Is the myth that Linux systems are assumed to be Virus free?
A Windows user will quickly download an antivirus to secure the system from viruses or malware. Still, you won’t find many Linux users who have antivirus software installed on their system. You may wonder if Linux needs an antivirus. Technically, it is a myth that Linux systems cannot get viruses; viruses in such scenarios can infect them. However, there are many reasons
why Linux generally does not need an antivirus.
Like Windows, Linux is exposed to malware and viruses; Although it is more secure and the probability is very low, it is not that Linux will never get a virus.
This myth has become so strong that one of the reasons people switch to Linux is because of better security. Many people think that if they switch to Linux, they won’t have to worry about viruses and malware anymore; Meanwhile, this Linux desktop is not that secure.
But that doesn’t mean Linux is insecure, and you shouldn’t use it; Because its security is higher than Windows, especially Linux servers. Because in addition to increasing the security of the operating system, you can also increase the security of your server and reduce the possibility of penetration to zero. If you like to work with Linux and experience high security, you can visit our Linux virtual server purchase page and place your order.
In the rest of this article, stay with us to fully check whether the legend of Linux not going viral is true and why!
Why is malware rare on Linux desktops?
Malware is unwanted code that somehow finds its way onto your computer to perform functions designed with malicious intent. Sometimes these programs cause the device to slow down or stop working completely. After that, the manufacturers may charge a ransom to repair the device (of course, we made the story a little scary, but these things are unlikely to happen, but still possible).
Sometimes malware uploads information to remote servers, allowing someone to access your stored data or critical credentials you type, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
Hackers tend to create malware for Windows; Because it is the operating system found in most personal computers. This increases the possibility of virus transmission from one computer to another.
Virus creators target novice users who are easier to fool with fake web banners and phishing scams. Viruses are also spread among people who, for example, know how to steal music and TV shows but do not know how these files can be infected.
There are antivirus programs for Linux, but their purpose is often to help protect Windows users.
Linux malware is rare, but it does exist.
For example, recently, a piece of malware has made headlines for targeting Linux desktops. EvilGNOME runs in the GNOME desktop environment pretending to be a plugin.
GNOME is the most common Linux desktop environment, found as the default interface on two of the most popular Linux distributions, Ubuntu and Fedora, and on computers shipped directly from Linux manufacturers such as System76 and Purism. Legit extensions allow you to change many aspects of the GNOME desktop.
The malware known as EvilGNOME can take screenshots and record audio from your PC’s microphone. It can also upload your files. A more detailed breakdown is available in a report by Intezer Labs titled EvilGNOME.
Most Linux malware targets servers.
Linux is relatively rare on desktop computers, but it is the most prominent operating system on servers that power the web and manage much of the world’s digital infrastructure.
Many attacks target websites rather than PCs. Hackers often look for vulnerabilities in network daemons that they can use to gain access to Linux-based servers. Some install a malicious script on a server that targets visitors instead of the system itself.
Hacking Linux-based machines, whether servers or IoT devices, is one way to infect the web or create a botnet.
Linux is not inherently secure by design.
In its current form, Desktop Linux is as impregnable as a fortress. Compared to Windows XP, where malware could gain admin access without asking for a password, Linux offers much better security. These days, Microsoft has made some changes to address this gap. Since Windows Vista, Microsoft has issued an announcement.
Most of the data we care about is not stored in our root folders. This personal information on our main register is irreplaceable and more revealing. Malicious or otherwise, Linux software does not need your password to access this data and share it with others.
User accounts can also run scripts that activate your microphone, turn on your webcam, record keystrokes, and record what happens on the screen.
In other words, it almost doesn’t matter how secure the Linux kernel is or how well-protected the various system components are if there are vulnerabilities in the applications and desktop environment that can put the data you care most about at risk.
EvilGNOME does not install itself in your system files but in a hidden folder in your home directory. On the plus side, it’s easier to remove. But first, you need to know that it is there.
Reasons to use Linux safely
While Linux is not immune to exploits, it still provides a much more secure environment than Windows in everyday use. Here are some reasons.
1. Multiple distributions, environments, and system components
Application developers have a hard time developing for Linux; Because there are many versions to support. Malware developers face the same challenge. What is the best way to hack into a PC? Are you hiding the code in DEB or RPM format?
