If you use Linux on your desktop, you may wonder if you’re susceptible to those pesky software infections known as viruses, worms, and trojans. Well, like the doctor says, “There’s good news, and there’s bad news.” Read this feature to learn your prognosis.
If you use GNU/Linux as your desktop (GNU/Linux because most distributions include the Linux kernel and countless other applications and utilities), you may have wondered from time to time, “Am I safe from viruses?” Well, as your doctor might say, there’s good news and bad news.
The good news is that your Linux system is largely safe from “infection.” You certainly don’t need to run out and buy an anti-virus product for your distro. (Yes, there are a few such products available. For example, Lindows offers VirusSafe by Vexira/Central Command and a subscription for virus signature updates for about thirty bucks.)
The bad news is that GNU/Linux isn’t bulletproof. Some viruses have targeted GNU/Linux, and crackers have found ways to exploit vulnerabilities in some significant software packages such as Apache.
Let’s take a look at viruses, examine how they work, and learn how to practice “safe computing.” With just a few simple steps, you can inoculate your computer and your data against whatever’s goin’ around.
Malware, Trojans, and “I Love You”
When most people think of viruses, software nasties like “I Love You” come to mind. While “I Love You” was indeed a virus, malicious software or malware comes in a number of different forms and serves many different purposes.
Typically, a program is classified a virus when it infects other executables directly, spreads automatically to other files or even to other systems, and carries a payload. The virus payload can…
Please log in to view this content.
Not Yet a Member?
Register with LinuxMagazine.com and get free access to the entire archive, including:
