( Ubuntu problem) Have I just exposed myself to malware?

Question

I have switched from Windows to Ubuntu 12.10 a few months ago and I am still trying to learn how to use the new system more efficiently. This morning, I got an error saying something like " System program problem detected. Do you want to report it?" and then it asked for my password , I typed it and then the box dissapeared. Then I got a little worried and decided to change my password so I used "sudo passwd" in the terminal. After I typed a new password nothing changed. I restarted and it was still the old password that worked. I am really new to Linux and the main reason I changed from Windows to Ubuntu is because I am very paranoid when it comes to protecting the data on my computer. Given my situation, is there anything I should worry about? Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

After you installed Ubuntu 12.10 did you run update manager to bring it up to date and current. They may have fixed or patched a file that was reported as having a problem. There would be no reason to change your password. Linux reports errors it encounters so the community support can fix and patch files that cause errors, issues and problems. It is not malware or a computer infection.



You should install Clam and the other file suggested. You only panic because you were not aware of what Linux will do.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

When you typed the command "sudo passwd", what you did was to run the passwd command as root. That means it's *root's* password that was changed, and not your user password! Type the command "passwd" on its own to change your user password.

Answer 4

Here are some sites that talk about ubuntu security. You can google for "ubuntu security" and get a lot more.

Hope this calms your fears.

Answer 5

My suggestions frankly are two. Look for clamav and rkhunter in the Software manager. Do a scan with rkhunter as soon as you download them and and run clamscan in a window. That should do it.

Answer 6

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