On incompatible encrypted installs, the dashboard blocks boot-password configuration and tells you to reinstall through the GRUB Debian-installer encrypted path.
Header Overwrite
Overwrites LUKS header with random data, destroying all key slots
Key Slot Wipe
Individually destroys each LUKS key slot to prevent partial recovery
Sector Zeroing
Zeros the first sectors of the partition, eliminating filesystem signatures
GPG Backup
Before nuke configuration, automatically creates a GPG-encrypted backup of the LUKS header for authorized recovery
Dashboard controls: Check Status, Set Password, and Remove Password manage the system-wide boot nuke password. The selected device is used for header backup and validation context. Execute Nuke is different: it immediately destroys only the selected LUKS device and remains available as a manual emergency action even when boot-time nuke is blocked on the current install.
Under duress, you hand over the nuke password. The system appears to attempt decryption, fails, and the data is permanently gone. The adversary sees only a corrupted partition with no evidence of intentional destruction.
Dashboard Duress Protocol (Nuke Password)
Set a secret duress password in the dashboard. When entered at the login screen instead of the real password, the dashboard shows a convincing "System Update" screen while destruction runs silently in the background. The attacker sees fake package installation progress bars and realistic update text. Zero audit trail. Complete plausible deniability.
Fake Update Screen: Displays 13 simulated update phases with realistic Debian package names, version numbers, progress percentages, and completion messages. Indistinguishable from a real system update. By the time the "update completes," all sensitive data is destroyed.
Nuke Execution Paths
Dashboard Native — 9 Phases
Uses privileged helper binary with one-time token validation. Falls back to individual phase execution if helper unavailable.
Health-Control CLI — 14 Phases
Full standalone destruction with storage-aware wiping. Detects SSD, NVMe, and HDD for optimal destruction method.
Global Emergency Shortcuts (Session-Wide)
The kodachi-session-helper daemon runs as a user-session service and provides session-global keyboard shortcuts for emergency actions. Unlike dashboard shortcuts, these work even after the dashboard window is closed — anywhere in the X11 session.
Hold-to-Trigger
Shortcuts require holding 3+ modifier keys + a trigger key for 1500ms (configurable). Auto-repeat is rejected. Prevents accidental activation.
Hardware Corroboration
X11 key grabs are verified against raw /dev/input events within 100ms. Synthetic input (XTEST) cannot trigger emergency actions.
Offline Operation
No network or authentication server required. Uses local session tokens. Emergency actions work even when completely offline.
Delayed Lockdown
Schedule timed lockdown (1m to 24h). Countdown persists across restarts. Cancel with authenticated session token before expiry.
X11 Session Only (Phase 1): Global shortcuts require an X11/XFCE session. Wayland sessions are detected and fail closed. Configure shortcuts from the Dashboard Settings > Emergency Shortcuts panel.
Wipe Intensity Comparison
| Mode | Passes | Speed | Standard | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast | 1-pass zero | ~30s | Single overwrite | Quick destruction when time is critical |
| Secure | 3-pass DoD | ~45s | DoD 5220.22-M | Standard secure wipe meeting military spec |
| Paranoid | 7-pass | ~60s | Extended overwrite | Maximum destruction for highest threat scenarios |
Storage-Aware Wiping
SSD
blkdiscard --secure — TRIM-based secure erase triggers the drive's built-in secure wipe. Instant on drives supporting secure discard.
NVMe
nvme format --secure — NVMe secure format command utilizes the drive's cryptographic erase capability for complete destruction.
HDD
shred multi-pass — Traditional multi-pass overwriting with random data patterns. Necessary for magnetic media where TRIM is not available.
Emergency Response
Three escalation levels of panic mode let you choose between recoverable defensive measures and irreversible destruction. Network kill switches provide instant isolation. Every action is designed for split-second activation when seconds matter.
Panic Soft
Recoverable. Defensive lockdown without data loss.
- Block all internet traffic (nftables)
- Stop Tor instances
- Clear DNS cache
- Randomize MAC addresses
- Randomize hostname
- Clear clipboard & recent files
Recovery: recover-internet restores connectivity
Panic Medium
Partially reversible. Adds data wiping to lockdown.
- Everything in Panic Soft, plus:
- Wipe all browser data
- Destroy SSH/GPG keys
- Wipe messaging app data
- Clear all application logs
- Wipe temporary files & caches
- Secure RAM wipe
Recovery: Network recoverable, wiped data is gone
Panic Hard
IRREVERSIBLE. Total destruction and shutdown.
- Everything in Panic Medium, plus:
- Destroy cryptocurrency wallets
- Wipe email client data
- Overwrite free disk space
- Wipe swap partition
- Full RAM destruction
- System power-off
Recovery: None. All data permanently destroyed.
Network Kill Switches
| Command | Method | Effect |
|---|---|---|
block-internet --method nftables |
nftables | Drop all traffic via nftables ruleset (preferred on modern systems) |
block-internet --method iptables |
iptables | Drop all traffic via iptables rules (legacy fallback) |
block-internet --method firewall |
UFW/firewalld | Reject all traffic via system firewall (user-facing tools) |
block-internet --method interfaces |
Interface down | Bring down all network interfaces (physical disconnection) |
block-internet --method all |
All methods | Apply all four methods simultaneously for maximum guarantee |
kill-network |
Combined | Kill all network processes, connections, and interfaces |
kill-network-interface --interface <iface> |
Targeted interface kill | Disable a specific network interface (for example: wlan0) without affecting others |
Recovery Commands
After Panic Soft or manual kill switch activation, use recover-internet which attempts 9 recovery methods automatically: flush nftables, flush iptables, reset UFW, bring up interfaces, restart NetworkManager, restart systemd-networkd, flush DNS, restore resolv.conf, and restart DHCP. Falls back through each method until connectivity is restored.
Identity Randomization
Every identifying attribute of your system can be randomized on demand. MAC address, hostname, timezone, and IPv6 settings combine to make your machine appear as a completely different device on every connection.
Before
After
MAC Address Control
mac change-all— Randomize all interfacesmac force-change— Force change even if busymac change <iface>— Target specific interfacemac reset— Restore original hardware MACmac show— Display current vs. original
Hostname Randomization
7 categories of fake hostnames to blend in with any network:
- Windows — DESKTOP-XXXXXXX patterns
- Linux — ubuntu-server, fedora-ws, etc.
- Apple — MacBook-Pro, iMac patterns
- Fiction — Creative fictional names
- Gaming — Gaming console patterns
- Tech — Generic tech device names
- Nature — Nature-inspired names
Timezone Management
8 timezone categories with intelligent selection:
- IP-based sync — Match timezone to Tor exit node
- Random — Pick completely random timezone
- Americas / Europe / Asia / Africa / Pacific / Middle East — Region-specific random selection
IPv6 Control
IPv6 leaks your real identity through link-local addresses and SLAAC. Kodachi provides complete IPv6 management:
ipv6 disable— Disable via GRUB + sysctlipv6 enable— Re-enable if needed- Reboot recommended after changes
- Prevents all IPv6 traffic leak vectors
Data Destruction Arsenal
Beyond the nuke sequences, Kodachi provides granular control over data destruction. Wipe specific categories, target individual applications, scrub RAM against cold boot attacks, or create encrypted containers for sensitive data isolation.
Wipe Standards
DoD 5220.22-M
passes — US Department of Defense standard. Overwrite with zeros, ones, then random data.
Gutmann (Simplified)
passes — Simplified Gutmann method targeting modern drive architectures.
RCMP TSSIT OPS-II
passes — Royal Canadian Mounted Police standard. Alternating overwrite patterns.
Wipe Target Categories
Browsers
Firefox, Chromium, Tor Browser, Brave — history, cookies, cache, saved passwords, form data, downloads
Credentials
SSH keys, GPG keyrings, password stores, KeePassXC databases, authentication tokens
Crypto Wallets
Bitcoin, Monero, Ethereum wallets — wallet files, transaction history, key stores
Messaging
Signal, Session, Pidgin, Thunderbird — message databases, contact lists, media files
System Logs
Journal, syslog, auth.log, kern.log, application logs — complete audit trail elimination
Disk Targets
Free space overwrite, swap partition wipe, temp directories, user cache, thumbnail cache
RAM Wipe & Cold Boot Defense
4 Wipe Policies
Choose the RAM wipe engine:
- kodachi-wiper — Custom Kodachi memory wiper
- sdmem — Secure-delete memory wiper
- both — Run both engines sequentially
- auto — System chooses optimal method
Automatic on Shutdown
RAM wipe integrates with systemd shutdown hooks. When the system powers off or reboots, RAM is automatically scrubbed before the power-off sequence completes. Defends against cold boot attacks where an adversary freezes RAM chips to extract encryption keys.
