Linux security

Via Kriptópolis:

Linux is not bulletproof, and your desktop is not safe simply because it runs Linux. Let good sense be your guide. For most of us, that means running the desktop behind a firewall and regularly applying security patches. For others, additional defensive measures may be in order.

When it comes to Linux security this is well worth remembering, because there is always some congressman going around saying there are no viruses on Linux.

In fact, a security expert says:

“OpenOffice.org has done such a fine job of mirroring Microsoft Office applications that it is possible to open a document or file and become infected as a result”.

I insist: using Linux does not mean you are free from viruses and other attacks by some piece of malware. Incredible as it may seem, there is a lot of ignorance on this point, and sadly I have heard IT people (or computing professionals) spreading this mistake.

I suggest reading the experts’ advice on Linux security (linux.com).