Linux mint malware security?

Question

I recently installed Linux Mint 10 operating system on my computer and am wondering about the potential for malware/virus infections on this system. I know that Linux is less likely to get a virus than Windows, but I still feel uneasy without an anti-virus. I've heard of ClamAV, but I was told that that program is passive and only activates when you do a scan.

For example, with windows when a virus attacks your computer, the anti-virus pops up instantly and blocks it. With Linux, I only know I have a virus when I do a scan once a week? I'm going to use the computer for things like online banking and credit card purchases. Is there another option for me?

Thanks.

Answer 1

This page may help you understand the potential threat of Malware under a GNU/Linux OS: http://linuxmafia.com/~rick/faq/index.php?page=virus



If you are really still worried, you can get Avira http://www.avira.de/en/support-download-free-antivirus or Panda http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/downloads/desktopsecure/



There is AVG: http://free.avg.com/us-en/download F-Prot: http://www.f-prot.com/download/home_user/download_fplinux.html And Avast: http://www.avast.com/linux-home-edition



EDIT: If you want true Security, you may want to consider using SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) via the Repository, or you can use Apparmor which is easier to use but not as powerful as SELinux :http://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/selinux-vs-apparmor-vs-grsecurity.html

Answer 2

"with windows when a virus attacks your computer, the anti-virus pops up instantly and blocks it..."



With Linux, user permissions will stop the virus from making any progress to begin with. To touch the system in any way malware will need sudo or root permission, which happens to require you to input your password.



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Linux Mint has a pre-configured Firewall. It is disabled by default, so all you have to do is enable it. Also make sure you download the security updates as they are released.



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For extra privacy (against marketers) you can redirect flash cookies into your web browsers cache, so when you clear the cache it will clear the flash cookies.



All you have to do is replace the current .macromedia directory, located in you home folder, with a redirection link called .macromedia pointing straight to the your web browsers cache.

Answer 3

This link is a good start for securing your system. If you want more indepth info see the second link or google for "how to secure linux".

Answer 4

Go for Ubuntu 12.04..... It gives a wide range of support for hardware. And use KDE. It will fulfill all of your needs.