Encrypted Containers
Create on-demand LUKS encrypted containers for sensitive data isolation:
container-create— Create new encrypted volumecontainer-mount— Mount with passphrasecontainer-unmount— Securely unmount
System Hardening & Security Score
Kodachi calculates a real-time Security Score (0–100) across five categories. Seven hardening modules can be enabled independently, and three security profiles provide preset configurations from standard protection to full paranoid isolation.
Security Score
| Category | Checks | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Core | VPN, Tor, DNS, firewall status | Whether fundamental privacy layers are active |
| Network | DNS leak, IPv6 leak, WebRTC, routing | Network-level information leak vectors |
| Hardening | Kernel, filesystem, process, memory | System-level security hardening status |
| Device | USB, webcam, microphone, Bluetooth | Hardware attack surface control |
| Advanced | Sandboxing, integrity, authentication | Advanced security features and monitoring |
7 Hardening Modules
Kernel Hardening
Restrict kernel module loading, disable kexec, protect /proc, enforce BPF JIT hardening, disable unprivileged user namespaces
Process Isolation
Restrict ptrace scope, enforce YAMA LSM, limit core dumps, hide kernel pointers, restrict dmesg access
Filesystem Protection
Restrict hardlinks/symlinks, enforce noexec on /tmp, mount options hardening, file permission auditing
Network Hardening
SYN cookies, ICMP redirect blocking, source routing disabled, reverse path filtering, TCP timestamps disabled
Memory Protection
ASLR enforcement, NX bit verification, stack canary checks, KASLR status, mmap randomization
Monitoring
Process monitoring, file integrity checking (AIDE), rootkit scanning (rkhunter + chkrootkit), antivirus (ClamAV)
Sandboxing
AppArmor profiles, Firejail sandboxing, namespace isolation, seccomp filters, capability dropping
Security Profiles
Standard
Balanced protection for daily use. Network-safe settings that don't break common applications. Enables kernel, network, and memory hardening. Suitable for browsing, communication, and general computing.
Paranoid
Maximum isolation for high-threat scenarios. All 7 modules at maximum settings. Network-isolated, sandboxed processes, aggressive filesystem restrictions. May break some applications. Use when security trumps convenience.
Break-Monitoring
Active breach detection profile. Enhanced monitoring, file integrity tripwires, process anomaly detection, real-time alerting. Designed for detecting active compromise attempts. Generates alerts on suspicious activity.
Integrated Security Tools
Kloak
Keystroke anonymization. Randomizes key event timing to defeat keylogger-based timing analysis attacks. Makes keyboard fingerprinting impossible.
Tirdad
TCP ISN randomization kernel module. Prevents TCP/IP stack fingerprinting by randomizing Initial Sequence Numbers. Anti-fingerprinting at the protocol level.
Note: Tirdad requires a boot mode without module.sig_enforce=1 or lockdown=integrity. Safe modes: Live, Persistent, Encrypted Persistence, CPU Hardened, Forensics, DMA Protection. Not available in Full Hardening or Secure Boot Mode. On installed systems, Maximum Privacy and Standard Hardened also block unsigned modules.
AIDE
Advanced Intrusion Detection Environment. Monitors file integrity by comparing file hashes against a known-good database. Detects unauthorized modifications.
Rootkit Scanning
Dual-engine scanning with rkhunter and chkrootkit. Detects kernel rootkits, backdoors, and hidden processes. Cross-validates results between engines.
ClamAV
Open-source antivirus engine. Real-time scanning, scheduled scans, and on-demand file checking. Signature database updated via Tor for anonymous updates.
USB & Hardware Security
Physical hardware ports are attack vectors. Kodachi implements a 4-layer USB defense system combined with hardware device controls to shut down physical attack surfaces that software-only solutions miss.
4-Layer USB Defense
Layer 1: USBGuard Policies
Rule-based device authorization. Whitelist known devices, block unknown USB by default. Policy-driven access control for every USB port.
Layer 2: Kernel Modules
Blacklist USB storage kernel modules (usb-storage, uas). Prevents the kernel from recognizing USB mass storage devices entirely.
Layer 3: Device Authorization
Sysfs-level authorization control. Set authorized attribute to 0 for individual USB devices, preventing driver binding at the bus level.
Layer 4: Blacklist Rules
Modprobe blacklist configuration for specific device classes. Block entire categories of USB devices (HID, audio, video) via persistent rules.
Hardware Device Controls
| Device | Disable Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | Kernel module blacklist (uvcvideo) |
Prevents remote camera activation by malware or exploits |
| Microphone | PulseAudio/PipeWire source mute + module unload | Blocks audio surveillance and room monitoring |
| Bluetooth | rfkill block + kernel module blacklist | Eliminates Bluetooth tracking, pairing attacks, and BLE beacons |
| WiFi | Module blacklist per chipset | Prevents WiFi probe requests that reveal device identity |
Hardware RNG Verification
Verify that hardware random number generators (RDRAND, RDSEED) are functioning correctly. Tests entropy quality and detects potentially compromised RNG implementations. Critical for cryptographic key generation.
Entropy Pool Monitoring
Monitor /proc/sys/kernel/random/entropy_avail in real-time. Low entropy starves cryptographic operations. The system alerts when entropy drops below safe thresholds and can feed additional entropy sources.
Boot Integrity Checking
Verify boot partition integrity against known-good hashes. Detects Evil Maid attacks, bootloader tampering, and initramfs modifications. Compare checksums on every boot cycle.
WatchGuard & Monitoring
Continuous monitoring detects changes to your network identity, active interfaces, and running processes. WatchGuard runs as a background daemon that automatically blocks internet on detection and triggers alerts. Combined with Oniux process isolation, every connection is monitored and contained.
Watch Types
| Watch Type | What It Monitors | On Detection |
|---|---|---|
| IP Change | External IP address shifts (VPN drop, Tor circuit change) | Auto-block internet via nftables/iptables/firewall/interfaces |
| Timezone Change | System timezone modifications (potential deanonymization) | Alert + optional auto-block |
| Interface Change | New network interfaces appearing (USB ethernet, rogue WiFi) | Auto-block + disable new interface |
| Process Monitor | Specific process lifecycle (e.g., Tor, VPN, DNS proxy) | Alert + auto-restart or auto-block |
Daemon Mode
WatchGuard runs as a persistent background daemon. Configurable polling intervals, automatic recovery attempts, and integration with the dashboard notification system. Survives user session changes. Starts on boot.
Auto-Block Methods
When a watch triggers, internet is blocked using 4 layered methods: nftables (drop all), iptables (reject all), UFW/firewalld (deny all), and interface down. All four applied simultaneously for guaranteed isolation.
System Monitoring (Full Mode)
Extended monitoring covers: CPU/memory/disk resources, active network connections, running processes, firewall rule integrity, application logs, and startup service audit. Full-system visibility in one view.
Oniux Process Isolation
Oniux provides per-process Tor routing through Linux namespace isolation. Each isolated process gets its own mount namespace, user namespace, and network namespace. Traffic is forced through a dedicated Tor circuit with no possibility of leaking to the real network. Unlike proxychains or torsocks which rely on library preloading, Oniux uses kernel-level namespace isolation that cannot be bypassed by the application.
Mount Namespace
Isolated filesystem view. Process sees only the files it needs. Prevents reading system configuration or other users' data.
User Namespace
Unprivileged isolation. Process runs as a pseudo-root inside its namespace but has no real system privileges. Limits damage from exploitation.
Network Namespace
Dedicated network stack. Process can only reach the Tor SOCKS proxy. All DNS queries route through Tor. No direct internet access possible.
Audible Alert System
When WatchGuard detects a trigger event or a panic sequence activates, an audible alert sounds through the system speakers. Configurable alert sounds for different event types ensure you notice critical security events even when the screen is not visible. Sound player integration handles watchguard triggers and panic event notifications with distinct audio patterns.
