Re: Key stroke logging and internet banking
Originally Posted by
philromford-q
I have a question regarding internet banking: will Ubuntu 12.04 keep intruders out who are attempting to log key strokes, or any other means of hacking into my account. Perhaps the answer is that Linux doesn't have open ports by default; unlike MS Windows.
You've asked that question in a strong way. You're asking "Will Ubuntu 12.04 keep intruders out", which sounds like you're asking if it actively fights against attacks. It doesn't. No operating system does.
However, Ubuntu is designed in a secure way from top to bottom. Separation between administrator and user, better sandboxing of programs, memory layout randomization, execute permission (no executable programs you download can be run until you explicitly give them the Execute Permission), and even the repositories which make you much less likely to go trawling around the internet looking for software and inadvertently downloading trojans. There are very few vectors for attack that are open in a default install of Ubuntu. Keep your system up-to-date and those few vectors get patched.
If you previously used Windows XP... well, that operating system was a joke. Ubuntu 12.04 will be ten times more secure than Windows XP. It'll even be more secure than Windows 7 or Windows 8. Just don't go trawling across the internet for random software to download, that's how most people on Windows got their identities stolen.
I have read conflicting articles on the subject of virus attack/scanning and vulnerabilities. Could someone please offer a definitive answer/guide on this.
Comodo have a free virus scanner which purports to be for Linux, CAVL, however, some people say it is of no practical use. What really are the facts?
More people were killed by sharks in Australia last year, than were infected by Linux viruses in-the-wild worldwide last year.
Rootkits are a different story. System admins get infected by rootkits, but they are pieces of code targetted directly at a single system. Unless you're running anything of value on your computer, and have internet-facing servers running (such as Apache web server or SSH Server) you'll never have anything to fear from rootkits. You'll never see them.
If you run an anti-virus program for Linux, then you should also wear a hard hat everywhere you go. More people worldwide get killed by falling coconuts than get infected with Linux viruses. MANY more people. It's sad for the poor tourists who go home in bodybags, but lucky for Linux users because we don't have to use anti-virus.
I try to treat the cause, not the symptom. I avoid the terminal in instructions, unless it's easier or necessary. My instructions will work within the Ubuntu system, instead of breaking or subverting it. Those are the three guarantees to the helpee.
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