[Discuss] What do typical Linux users do WRT protecting their systems from malware

[blu at nedharvey.com (Edward Ned Harvey)]

> From: discuss-bounces+blu=nedharvey.com at blu.org [mailto:discuss-
> bounces+blu=nedharvey.com at blu.org] On Behalf Of MBR
> 
> I've asked some Mac users what they do, and for the most part the answer
> seems to be "nothing".  There's a general belief that Macs aren't
> targeted as much as Windows systems are.  Also, the fact that you're
> generally not logged in as root limits the potential damage.
> 
> My question is, what do typical Linux users do WRT protecting their
> systems from malware?

First acknowledge that it's possible.  All OSes have vulnerabilities, and no
generalization about windows being worse is correct or accepatable.  The
truth is, malware attacks generally target people using computers, through
the vulnerabilities of their OS.  Notice they're not targeting the OS.
They're targeting the person.  As a result, whatever the most people use as
their desktop UI, that's what gets targeted.  Historically it has been
mostly windows, but now macs are growing rapidly.

First and foremost, keep up to date on OS patches.
Then, do all the normal things.  Turn on your firewall.  Run antivirus.

Most people on macs and linux alike...  Don't run antivirus, don't run a
firewall...  And I'd say it's like 50/50 if they keep up to date on their
patches.  This means they're at risk, and their only defense is the absence
of people who bother to initiate an attack.  It's only a matter of time,
dependent on OS popularity.