Addition to Basic Security Wiki

[Pjotr123]

As requested and/or suggested in another thread, I've added this to the Basic Security Wiki:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/BasicSecurity#The_most_basic_set_of_rules

Hopefully it's useful. :)

Regards, Pjotr.

[haqking]

As requested and/or suggested in another thread, I've added this to the Basic Security Wiki:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/BasicSecurity#The_most_basic_set_of_rules

Hopefully it's useful. :)

Regards, Pjotr.


do not install antivirus, as you *really* don't need it in Linux;unless you share files with WindowsI added in bold.

Thanks for contributing

Peace

[Pjotr123]

do not install antivirus, as you *really* don't need it in Linux;unless you share files with Windows

I added in bold.

Thanks for contributing

Peace

Well, actually I don't quite agree with that.... In my opinion, Windows problems should be solved within Windows, not within Linux. So if you share files with Windows, then the antivirus application should be installed in Windows only.

(With the exception of a server, but that doesn´t apply for this particular paragraph, as it deals with common desktop use)

But I know that a wiki is always a compromise between opinions, so if you want to leave your addition as it is, then it's OK with me. :)

[haqking]

Well, actually I don't quite agree with that.... In my opinion, Windows problems should be solved within Windows, not within Linux. So if you share files with Windows, then the antivirus application should be installed in Windows only.

(With the exception of a server, but that doesn´t apply for this particular paragraph, as it deals with common desktop use)

But I know that a wiki is always a compromise between opinions, so if you want to leave your addition as it is, then it's OK with me. :)


Well that would be reactive and not proactive.

Linux based AV is pretty poor to be honest, but then so is most Windows based AV.

Really its about altruism, if you share files with other users who are windows based you are taking steps albeit small ones to reduce propagation of infected files.

It is merely a user choice as is everything, personally i dont run AV on any platform but from a user education perspective believing that because Linux is "virus" free means you can download what you like and pass it on without infection, would not be true.

It is merely a Basic guide introducing people to some security aspects and to get them out of the thinking that because it is Linux that it is "secure", because it is not and no more "secure" than any other OS can be.

[Pjotr123]

Really its about altruism, if you share files with other users who are windows based you are taking steps albeit small ones to reduce propagation of infected files.

I consider that to be a misconception:
https://sites.google.com/site/easylinuxtipsproject/security?pli=1#TOC-Misconception:-protection-of-Windows-users
(item 4, right column)

It's often used as an excuse by people who irrationally can't believe that Linux really needs no AV... I don't mean you, of course. :)

[haqking]

I consider that to be a misconception:
https://sites.google.com/site/easylinuxtipsproject/security?pli=1#TOC-Misconception:-protection-of-Windows-users
(item 4, right column)

It's often used as an excuse by people who irrationally can't believe that Linux really needs no AV... I don't mean you, of course. :)

Of course you can choose not send attachments at all.

Not everyone uses Gmail or other such services.

And yes Linux AV is very poor as i already said as is most Windows AV

it is not a misconception in anyway.

If you download a infected file and forward it on you are propagating it.

Like I said i do not run AV on any platform, this is all about general security concepts and choices.

Anyways this is all pointless discussion really, the FACT is a infected file can be passed on, and it is a choice to try and reduce that where possible.

The wiki is attempting to give those choices to users should they so wish to choose them. it is not about a De Facto standard, just what is often as seen as best practices and choices people can make. It is all just about informed choices.

[CharlesA]

And yes Linux AV is very poor as i already said as is most Windows AV

Indeed. I've been running BitDefender on my file server and most of the things it has detected have been false positives. I'm half tempted to just uninstall it and leave it like that.

Now it has also detected some nasty stuff I had on zip disks and the like from ages and ages ago, but a Windows AV would do the same thing.

So yeah +1.

[haqking]

Indeed. I've been running BitDefender on my file server and most of the things it has detected have been false positives. I'm half tempted to just uninstall it and leave it like that.

Now it has also detected some nasty stuff I had on zip disks and the like from ages and ages ago, but a Windows AV would do the same thing.

So yeah +1.

the best AV is the user, and it is OS agnostic ;-)

[CharlesA]

the best AV is the user, and it is OS agnostic ;-)

Indeed. ;) If you aren't stupid with the stuff you download, you are usually "ok" for the most part.'

Of course running without Java or Flash on a Windows box probably helps too.