Security Models & Layered Anonymity
Kodachi Desktop includes 92 pre-built security workflows plus unlimited custom workflows via workflow-manager. Below are 18 example workflows by anonymity level covering WireGuard, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, Hysteria2, V2Ray, Xray, and Mita. Workflows 1-3 (Triple VPN + Tor) provide maximum anonymity. Workflows 4-8 (Double VPN + Tor) offer ultra anonymity. Workflows 9-11 (Single VPN + Double Tor) provide very high anonymity. All profiles are in /opt/kodachi/dashboard/hooks/config/profiles/.
Workflow Comparison Matrix
Router VPN → Host Mullvad → VM Kodachi WireGuard → Torrified
Chain: ISP → Router VPN → Host Mullvad VPN → Kodachi WireGuard (VM NAT) → Torrified System → Tor DNS
Ideal for: Ultimate anonymity, extreme threat models, maximum deniability, state-level adversaries.
sudo routing-switch connect wireguard
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
Router VPN → Host ProtonVPN → VM Kodachi OpenVPN → Torrified
Chain: ISP → Router VPN → Host ProtonVPN → Kodachi OpenVPN (VM NAT) → Torrified System → Tor DNS
Ideal for: Whistleblowing, state-level adversaries, journalist protection, maximum operational security.
sudo routing-switch connect openvpn
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
Router VPN → Host NordVPN → VM Kodachi Shadowsocks → Torrified
Chain: ISP → Router VPN → Host NordVPN → Kodachi Shadowsocks (VM NAT) → Torrified System → Tor DNS
Ideal for: Maximum obfuscation, defeating DPI in hostile networks, evading advanced surveillance.
sudo routing-switch connect shadowsocks
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
Host Mullvad → VM Kodachi OpenVPN → Torrified + Tor DNS
Chain: ISP → Normal Router → Host Mullvad → Kodachi OpenVPN (VM NAT) → Torrified → Tor DNS
Ideal for: Different VPN providers, avoiding single-point surveillance, investigative journalism.
sudo routing-switch connect openvpn
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
Host ProtonVPN → VM Kodachi Shadowsocks → Torrified + Tor DNS
Chain: ISP → Normal Router → Host ProtonVPN → Kodachi Shadowsocks (VM NAT) → Torrified → Tor DNS
Ideal for: Censorship bypass with double VPN + Tor, evading DPI, hostile network environments.
sudo routing-switch connect shadowsocks
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
Host NordVPN → VM Kodachi V2Ray → Torrified + Tor DNS
Chain: ISP → Normal Router → Host NordVPN → Kodachi V2Ray (VM NAT) → Torrified → Tor DNS
Ideal for: Traffic obfuscation, triple anonymity layer, defeating advanced network analysis.
sudo routing-switch connect v2ray
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
Host ExpressVPN → VM Kodachi Hysteria2 → Torrified + Tor DNS
Chain: ISP → Normal Router → Host ExpressVPN → Kodachi Hysteria2 (VM NAT) → Torrified → Tor DNS
Ideal for: High-performance with maximum anonymity, restrictive network circumvention.
sudo routing-switch connect hysteria2
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
Anonymous VPN → Tor → Torrified System + Tor DNS
Chain: ISP → Kodachi VPN (anonymous node) → Tor → Torrified System → Tor DNS
Ideal for: Investigative journalism, activist operations, secure communications.
sudo routing-switch connect openvpn
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
Forced Xray → Torrified System + Tor DNS
Chain: ISP → Kodachi Xray (forced traffic) → Torrified System → Tor DNS
Ideal for: Extreme anonymity requirements, .onion operations, dark web access.
sudo routing-switch connect xray
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
WireGuard → Torrified System + Tor DNS
Chain: ISP → Kodachi WireGuard → Torrified System → Tor DNS
Ideal for: Dark web research, sensitive communications, enhanced privacy.
sudo routing-switch connect wireguard
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
Router VPN → VM WireGuard → Tor (Single Tor)
Chain: ISP → Router VPN → Kodachi WireGuard (VM via NAT) → Torified System → Tor DNS
Ideal for: Maximum deniability with physical isolation, secure operations.
sudo routing-switch connect wireguard
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
Host Mullvad → VM Kodachi Shadowsocks → DNScrypt
Chain: ISP → Normal Router → Host Mullvad → Kodachi Shadowsocks (VM NAT) → DNScrypt
Ideal for: Censorship bypass with double VPN layer, evading DPI.
sudo routing-switch connect shadowsocks
sudo dns-switch switch --names dnscrypt-cloudflare
health-control net-check
Host ProtonVPN → VM Kodachi Hysteria2 → DNScrypt
Chain: ISP → Normal Router → Host ProtonVPN → Kodachi Hysteria2 (VM NAT) → DNScrypt
Ideal for: High-performance double VPN for restrictive networks, streaming with privacy.
sudo routing-switch connect hysteria2
sudo dns-switch switch --names dnscrypt-quad9
ip-fetch
Host ExpressVPN → VM Kodachi Xray-VLESS-Reality → DNScrypt
Chain: ISP → Normal Router → Host ExpressVPN → Kodachi Xray-VLESS-Reality (VM NAT) → DNScrypt
Ideal for: Advanced anti-detection with Xray Reality, defeating sophisticated censorship.
sudo routing-switch connect xray
sudo dns-switch switch --names dnscrypt-quad9
health-control security-score
Forced Hysteria2 → Torrified System + Tor DNS
Chain: ISP → Kodachi Hysteria2 (forced traffic) → Torrified System → Tor DNS
Ideal for: Hostile network environments, censorship bypass with good performance.
sudo routing-switch connect hysteria2
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
V2Ray → Torrified System + Tor DNS
Chain: ISP → Kodachi V2Ray → Torrified System → Tor DNS
Ideal for: General privacy and anonymous browsing, traffic obfuscation.
sudo routing-switch connect v2ray
sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns
Anonymous Shadowsocks → Tor + Tor DNS
Chain: ISP → Kodachi Shadowsocks (anonymous node) → Tor → Tor DNS
Ideal for: Daily privacy operations, secure communications, DPI evasion.
sudo routing-switch connect shadowsocks
sudo tor-switch start-tor-dns-nftables
Forced OpenVPN → DNScrypt (Fast Performance)
Chain: ISP → Kodachi OpenVPN (forced traffic) → DNScrypt
Ideal for: Online banking, shopping, business email, general secure browsing.
