Linux users -- Browsers / Malware still EASILY possible

[jimbo45]

Hi all
Although a W7 Forum there are a lot of people here running Linux
I just want to point out to users that it's very easy to get carried away thinking that Linux is fairly safe compared with Windows as far as viruses are concerned.

While the OS is itself of course safer in that regard -- drive by code executed by browsers and rogue sites for example trying to fool people into giving away passwords and bank codes STILL work with Linux. (HTML code / browser operation etc is common to both Windows and Linux).

So dangers STILL exist for Linux users too -- always be on your guard when using the web WHATEVER OS you are using.

Your OS won't be infected so often or even at all but your Bank account can still get emptied or worse.

Don't be lulled into a false sense of security because you are using Linux or even a Mac.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[LiquidSnak]

Great advice, especially with the Ubuntu 10.10 Thanks!

 

[IownAmoneyPit]

Good advice for using any OS, Jimbo45 I personally will never bank on line or use credit cards on line and the only info I begrudgingly give out is my Email address or use a disposable one.(eg: free software/games) If more info is required it better be justified (IE: taxes). I've come across some sites that will want a life history/survey just for a free download. Avoid these sites at all costs whether they are legitimate or not and yes they may share your personal info with other sites even if they say they will not. (Can anybody say SPAM)

 

[Zidane24]

Hi all
Although a W7 Forum there are a lot of people here running Linux
I just want to point out to users that it's very easy to get carried away thinking that Linux is fairly safe compared with Windows as far as viruses are concerned.

While the OS is itself of course safer in that regard -- drive by code executed by browsers and rogue sites for example trying to fool people into giving away passwords and bank codes STILL work with Linux. (HTML code / browser operation etc is common to both Windows and Linux).

So dangers STILL exist for Linux users too -- always be on your guard when using the web WHATEVER OS you are using.

Your OS won't be infected so often or even at all but your Bank account can still get emptied or worse.

Don't be lulled into a false sense of security because you are using Linux or even a Mac.

Cheers
jimbo

While I agree with your advice Jimbo I think it needs to be said that this is not a linux security issues over just a browser one

If Firefox (or any other browser for that matter) had the security of a linux box....well...we would probably not be having this conversation

Moral of the story....it is because of the browser that the vulnerability exists in linux....not the linux security model

 

[Dwarf]

A very good point, Jimbo, and thanks for bringing it up. We should not be complacent, especially when it comes to computer security. Regardless of the OS that we use, we should ensure that we have security program(s) installed, and that their database(s) is/are kept upto date. The reason why PCs running Windows are more susceptible to malware attacks than MACs or systems running Linux is simply a matter of economics - there are far more Windows-based machines out there than machines running an alternative OS, and therefore malware writers will get a bigger return by targeting the biggest market. That is not to say that the other OSes aren't targeted - they are, but not to the same extent as the potential returns are less.

 

[Bill2]

For guys on linux, heres a security primer.

Linux Security for Beginners - Table of Contents

 

[Tews]

A perfect definition of Security Through Obscurity... Security should never be taken for granted...

 

[Dinesh]

There are anti virus programs available for Linux as well.

 

[mickey megabyte]

how many times?

...if you're paranoid about 'security', don't go online.

 

[Dinesh]

how many times?

...if you're paranoid about 'security', don't go online.

Virus may come from a flash drive as well.

 

[mr pc]

I regularly run virus scans on my Linux and Mac machines (shared with my win7) machine but am not as comfortable with the AV software (clamX(TK) / klamAV) as I am on my Windows machine. I also have firewalls on all 3 but am still most comfortable with my Win security setup.

 

[LiquidSnak]

Not to mention, if you get a Linux worm on your windows machine that's dual booted, it could very easily replicate onto your Linux drive, without windows catching it.

 

[Vertex]

I use Linux as well and I have recently seen a security hole but I did manage to remove it with Windows using an antivirus, it was confined to the virus vault and from there, I deleted it.

Here is my summarized tip, you better be careful on what sites you visit, sites you give your email to (especially those where you link credit card numbers and bank accounts), things you download and install, removable media or USB's you plug and even people you allow to use your computer. You may also use disposable e-mail addresses like stated by someone earlier.