Mailinglist Archive: opensuse (3470 mails)
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Re: [SLE] does virus and worms affects linux ?
- From: Dylan <dylan@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2003 21:54:08 +0100
- Message-id: <200309022154.09093.dylan@xxxxxxxxxxx>
On Tuesday 02 September 2003 21:33, Marco Oliveira wrote:
> Hi there, i have some questions about virus and linux, can you help me ?
>
> 1 - I would like to know if linux is affected by windows virus and worms ?
Not directly, no. The virus program won't run on Linux, so you might receive
one but it won't be able to infect the machine or deliver any other payload.
> 2 - I would like to know it is possible to write and make a virus that
> somehow works in linux ?
Yes, all systems are vulnerable. The basic fact is that Windows is so insecure
that writing viruses etc to target it is (relatively) a piece of cake.
Finding and exploiting a security hole in Linux is more difficult, and since
the whole development cycle is open the holes tend to get fixed very quickly
instead of Marketing departments trying to convince the world there is 'No
Problem'.
> 3 - should i fell threatened by virus that possible exists in the internet
> ?
I wouldn't feel 'threatened', no. Unless you are maintaining a public web
server or email system then basic precautions will be fine most of the time.
> 4 - how many virus exists and works in for the linux ?
Who can say? But they do exist. SFAIK they are more aimed towards using a box
(web server, gateway, etc) for illicit purposes like open mail relays.
> 5 - What kind of protection could i use (Anti-Virus software) ?
You should be running a firewall on your external connector. SuSEfirewall2 is
more than servicable for domestic use. You can also run Intrusion Detection
software like snort. There are also apps which will scan for 'rootkits' on
your system.
> 6 - Is linux somehow better developed in a way that is very difficult to
> write virus and worms?
Well, like I said, the fact the development is open means that security holes
tend to get plugged quite quickly. Also, the user authentification system and
file privelidges mean the whole system is more secure. The same goes for any
of the unix-like open source projects.
>
>
> Thanks for your time
You're welcome!
Dylan
--
Sweet moderation
Heart of this nation
Desert us not
We are between the wars
- Billy Bragg
> Hi there, i have some questions about virus and linux, can you help me ?
>
> 1 - I would like to know if linux is affected by windows virus and worms ?
Not directly, no. The virus program won't run on Linux, so you might receive
one but it won't be able to infect the machine or deliver any other payload.
> 2 - I would like to know it is possible to write and make a virus that
> somehow works in linux ?
Yes, all systems are vulnerable. The basic fact is that Windows is so insecure
that writing viruses etc to target it is (relatively) a piece of cake.
Finding and exploiting a security hole in Linux is more difficult, and since
the whole development cycle is open the holes tend to get fixed very quickly
instead of Marketing departments trying to convince the world there is 'No
Problem'.
> 3 - should i fell threatened by virus that possible exists in the internet
> ?
I wouldn't feel 'threatened', no. Unless you are maintaining a public web
server or email system then basic precautions will be fine most of the time.
> 4 - how many virus exists and works in for the linux ?
Who can say? But they do exist. SFAIK they are more aimed towards using a box
(web server, gateway, etc) for illicit purposes like open mail relays.
> 5 - What kind of protection could i use (Anti-Virus software) ?
You should be running a firewall on your external connector. SuSEfirewall2 is
more than servicable for domestic use. You can also run Intrusion Detection
software like snort. There are also apps which will scan for 'rootkits' on
your system.
> 6 - Is linux somehow better developed in a way that is very difficult to
> write virus and worms?
Well, like I said, the fact the development is open means that security holes
tend to get plugged quite quickly. Also, the user authentification system and
file privelidges mean the whole system is more secure. The same goes for any
of the unix-like open source projects.
>
>
> Thanks for your time
You're welcome!
Dylan
--
Sweet moderation
Heart of this nation
Desert us not
We are between the wars
- Billy Bragg
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