You might exploit a vulnerability in the Xorg display server or a specific window compositor to discover that users have installed something else.
2. App stores and package managers protect Linux users
As long as you get all your software from these trusted sources, you’re unlikely to run into anything malicious.
Avoid copying and pasting command line instructions to install software, especially when you don’t know exactly what the command does and are unsure of its source.
3. Newer technologies actively consider security
New app formats like Flatpak and Snap introduce permissions and sandboxing, limiting app access. Wayland’s new display server can prevent applications from taking screenshots or screen recordings, making it harder to exploit.
4. Open-source nature
The open-source nature of Linux also protects it from viruses. Like most types of open-source software, Linux has a community of developers constantly trying to optimize and improve it. This operating system is not commercially sold or licensed. Rather, Linux is free and open source, and due to its open-source nature, it is constantly being updated. When vulnerabilities are discovered, developers fix them.
5. User privileges
One of the reasons Linux is protected against viruses (though not immune) is that it provides user privileges on the operating system. Linux has a multi-user environment. Each user is given a certain level of privileges. Therefore, hackers or people who want to harm a Linux system must obtain the necessary privileges.
6. Prevents system-wide viruses
System viruses are rare on Linux systems. This is because most viruses target specific users. As mentioned earlier, users are given privileges. If a virus infects a user, usually only files that the user can access are affected. All other files remain intact.
7. There is a difference between user accounts and administrators
Linux is based on Unix, which was developed in the 1970s. Unix heavily inspires Linux. In Unix systems, user accounts and administrators had a clear distinction; the same is true for Linux systems. If any virus accidentally affects the Linux system, it will be very difficult for the Virus to infect the entire system. This can only affect user accounts, but things that require administrative privileges will be spared.
8. The Linux community fixes the bug quickly
Bugs exist for all operating systems, and cyber attackers explore these bugs to attack a system. Exploiting an unfixed bug is easy for any hacker. Other operating systems also fix their system bugs from time to time, but the number of coders looking for these bugs is relatively less compared to the Linux community. The open-source nature of Linux allows all coders and programmers to look at it. If a developer notices something isn’t right and needs to be fixed, a quick email to the developers will solve the problem. The Linux community plays a huge role in ensuring that the operating system runs safely.
9. Programs are installed differently
Many virus creators use the program method when attacking a Windows system because Windows uses binary files to install programs. A few apps in the Windows Store can contain malware, ransomware, and spyware. The way Linux users install programs on their systems is completely different. All Lucks distributions are provided as managed packages and software repositories. Package manager refers to the tool with which new applications are installed on Linux, and software repository refers to the place where software packages can be retrieved and installed. Software repositories contain only software personally verified by the Linux distribution, making installing programs on Linux a much safer process than on Windows.
Is it necessary to install an antivirus in Linux?
Precaution is always better than cure, so installing antivirus software on Linux does not hurt. However, if you don’t want to install an antivirus, there are plenty of ways to stay safe while using Linux. For example, always keep the updated version of the software on the system. In addition to providing more features to users, the updated software also fixes bugs. Additionally, ensure that the software you install on your Linux system is downloaded from authorized repositories. It is also recommended to turn on Linux-based firewalls to prevent unauthorized traffic. Rootkits can also be used to keep a Linux system secure. Additionally, root privileges should only be shared with trusted administrators to prevent compromise. For extra precautions, you can use strong passwords and change them from time to time, and making a backup for complete security is recommended.
Should you be afraid of Linux malware?
It’s a myth that Linux users don’t need to worry about viruses. Still, if you stick to your distribution’s app stores or other trusted sources like Flathub, you’re unlikely to run into anything dangerous.
No matter which operating system you use, adopting safe digital habits is important. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that switching to Linux means you can download from broken sites without worry.
However, for most of us, the biggest risk is probably not malware! That’s because if you’ve created a lot of online accounts or depend on cloud services, phishing scams are a much bigger threat to your data, whether you’re using Linux or not.
Conclusion
It is a common myth that Linux systems are immune to viruses. While Linux systems offer a higher level of virus protection than other operating systems, Linux systems can still succumb to viruses and malware. Viruses, as well as other forms of malware, can infect Linux systems.
If you have any questions in this regard, you can share them with us in the comments section so that we can answer you as soon as possible.