sudo routing-switch connect openvpn
sudo dns-switch switch --names dnscrypt-quad9
health-control net-check
Protocol-Specific Initial Setup Workflows
Kodachi Desktop includes ready-to-use initial setup profiles for multiple routing protocols:
VPN Protocols:
initial_terminal_setup_openvpn_only- OpenVPN connection setupinitial_terminal_setup_wireguard_only- WireGuard connection setup
Anti-Censorship Protocols:
initial_terminal_setup_shadowsocks_only- Shadowsocks proxy setupinitial_terminal_setup_v2ray_only- V2Ray traffic obfuscationinitial_terminal_setup_xray_vless_only- Xray VLESS protocolinitial_terminal_setup_xray_trojan_only- Xray Trojan protocolinitial_terminal_setup_xray_vless_reality_only- Xray VLESS Realityinitial_terminal_setup_hysteria2_only- Hysteria2 high-performance
Proxy Servers:
initial_terminal_setup_dante_only- Dante SOCKS5 serverinitial_terminal_setup_mita_only- Microsocks lightweight SOCKS5
Tor Combinations:
initial_terminal_setup_tor_only- Tor-only setupinitial_terminal_setup_wireguard_torrify- WireGuard + Tor torrificationinitial_terminal_setup_auth_torrify_only- Authentication + Tor torrification
Execute with: sudo workflow-manager run <profile-name>
Workflow Selection Guide - Organized by Anonymity Tiers
TIER 1: Maximum Anonymity - Triple VPN + Tor (Workflows 01-03) - Anonymity Level: Ultra++ (6/6) - Triple VPN protection with Tor torrification - Best for: Ultimate anonymity, extreme threat models, state-level adversaries, whistleblowing, maximum deniability - Configuration: Router VPN → Host VPN (Mullvad/ProtonVPN/NordVPN) → Kodachi VPN (WireGuard/OpenVPN/Shadowsocks) → Torrified System → Tor DNS - Speed: Slowest to Very Slow
TIER 2: Ultra Anonymity - Double VPN + Tor (Workflows 04-08) - Anonymity Level: Ultra (5/5) - Double VPN with Tor torrification - Best for: Different VPN providers, avoiding single-point surveillance, investigative journalism, activist operations, censorship bypass with maximum protection - Configuration: Normal Router → Host VPN (Mullvad/ProtonVPN/NordVPN/ExpressVPN) → Kodachi VPN (OpenVPN/Shadowsocks/V2Ray/Hysteria2) → Torrified System → Tor DNS - Speed: Slow to Moderate
TIER 3: Very High Anonymity - Single VPN + Double Tor (Workflows 09-11) - Anonymity Level: Very High (4.5/5) - Double Tor circuits or Router + Guest VPN + Tor - Best for: Extreme anonymity requirements, .onion operations, dark web research, sensitive communications, maximum deniability - Configuration: Kodachi VPN (Xray/WireGuard) → Torrified → Double Tor Circuits OR Router VPN → Kodachi VPN → Torrified System - Speed: Very Slow to Slow
TIER 4: High Anonymity - Double VPN without Tor (Workflows 12-14) - Anonymity Level: High (4/5) - Double VPN layer - Best for: Censorship bypass, DPI evasion, advanced anti-detection, high-performance with strong privacy - Configuration: Normal Router → Host VPN (Mullvad/ProtonVPN/ExpressVPN) → Kodachi VPN (Shadowsocks/Hysteria2/Xray-VLESS-Reality) → DNScrypt - Speed: Good to Very Good
TIER 5: Moderate-High Anonymity - Single VPN + Tor (Workflows 15-17) - Anonymity Level: Moderate-High (3.5/5) - Single VPN with Tor - Best for: Hostile network environments, general privacy, anonymous browsing, daily privacy operations, secure communications - Configuration: Kodachi VPN (Hysteria2/V2Ray/Shadowsocks) → Torrified System → Tor DNS - Speed: Moderate
TIER 6: Moderate Anonymity - Single VPN Only (Workflow 18) - Anonymity Level: Moderate (3/5) - Single VPN with encrypted DNS - Best for: Online banking, shopping, business email, general secure browsing, fast performance requirements - Configuration: Kodachi VPN (OpenVPN) → DNScrypt - Speed: Fast
Create Custom Workflows using workflow-manager for: Multi-protocol chains, adaptive failover, custom threat models, automated security responses, and specialized use cases.
NOT Recommended: Tor → VPN
Avoid Configuration: Your Computer → Tor → VPN → Internet
This configuration is widely discouraged; it blocks .onion access, lets the guard see your real IP, makes Tor usage detectable, degrades performance, and shifts trust to the VPN.
Why this is dangerous: Entry nodes see your real IP • ISP detects Tor usage • NO access to .onion sites • Severely degraded performance • VPN provider can see your activity
Evidence: For detailed analysis, read the Tor Project's official documentation on Tor+VPN configurations.
Source Information
Based on Privacy Guides 2025 recommendations, Tor Project official documentation, and Kodachi security research. These workflows represent comprehensive threat modeling from maximum anonymity to secure financial operations.
Technical Specifications Dashboard
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Base System | Debian 13 (Trixie) |
| Architecture | amd64 (x86_64) |
| Desktop Environment | XFCE 4 |
| Display Manager | LightDM with GTK Greeter |
| ISO Size | ~5GB (full desktop with GUI applications) |
| Total Packages | ~464 packages (270 terminal + 194 desktop GUI) |
| Terminal Packages | 270 security-focused terminal packages (from terminal.list.chroot) |
| GUI Packages | 194 desktop GUI packages (from gui-xfce.list.chroot) |
| Kodachi Binaries | 29 pre-installed binaries in /opt/kodachi/dashboard/hooks/ (core + AI + companion runtimes) |
| Theme | LK_Material-Black-Lime (dark) |
| Icons | LK_Newaita-Reborn-Mint-Dark |
| Cursor | LK_Capitaine-Cursors |
| Font | Noto Sans 9pt |
| Browsers | LibreWolf (primary) + Tor Browser |
| Kernel | 6.16+ |
| Boot Support | BIOS + UEFI + Secure Boot |
| Installer | Calamares graphical installer + GRUB Debian-installer entries (text, encrypted, unattended) |
| Login Credentials | Username: kodachi / Password: Security4All |
| Sudo Access | Passwordless sudo enabled |
Pre-Installed Kodachi Binaries
All 29 bundled Kodachi binaries are pre-installed at /opt/kodachi/dashboard/hooks/, including the full AI suite and companion runtimes. Launch the complete security toolkit instantly without additional setup.
Core Binaries
AI Suite (KAICS)
Desktop Applications
Kodachi Desktop ships a curated selection of GUI applications organized by dynamic layers. Always-on applications are loaded at every boot; optional layers can be activated on demand.
| Category | Applications |
|---|---|
| Desktop | XFCE 4, Thunar file manager, Double Commander |
| Browsers | LibreWolf (primary), Tor Browser, Onioncircuits |
| Terminals | Kitty, Tilix, XFCE4 Terminal |
| Editors | Geany + plugins, Mousepad |
| Security | Firetools (Firejail GUI), SiriKali (encryption), Kleopatra (GPG) |
| Network | NetworkManager GUI, OpenVPN/VPNC plugins, RiseUp VPN |
| System | Conky system monitor, GNOME Disks, Baobab, GParted, System Monitor |
| AI Desktop | ZeroClaw Desktop (Tauri companion app for ZeroClaw AI agent) |
| Utilities | Galculator, Ristretto image viewer, Atril PDF viewer, Engrampa, GTKHash |
| Display | LightDM, Plymouth boot splash, Redshift (blue light filter) |
| Audio | PulseAudio, PavuControl mixer, ALSA |
| Installer | Calamares graphical installer, Debian-installer boot entries, GDebi package installer |
| Layer | Category | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 03 | Network GUI | Remmina, FileZilla, Transmission, uGet, Syncthing, OnionShare |
| 04 | Multimedia | mpv, vokoscreen-ng, gThumb, guvcview |
| 05 | Office | LibreOffice, Atril PDF viewer, pdftk-java, gedit |
| 06 | Printing | CUPS printing system, HP drivers, Brother/Epson/Gutenprint, Simple Scan, SANE scanner support |
| 07A | VM Guest | VMware Tools (auto-detect when running inside VM) |
| 07B | VM Host | virt-manager, QEMU/KVM, libvirt, SPICE agent |
| 08 | Security GUI | tshark (CLI), Zenmap, EtherApe, KeePassXC, OTPClient, metadata-cleaner, gnome-nettool, Catfish, GRSync |
| 09 | Development | git-gui, gitk, meld, dkms, build tools, crypto libs, Python3 pip, ShellCheck, strace |
| 11 | Utilities | Timeshift, Synaptic, Qalculate, CopyQ, wavemon, Font Manager, MenuLibre |
External Packages (installed via hooks)
Always-on: LibreWolf, Tor Browser, VeraCrypt, Monero GUI, Session Desktop, VSCodium, Portmaster, GitKraken, Tabby
One-click optional (hooks 0013+): ExifCleaner, VLC, WaveTerm, Bluefish, Obsidian, Joplin, Termius, virt-manager stack
Dynamic Layer System
Kodachi Desktop uses a modular layer system that lets you activate feature sets on demand, keeping the base system lean while providing access to the full application suite when needed.
