Linux and Viruses

[ragingfish]

I consider myself relatively well-versed when it comes to computers.But one thing has confused me.If Linux is an open source operating system...and more or less anyone who wants to can view the source code for the entire system, how is it that the OS can be more secure, and have virtually no problems (if any) with viruses, trojan horses, and data miners?Someone explain this to me...

[russ257]

this is just a guess but i think it is because mostly geeks run linix so the geek hackers dont want to prey on their own kind also windows is the evil empire so it is a target. ( i use geek in a loving way i consider myself a geek)

[ebslopp]

since it's open source, the os can be checked by the user for problems in the code. these problems are then relayed to the makers of linux and deployed acordingly. much the same reason they released the source code for online voting.

[VibeChick]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »I consider myself relatively well-versed when it comes to computers.But one thing has confused me.If Linux is an open source operating system...and more or less anyone who wants to can view the source code for the entire system, how is it that the OS can be more secure, and have virtually no problems (if any) with viruses, trojan horses, and data miners?Someone explain this to me... Linux is vulnerable to viruses too. As an example: http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-6264-5054187.html Windows is more widely used, and Microsoft seems to be a favorite target...but no OS is completely safe.We run Windows and Unix servers at work - and you can bet our security plan does not include the phrase "unix doesn't have viruses - don't worry about it"

[ragingfish]

Yeah, I realize it is not impenetrable...but statisically, viruses and trojans rarely occur in those OSes....or at least you never hear about them...

[VibeChick]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »Yeah, I realize it is not impenetrable...but statisically, viruses and trojans rarely occur in those OSes....or at least you never hear about them...because statistically, Windows is a big fat target. Linux is getting more popular - and the viruses are increasing. Linux has been hit with some pretty serious ones, but it doesn't draw the same attention.Same as Mac...they thought it wouldn't happen to them. And as you know, now it has.

[ShotInTheDark]

speaking computers I just had to replace the motherboard today in my brand new computer. Word to the wise if any of you are versed enough to build your own computers. Do not buy Gigabyte products. This is the 4th board I have recieved that has failed on the spot or within 6 monthes.

[ColonelPanic]

We don't have Microsoft Internet Explorer, Outlook, or ActiveX. That helps signifincantly.Seriously though, anything can be vulnerable. Just some more than others. I'm with vibechick, the immense market share makes MS a huge target. Any script kiddie can copy/paste something and cause billions of dollars in damage... Much more glamourous than blowing up a few ancient sco boxes... lol

[Stang2Vibe]

I also agree with the replies here. Microsoft is a favorite target for hackers because they want to make it look bad. Also, the Linux systems are much more frequently used by computer savvy individuals. I would venture to guess that the vast majority of computer novices use Windows, so its much easier to pull one over on them. And also like the others have said, Microsoft has about 80% of the OS marketshare. So if you're going to create malware and your goal is to affect as many machines as possible with it, then you want to program it to affect the system that is being used by the most users. That's my take on it.

[ColonelPanic]

There's also quite a bit of security with the way Linux and Unix handle executing programs... The root vs. unprivileged user comes to mind... Normally, your user account that you are logged in as has very limited rights, and you (or any software you try to run, or if something tried to run something for you) can't touch most areas of the system. Root is there for maintenance, installing software, etc. and it isn't something you're constantly logged in as. (or better not be!) About the only way I can think of that could cause one get a virus in Linux, it's because you're running as root, leaving yourself wide open. If that happens, I'll be the first to tell ya, you asked for it! Running things as a plain ol' user helps prevent people and software from doing damage, while still allowing the users to do what they need to do.Windows NT,2K,XP has a similar setup, but from what I've seen in the field, most of the users have administrator rights to the box, (or a blank administrator password, making it easier for a virus to take over,) thus negating any benefit by this type of setup.