| Layer | Name | Activation | Approximate Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02 | XFCE Desktop | Always loaded (core desktop) | ~400MB |
| 03 | Network GUI | Normal boot or "Enable Browser" button | ~300MB |
| 04 | Multimedia | "Enable Multimedia" button | ~450MB |
| 05 | Office | "Enable Office Suite" button | ~800MB |
| 06 | Printing | "Enable Printing" button | ~200MB |
| 07A | VM Guest | Auto-detect (VMware only) | ~20MB |
| 07B | VM Host | "Enable Virtualization" button | ~400MB |
| 08 | Security GUI | "Enable Security Tools" button | ~280MB |
| 09 | Development | "Enable Development" button | ~350MB |
| 11 | Utilities | "Enable Extra Utilities" button | ~120MB |
Boot Modes
Normal boot: Layers 02 + 03 auto-loaded (desktop + browsers/network)
Minimal boot: Layer 02 only. Desktop shows "Enable" buttons for each optional layer
VM detected: Layer 07A (VMware guest tools) auto-enabled when running inside a VM
Package Categories Breakdown
| Category | Count | Signature Packages |
|---|---|---|
| XFCE Desktop Core | ~85 | xfce4, xfce4-goodies, thunar, lightdm, kitty, tilix, conky-all, geany |
| Network GUI Apps | 6 | remmina, filezilla, transmission-gtk, syncthing, onionshare, uget |
| Multimedia | 6 | mpv, vokoscreen-ng, gthumb, guvcview |
| Office Suite | 5 | libreoffice, atril, pdftk-java, gedit |
| Printing & Scanning | 19 | cups, hplip, printer-driver-gutenprint, simple-scan, sane-utils |
| VM Guest Tools | 2 | open-vm-tools, open-vm-tools-desktop |
| Virtualization Host | 9 | virt-manager, qemu-system-x86, libvirt-daemon-system |
| Security Tools GUI | 11 | tshark, zenmap, keepassxc, otpclient, metadata-cleaner, catfish |
| Development Tools | 32 | git-gui, meld, dkms, linux-headers-amd64, python3-pip, shellcheck |
| Extra Utilities | 7 | timeshift, synaptic, qalculate-gtk, copyq, font-manager |
| Accessibility | 3 | speech-dispatcher, onboard, orca |
| Terminal Security (inherited) | 270 | All terminal.list.chroot packages (networking, VPN, security, firmware) |
| AI & Intelligence | Optional | KAICS tools and kodachi-claw (anonymous agent runtime) |
Supported Routing Protocols
Kodachi Desktop ships with 12+ routing protocols via the routing-switch binary, covering everything from battle-tested VPNs to advanced censorship-resistant transports.
| Category | Protocols & Features |
|---|---|
| VPN Protocols | OpenVPN (industry-standard, AES encryption), WireGuard (modern, ChaCha20 encryption) with kill switch and DNS leak protection |
| Anti-Censorship | Shadowsocks (SOCKS5 + encryption), V2Ray (traffic obfuscation), Xray (enhanced V2Ray), Hysteria2 (high-performance for restrictive networks), Mieru (MITA - lightweight anti-censorship proxy) |
| Proxy Protocols | SOCKS5 (standard proxy), Dante (SOCKS server), HTTP/HTTPS (proxy support), Microsocks (lightweight SOCKS5 server) |
| Tor Integration | Redsocks (transparent Tor routing), SOCKS proxy configuration, TransPort routing, DNS over Tor, System-wide torrification (can run on top of any existing VPN service) |
| Multi-Layer | VPN + Tor (double encryption), protocol chaining for enhanced anonymity, traffic obfuscation layers |
Protocol Documentation
For detailed protocol configuration and usage, see the routing-switch documentation.
Torrification Capability
Kodachi Desktop supports system-wide torrification that can run on top of any existing VPN service. Layer Tor routing on top of WireGuard, OpenVPN, Hysteria2, Shadowsocks, V2Ray, or Xray connections for enhanced anonymity. Use sudo tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns to torrify your entire system regardless of your underlying VPN connection.
Security Over Raw Speed
Kodachi hardens all supported routing protocols as much as possible, not just WireGuard and OpenVPN, so some connections may benchmark slower than vendors that optimize mainly for raw throughput. That tradeoff is intentional: leak resistance, kill switch enforcement, DNS protection, stricter routing defaults, and privacy-focused safeguards take priority over maximum speed. If you prefer a different balance, boot a less restrictive mode or use another provider. Kodachi includes access to alternatives such as RiseVPN and VPNGate, and you can also use other commercial or free providers if you prefer.
Security & Privacy Features
Kodachi Desktop inherits the full terminal security stack and adds GUI-specific protections for desktop environments.
System Hardening
KernelAppArmor mandatory access control, AIDE file integrity monitoring, auditd kernel auditing, usbguard device whitelisting, Firejail sandboxing with GUI (Firetools)
Network Anonymity
NetworkTor routing (system-wide torrification), VPN integration (12+ protocols), DNS encryption (DNSCrypt), MAC address randomization, kill switch protection
Application Firewall
GUIPortmaster application-level firewall and monitor, UFW/GUFW graphical firewall management, nftables/iptables network filtering, per-application network rules
Data Protection
FilesMetadata cleaning (mat2, metadata-cleaner), secure deletion (secure-delete, BleachBit, nwipe), encrypted containers (SiriKali, VeraCrypt), LUKS disk encryption
Credential Management
AuthKeePassXC password manager, OTPClient TOTP/HOTP authenticator, Kleopatra GPG key management, fail2ban SSH brute-force protection
Network Analysis
Toolstshark packet capture (CLI), Zenmap network scanner, EtherApe traffic visualization, gnome-nettool diagnostics, DNS leak testing
Conky Desktop Monitor
Live Security Telemetry Rendered on Desktop
Lua-powered desktop monitor with 5 panels, 22 monitoring scripts, 8 Cairo gauges, and a shared Rust conky-status gateway so the desktop always shows identity, routing, and system health at a glance.
Signal Deck
The top-center deck is event-driven. It stays quiet when the system is stable, then surfaces changed identity, routing, security, and system values first so anomalies are obvious immediately.
Shared Telemetry Path
All panels consume the same cached snapshot instead of rerunning expensive checks. Rendered values are escaped before drawing, and returned text is not executed as shell input in the display path.
Low-Overhead Mode
Open Settings > Dashboard > Conky Control and turn off Enable Conky now to hide the desktop overlay for the current session, or use Conky Disable from the Lite Dashboard when you want the lowest CPU use on older or low-power hardware.
Privacy Screenshot Mode
The Lite Dashboard diagnostics menu includes Conky Mask Enable, Conky Mask Disable, and Conky Mask Status. These commands mask sensitive fields such as IP, MAC, and country data in the Conky panels for safe screenshots, then restore real values when unmasked.
Always-On Visibility
The desktop overlay keeps high-signal CPU, memory, network, VPN, Tor, and security posture information visible without opening the dashboard first.
Resources + Gauges
280px × Full HeightSecurity Status
320px × Full Height21 Metrics: Auth, VPN, MAC randomization, hostname spoofing, timezone obfuscation, swap encryption, kernel hardening, AppArmor, USBGuard, systemd health, package integrity, file permissions, network interfaces, connections, privilege escalation
System + Traffic
280px × Full HeightLogo + AI Detection
200px × 150pxAdvanced Monitoring Features
Rofi Menu System
Kodachi Desktop ships a pre-configured Rofi menu system with 202 theme and configuration files covering application launchers, power menus, system applets, and color schemes. Combined with the Kodachi Rofi Actions menu scripts, this provides keyboard-driven access to security operations, network controls, and system utilities without touching the mouse.
| Component | Count | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Launcher Themes | 7 types | Application launcher styles ranging from minimal search bars to full-screen grid layouts, each with shared color/font configuration |
| Power Menus | 6 types | Shutdown, reboot, lock, suspend, and logout dialogs with confirmation prompts and themed layouts |
| Applets | 5 types | Quick-access system applets (brightness, volume, screenshot, network, battery) with multiple visual styles |
| Color Schemes | 16 palettes | Pre-built .rasi color themes that apply across all launcher, power menu, and applet types |
| Theme Files | 162 .rasi | Complete Rofi theme definitions covering layout, typography, colors, and element spacing |
| Scripts | 23 .sh | Launcher and power menu runner scripts that invoke Rofi with the correct theme, mode, and arguments |
| Images | 15 assets | Background images and icons used by themed launcher and power menu layouts |
| Global Config | 1 file | config.rasi — master Rofi configuration setting default theme, font, and display options |
| Menu | Script | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Actions | menu-actions.sh | Primary dispatcher — launches sub-menus for favorites, network, services, and utilities |
| Favorites | menu-favorites.sh | Quick-launch frequently used security tools and applications |
| Network | menu-network.sh | VPN connect/disconnect, Tor toggle, DNS switching, routing mode selection |
| Services | menu-services.sh | Start, stop, and check status of system services (Tor, DNSCrypt, firewall) |
| Utilities | menu-utilities.sh | System cleanup, MAC randomization, hostname change, panic triggers |
All Rofi menu scripts are installed to /usr/local/lib/kodachi-rofi/ and invoked via the kodachi-rofi-actions launcher. Theme and configuration files live in ~/.config/rofi/ and are automatically deployed to new user accounts through the /etc/skel skeleton directory.
Hardware Support Matrix
Kodachi Desktop bundles 30+ firmware packages inherited from the terminal base, plus GPU drivers for desktop rendering.
| Hardware Type | Supported Chipsets & Manufacturers |
|---|---|
| WiFi | Intel (all generations), Broadcom (modern + legacy wl driver), Atheros/Qualcomm, Realtek, MediaTek, Marvell, TI, Atmel |
| Ethernet | Broadcom (bnx2, bnx2x), Cavium, Myricom, Netronome, QLogic, Realtek |
| Bluetooth | BlueZ firmware, miscellaneous nonfree firmware |
| GPU / Graphics | AMD (amdgpu), Intel (i915), NVIDIA (nouveau open-source driver) |
| Microcode | Intel CPU microcode updates, AMD CPU microcode updates |
| Audio | PulseAudio + ALSA, Bluetooth audio (pulseaudio-module-bluetooth) |
Broadcom Wireless Support - Pre-Installed
Broadcom b43 and b43legacy firmware is pre-installed in the ISO at /lib/firmware/b43/ and /lib/firmware/b43legacy/. No post-boot installation required.
Desktop Customization
Kodachi Desktop ships with a carefully crafted dark theme optimized for long coding and privacy sessions.
| Component | Configuration |
|---|---|
| GTK Theme | LK_Material-Black-Lime (dark theme with lime green accents) |
| Icon Theme | LK_Newaita-Reborn-Mint-Dark (flat, modern icon set) |
| Cursor Theme | LK_Capitaine-Cursors (clean, high-DPI cursor) |
| Window Manager | XFWM4 with compositing and shadows |
| Panel Layout | Top panel with Docklike taskbar plugin (window grouping and pinning) |
| Font | Noto Sans 9pt (with Noto Color Emoji) |
| Wallpaper | Kodachi-branded privacy-themed dark wallpapers |
| Boot Splash | Plymouth with Kodachi theme |
| Login Screen | LightDM GTK Greeter with Kodachi branding |
| Blue Light Filter | Redshift-GTK for automatic color temperature adjustment |
Boot Menu Overview
Kodachi Desktop groups every boot entry by security tier so you can pick the right hardening profile. Use the comparison table for a quick overview.
Boot Speed Tip
The first (top) GRUB entry is Live, the lightest default profile and the fastest way to boot the ISO.
Hardening profiles that run fully from RAM (especially Forensics and Maximum Privacy) also consume more memory.
Stronger hardening profiles appear lower in the menu and may boot slower because they enable extra security controls.
Kodachi does not compromise boot-time security for faster startup by default.
If you want lower RAM usage, faster startup, or broader compatibility, select a less restrictive entry such as Live or Persistent from the boot menu.
Some commands, drivers, or services may fail under stricter hardening profiles; if something does not work, reboot and switch to a less restrictive profile.
| Mode | Tier | Persistence | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live | Tier 1 | No | Quick testing, hardware diagnostics |
| Persistent | Tier 2 | Yes | Personal devices, everyday privacy |
| Encrypted Persistence | Tier 3 | LUKS | Long-term use with encrypted storage |
| CPU Hardened | Tier 3 | No | Vulnerable CPUs (Spectre/Meltdown protection) |
| Maximum Privacy | Tier 4 | No (RAM) | Anonymity operations, anti-tracking |
| Secure Boot Mode | Tier 4 | No | UEFI Secure Boot, module signing enforcement |
| Forensics Mode | Tier 5 | No (RAM) | Forensic analysis, volatile memory analysis |
| Full Hardening | Tier 5 | No | High-threat environments, maximum kernel security |
Installer Entries in GRUB
Open Advanced options & fallback modes... to reach the Debian installer entries.
If you need boot-time duress nuke, select Install Kodachi (Text + Full Disk Encryption, Boot-Nuke Compatible) or Install Kodachi (Unattended + Full Disk Encryption, Boot-Nuke Compatible).
The normal GUI installer remains available for standard installs, but its encrypted path may still prompt in GRUB first and therefore block boot-time nuke before initramfs starts.
Layer Activation on Boot
Normal boot: Layers 02 (XFCE core) + 03 (Network GUI) are auto-loaded. Minimal boot: Only Layer 02. Desktop shows enable buttons for optional layers. All layers are included in the ISO and activate instantly without downloads.
Kodachi AutoShield
What Happens on First Boot
- LightDM Login - Kodachi-branded login screen appears. Enter credentials:
kodachi/Security4All. Use the keyboard/language selector in the greeter first if you need to switch layout. - XFCE Desktop - Dark-themed XFCE desktop loads with panel, taskbar, and system tray
- Conky Dashboard - Real-time system monitor appears on desktop showing CPU, RAM, network, VPN, and security status
- Kodachi Dashboard - Welcome screen with terms acceptance, dashboard mode selection (Full, Lite, or Circle), optional startup privacy settings, and network connectivity detection
- Automatic Setup - DNSCrypt auto-configuration, binary verification, online authentication, and system status collection
Automatic First-Boot Operations
- Binary deployment verification (validates all bundled core binaries)
- DNSCrypt auto-configuration (encrypted DNS on first run)
- Online authentication (Kodachi services and premium features)
- System status collection (IP, geolocation, security score)
- Conky dashboard initialization (real-time monitoring)
AutoShield — Interactive Setup Wizard
Kodachi AutoShield launches automatically on first boot as a countdown-driven privacy hardening console for identity randomization, secure routing, DNS setup, and live verification.
Fortify Your Digital World
AutoShield combines timed execution, live resource telemetry, identity before/after comparison, and shield scoring in one guided screen instead of scattering those checks across multiple tools.
Countdown Timer Ring
AutoAnimated circular countdown (60s / 2min / 5min / 10min / Manual) with step progress tracking. Auto-executes enabled steps when timer reaches zero. Shows real-time execution progress with animated ring fill.
System Resources Bar
LiveReal-time telemetry flanking the timer ring: CPU%, memory usage, swap, uptime, temperature, open ports, network I/O (tx/rx), disk I/O (read/write). Updates every 2 seconds.
Shield Strength Meter
VisualSegmented bar visualization showing protection level (Low/Medium/High/Maximum) based on number of enabled steps. Pulsing glow animations with color-coded threat levels (red/yellow/green).
Before/After Panel
CompareShows identity values before and after execution: Hostname, MAC address, Timezone, Security Score. Each value has a copy button for easy clipboard access.
Auth Gate Protection
PremiumNon-authenticated users can run Authenticate, Refresh Status, Recover Internet, and Enable DNSCrypt. The remaining identity and routing actions require successful Kodachi authentication first.
Persistent Settings
JSONTimer duration, step toggles, auto-refresh interval, and auto-close preference persist across reboots via JSON settings file. Maintains user configuration between sessions.
| Step | Command | Default | Before/After Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authenticate with Kodachi Services | online-auth authenticate --relogin |
Enabled | Auth status (Not Authenticated → Authenticated) |
| Randomize Hostname | health-control set-random-hostname |
Enabled | Hostname (kodachi → random-string) |
| Randomize MAC Address | health-control mac-force-change |
Enabled | MAC address (real → randomized) |
| Randomize Timezone | health-control set-random-timezone |
Enabled | Timezone (UTC → random zone) |
| Harden PC Security | health-control security-harden |
Disabled | Security Score (before → after score) |
| Recover Internet Connectivity | health-control recover-internet |
Enabled | Network state (blocked → restored) |
| Quick Connect WireGuard | routing-switch connect wireguard |
Enabled | VPN status (Disconnected → Connected) |
| Torrify System + DNS | tor-switch torrify-system-nftables-dns |
Disabled | Tor status (Inactive → Active + Torrified) |
| Refresh System Status | Fetches current IP, geolocation, auth, VPN, Tor, DNS status | Enabled | All current system values updated |
| Level | Steps Enabled | Visual Effect | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 0-2 steps | Red pulsing bar | Minimal protection. System identity exposed, no anonymity layers. |
| Medium | 3-4 steps | Yellow pulsing bar | Partial protection. Some identity randomization, basic network security. |
| High | 5-6 steps | Green pulsing bar | Strong protection. Full identity randomization, VPN active, DNS encrypted. |
| Maximum | 7+ steps | Bright green pulsing bar | Ultimate protection. All anonymity layers active, system hardened, Tor routing enabled. |
Quick Launch Buttons
Apps
6 instant-launch applications:
• Kodachi Dashboard - Main control panel
• Kodachi Browser - Privacy-hardened browser
• Oniux Browser - LibreWolf launched through Oniux isolation
• Oniux Terminal - Terminal launched through Oniux isolation
• Tor Browser - Anonymous browsing via Tor
• RiseVPN - VPN management application
Timer Options
Config
8 countdown modes:
• 60 seconds - Quick automated setup
• 2 minutes - Balanced timer
• 5 minutes - Extended review time
• 10 minutes - Default timer for review and customization
• 1 hour - Long review window
• 3 hours - Extended staging window
• 6 hours - Delayed execution window
• Manual - No auto-execution, manual trigger only
Auto-Refresh Intervals
Live
Configurable system status refresh:
• 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 5 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours
Automatically updates IP, geolocation, VPN status, Tor status, DNS mode, and security metrics at selected interval.
System Status Tab
Info
Real-time telemetry display:
Auth status, IP address, geolocation with country flag, VPN status, Tor status, MAC address, Hostname, Timezone, DNS mode, Hardening modules, Security Score. All values have copy-to-clipboard buttons.
Output Log Tab
Debug
Live execution output:
Real-time command output with timestamps, duration tracking, success/failure indicators, and scrollable history. Shows stdout/stderr from all executed steps for debugging and verification.
Support Overlay
Donate
Manual support panel:
Click the binary 01 widget in the AutoShield header to open a binary-rain support overlay with donation and sharing links. It does not auto-popup during normal use.
AutoShield Hints & Tips
AutoShield packs significant control into a compact interface. This operator map covers every interactive element, hidden submenu, and non-obvious combination so you can use AutoShield precisely instead of just accepting the defaults.
Header & Display Controls 4 tips
Header Right > Online / Offline Badge
Shows live network state. Hover the badge to see a tooltip with your current IP address, VPN status, Tor status, DNS resolver, connection speed, and geolocation. The fastest pre-flight check before pressing Execute. If the tooltip shows an unexpected IP or "Direct" instead of "VPN," stop and fix routing before proceeding.
Header Right > Binary 01 Widget
Opens a binary-rain support overlay with donation and sharing links. Manual access only -- it never auto-popups during normal operation. Safe to ignore during security workflows.
Header Right > ZapOff / Sparkles Icon
Toggles reduce-animations mode for AutoShield. Click once for a calmer, lighter interface. Reduces the timer ring animation, shield glow, and step transition effects. Good for low-power hardware or when animations are distracting during manual review.
Header Right > Sun / Moon Icon
Switches between light and dark themes. Use light theme on high-ambient-light displays or projectors. Dark theme (default) is optimized for low-light operational environments.
Timer, Sound & Execution Controls 9 tips
Timer Section > Timer Selector
Choose from 8 countdown modes: 60s, 2 min, 5 min, 10 min (default), 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, or Manual. Use 60s for rapid automated hardening on boot. Use Manual when you want to inspect every step before execution. Use longer timers (1-6 hours) as scheduled re-hardening intervals.
Timer Ring Center > Pause / Resume
Pauses or resumes the active countdown without resetting it. Pause when you need more review time. The countdown freezes at its current position. Resume when ready. This does not change the selected timer duration.
Under the Timer > Sound Controls
Five independent toggles: Sound (master), Timer start, Each execute (per-step notification), 15s warning, All complete. Enable Each execute and All complete for audible feedback when working in another window. Disable Sound entirely for silent operation in shared spaces.
Footer > Execute
Starts running all enabled steps in sequence. The main "go" button. Only runs steps that are toggled on. Check the step list before pressing.
Footer > Skip
Skips all remaining steps and closes the AutoShield window. Use when you have already run the steps you need and want to exit quickly without waiting for the rest of the sequence.
Footer > Reset
Reloads factory defaults and reapplies saved default step values. This is a full reset, not just clearing execution state -- your step toggles will revert to the shipped defaults. Use when you want to undo manual toggle changes and return to the standard configuration.
Footer > Stop
Halts execution immediately after the current step finishes. Use when you spot a problem mid-run. Steps already completed are not rolled back.
Footer > Restart
Restarts the countdown timer from the beginning. Does not re-run steps that already completed. Use when you want more review time before the next step executes, or to extend the timer after pausing.
Auth Banner > Run Auth
Runs Kodachi authentication directly from AutoShield. Unlocks restricted steps (identity randomization, VPN, torrification) without switching to the main dashboard. If the auth banner appears, you must authenticate before those steps can execute.
Tabbed Panel & Status Monitoring 5 tips
Tabbed Panel > System Status
Live system snapshot: IP, VPN tunnel, Tor circuits, DNS resolver, security score, CPU/memory/network metrics. Your pre-flight dashboard. Review this tab before touching the step list. If System Status already shows a VPN connected and DNS encrypted, you may only need identity randomization steps.
Tabbed Panel > Before / After
Side-by-side comparison of identity values before and after execution: Hostname, MAC address, Timezone, Security Score. Each value has a copy button. The proof that AutoShield actually changed your identity. If the "After" column matches "Before," the step failed or was skipped. Copy values for external records.
Tabbed Panel > Output Logs
Live execution output with timestamps, duration tracking, success/failure indicators, and scrollable history. Shows stdout/stderr from all steps. Essential for troubleshooting. When a step shows a red failure indicator, switch to Output Logs to read the actual error message. Clear output between runs for a clean view.
Tab Header > Refresh-Interval Button
Cycles through 10 intervals: 30s, 60s, 2m, 5m, 10m, 1h, 2h, 5h, 12h, 24h. Controls how often System Status and Before/After panels refresh automatically. Set to 30s during active configuration, 1h+ for passive monitoring.
Tab Header > Refresh Icon
Triggers an immediate status refresh regardless of the auto-refresh interval. Click after making a manual change outside AutoShield (e.g., connecting VPN from the terminal) to see the updated status immediately.
Step Controls & Hidden Submenus 11 tips
Steps Header > Enable All / Disable All
Toggle icons on the right side of the steps header. Fastest way to build a custom execution profile. Click "Disable all" first, then enable only the steps you want. This is how you create a minimal targeted run.
Any Step Row > Main Toggle
Include or exclude that step from the execution sequence. Build a custom run instead of accepting the default plan. Disabled steps are completely skipped -- no partial execution.
Any Step Row > Play Button
Run that single step immediately, independent of the timer. Surgical changes -- run only "Randomize MAC" without touching DNS or VPN. The step executes instantly and shows its result in the Output Logs tab.
Randomize Timezone > Sync Timezone (2nd Play)
Instead of a random timezone, uses public-IP geolocation to set a timezone matching your VPN exit location. Use this when your timezone must be plausible for the IP you are presenting.
Harden PC Security > Paranoid Mode (2nd Play)
Applies a stronger hardening profile than the default. Disables more services, tightens more kernel parameters, and sets more restrictive firewall rules. Use for high-threat scenarios.
Recover Internet > Chevron Menu (3 Options)
Fast Recovery (quick reconnect), Forced Recovery (clears all firewall rules and resets routing), Routing Recovery (rebuilds routing tables). Try Fast first, escalate to Forced if it fails.
Enable DNSCrypt > Chevron Menu (10+ Options)
Legacy/Modern DNS mode, DNS status, DNSCrypt status, Safe DNS repair, Forced DNS repair, Tor DNS routing, DNS leak test, Pi-hole toggle, Random DNS selection, Fallback DNS. The most feature-dense submenu in AutoShield.
Connect WireGuard > Chevron Menu (Protocols)
Switch to OpenVPN, V2Ray, Shadowsocks, Xray (multiple variants), Hysteria2, Mieru (MITA), Dante, Microsocks, or remote Tor routing -- all without leaving AutoShield.
Torrify System + DNS > Chevron Menu (Tor)
Start/stop/restart all Tor instances, main Tor controls, load-balanced torrification, instance listing, iptables + DNS torrification. Full Tor management from inside AutoShield.
Finished Step Row > Inline Detail Panel
Copy and Dismiss controls. Copy captures the step output to clipboard. Dismiss clears the visual indicator. Use Copy before Dismiss if you need the output for records.
Step Rows > Per-Step Stop Controls
Several steps have dedicated stop/undo actions accessible from their chevron menus: Reset MAC to factory (undo MAC randomization), Stop Tor DNS (revert DNS routing), Stop All Instances (shut down all Tor instances), and Stop Main Tor (stop the primary Tor process). These let you surgically reverse individual steps without resetting the full sequence.
Footer Launchers & Shield Strength 7 tips
Footer > Dash
Opens the main Kodachi Dashboard. Escape hatch to the full dashboard for operations AutoShield does not cover (e.g., process monitoring, firewall inspection, advanced workflows).
Footer > K Browser
Launches Kodachi Browser (LibreWolf with privacy hardening). Pre-hardened browser for general privacy browsing after AutoShield completes.
Footer > O Browser
Launches Oniux Browser (Tor-isolated browser). Browser with embedded Tor circuit isolation. Use for sensitive browsing that requires per-application Tor routing.
Footer > O Term
Launches Oniux Terminal (Tor-isolated terminal). Terminal with embedded Tor circuit. Run CLI tools through isolated Tor without system-wide torrification.
Footer > Tor
Launches the standard Tor Browser for Tor-native browsing with its own circuit management.
Footer > Rise
Launches RiseVPN. Quick access to the RiseVPN client for an alternative VPN connection.
Shield Strength Meter (Sidebar)
Segmented bar showing protection level: Low (red), Medium (yellow), High (green), Maximum (pulsing green). Visual feedback on how many steps are enabled. 7 default steps = Maximum. Disabling steps drops the meter. Use this to gauge your protection level at a glance before executing.
Scenarios & Workflows 4 tips
Manual Review Workflow
Inspect everything before changing the system:
1. Set the timer to Manual.
2. Review the System Status tab for current state.
3. Review the Before / After tab to see baseline values.
4. Use individual step play buttons to run only the steps you want, one at a time.
5. Check Output Logs after each step for errors.
6. Click the refresh icon in the tab header to update System Status after each change.
The cleanest way to explore AutoShield without firing the full automatic sequence.
Fastest Boot-to-Protected Workflow
1. Leave all 7 default steps enabled (Authenticate, Randomize Hostname, Randomize MAC, Randomize Timezone, Enable DNSCrypt, Connect WireGuard, Refresh Status).
2. Set the timer to 60s for immediate execution after boot.
3. Enable the All complete sound toggle so you know when it finishes.
4. After completion, verify the Before / After tab shows changed values for hostname, MAC, and timezone.
5. Optionally enable Recover Internet, Harden PC Security, and Torrify System for maximum protection.
DNS Troubleshooting via Submenu
When DNS breaks after a routing change:
1. Open the Enable DNSCrypt row > chevron menu.
2. Click DNS Status to check current resolver state.
3. Try Safe DNS Repair first -- restores encrypted DNS without breaking active tunnels.
4. If that fails, use Forced DNS Repair to reset all DNS config.
5. Run DNS Leak Test from the same submenu to verify queries are encrypted.
6. If Tor is active, switch to Tor DNS to route DNS through Tor circuits.
Switching Protocols Without the Dashboard
1. Open the Connect WireGuard row > chevron menu.
2. Select any alternative: OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, Xray, Hysteria2, or others.
3. The selected protocol connects automatically. The step name updates to reflect the active protocol.
4. To add Tor, open the Torrify System row > chevron menu and select Load-balanced torrification.
5. Hover the Online / Offline badge in the header to verify the new routing chain.
Default Configuration
Enabled by default: Authenticate, Randomize Hostname, Randomize MAC, Randomize Timezone, Enable DNSCrypt, Connect WireGuard, Refresh Status (7 steps = Maximum shield strength). Disabled by default: Recover Internet (not needed when network is already up), Harden PC Security (applies system-wide kernel and service changes), Torrify System + DNS (can conflict with WireGuard on first boot -- connect VPN first, then torrify separately). Default timer: 10 minutes with auto-execution enabled.
VPN + Tor Layering
To run VPN and Tor simultaneously, the order matters. Let AutoShield connect WireGuard first (or any VPN protocol via the submenu). After VPN is active, manually run Torrify System + DNS from its play button or chevron menu. This routes traffic through VPN first, then Tor. Reversing the order causes Tor circuits to break when VPN modifies the routing table.
Timezone Plausibility
Random timezones create a mismatch between your IP geolocation and system clock. If you are using a VPN with a known exit country, use the Sync Timezone button (second play button on the Randomize Timezone row) instead of the default random timezone. This queries your public IP geolocation and sets a timezone that matches, making your identity more plausible to sites that check timezone consistency.
Shield Strength Meter
The shield strength meter has 4 levels: Low (1-2 steps), Medium (3-4 steps), High (5-6 steps), Maximum (7+ steps). The meter reacts in real time as you toggle steps on and off. Aim for Maximum (all 7 defaults enabled) for standard operation. The meter pulses with a green glow at Maximum to confirm full protection.
Settings Persistence
All AutoShield configuration -- timer duration, step toggles, auto-refresh interval, sound preferences, and theme choice -- is saved to <hooks_dir>/config/autoshield-settings.json. Settings persist across reboots, system updates, and dashboard upgrades. You configure AutoShield once, and it remembers your preferences permanently.
Editions Comparison
| Feature | Terminal Server | Desktop XFCE | Kodachi OS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop | Headless (CLI only) | XFCE 4 | Custom |
| Base | Debian 13 (Trixie) | Debian 13 (Trixie) | Debian |
| ISO Size | ~2.4GB | ~5GB | ~2.9GB |
| Binary Suite | 19 core binaries + companion tools | Full suite (29 bundled binaries) | Full suite |
| Tauri Dashboard | No | Yes | Yes |
| Kodachi Claw | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Conky Monitor | No | Yes (Lua-powered) | Yes |
| Browsers | CLI only (w3m) | LibreWolf + Tor Browser | Custom |
| Office Suite | No | LibreOffice (optional layer) | Yes |
| Dynamic Layers | No | 10 optional layers | Limited |
| Installer | CLI/Calamares | Calamares GUI + GRUB Debian installer | Live ISO |
| Target Use | Servers, VPS, proxy gateways | Desktop workstations, daily use | Live USB, privacy-first |
| Status | Available | Available | Available |
Use Case Examples
Example 1: Daily Privacy Workstation
Install Kodachi Desktop on your main computer or laptop. Use LibreWolf for browsing, LibreOffice for documents, and Tor Browser for sensitive research. All traffic routed through VPN + Tor with Conky monitoring your security posture in real-time.
Example 2: Secure Development Machine
Enable the Development layer (Layer 09) for VS Code, git tools, build tools, and crypto libraries. Write code with Firejail sandboxing, GPG-signed commits via Kleopatra, and all network traffic anonymized through the routing stack.
Example 3: Multimedia & Content Creation
Activate the Multimedia layer (Layer 04) for video recording with vokoscreen-ng and media playback with mpv. All content creation tools operate behind the privacy stack.
Example 4: Network Security Audit
Enable the Security GUI layer (Layer 08) for tshark packet capture, Zenmap network scanning, and EtherApe traffic visualization. Run analyses through Tor or VPN for anonymous reconnaissance.
Example 5: Air-Gapped Secure Computing
Boot from USB in Maximum Privacy mode (Tier 4). Runs entirely in RAM, leaves no traces on host hardware. Use KeePassXC for credential management, SiriKali for encrypted containers, and BleachBit for cleanup before shutdown.
Example 6: Virtual Machine Testing Lab
Enable the Virtualization Host layer (Layer 07B) for virt-manager and QEMU/KVM. Run additional VMs inside Kodachi Desktop for nested security testing, malware analysis in isolated environments, and network simulation.
Debug Collector
If you encounter issues with your Kodachi Desktop installation, the Debug Collector gathers system diagnostics into a single zip file you can share with the support team. It collects boot logs, hardware specs, network configuration, Kodachi service status, and more.
Privacy First
The collector does not capture IP addresses, passwords, browsing data, or personal files. WiFi credentials and MAC addresses are automatically redacted. You can also deselect specific categories before collection starts.
Run the debug collector (interactive category menu):
Skip the menu and collect everything:
curl -sSL https://www.kodachi.cloud/apps/os/install/kodachi-debug-collector.sh | sudo bash -s -- --all
The output zip is saved to your Desktop (~/Desktop/kodachi-debug-*.zip). Upload it to your preferred file-sharing service and share the link with the support team on Discord or via the contact form.
Stay Updated
Check for release announcements and updates on SourceForge. For questions or feature requests, visit Discord Support.