Security

Frugal Install

Encryption

Definitions

Iptables 1
Set Up a Simple Firewall

Iptables 2
Simplify the Setup

Iptables 3
Start the Firewall Automatically

Iptables 4
Change the Policy to Drop

Iptables 5
Logging

Iptables 6
Add Rules

Iptables 7
IP Address Blocks

Iptables 8
Add Chains

Iptables 9
Change Rules While in Use

Iptables Summary

Graphical Firewalls

Check for Malware

Erase Everything from a Hard Drive

Security Links

Other Links

Contact Details

Security

There are many aspects to computer security.

Some of these are the responsibility of the user. Don't give your password to others, or leave it written where it may be found. When you leave your computer, log out as someone else may use it while you are away. Let's assume you do all these things.

Linux

Linux is designed to be secure.

In a Linux filesystem every file and directory (folder) belongs to an owner and group and has permissions. Files cannot be modified without appropriate permissions. Unortharized access is more difficult. Linux is less likely to be affected by viruses and malware. When malware does affect Linux, it is less invasive.

All of the programs needed for maintaining security in Linux are free.

Malware

Linux is not affected by Windows viruses. Other types of malware can infect Linux. The most common malware affecting Linux is rootkits.

Until a few years ago, malware affecting Linux was very rare. The number of people using Linux is continually increasing. Malware affecting Linux is also increasing. As vulneribilities are discovered, improvements are made to eliminate them, making it even more secure.

Latest Updates

When the people writing Linux programs learn about a security vulneribility, they make a new update to eliminate it. Computers are more secure if updates are regularly installed.

Frugal Install

Most computer operating systems are installed conventionally. When installed this way, files throughout the operating system are modified as it is used. As a result of malfunctions, user error, malware, or just because the operating system is imperfect, files may becomes corrupted, and it may not work properly, or even work at all.

If an operating system is installed frugally, files within it cannot be modified, so they cannot become corrupted. Personal files and settings can be saved, but operating system files are not modified. This type of installation provides greater security than conventional installation.

Encryption

Log in passwords are normally used used to provide security in computer operating systems.

Operating systems can now be run from live CDs, DVDs and USB drives. These can bypass log in passwords, making existing security measures ineffective.

Encryption can be used to keep files secure.

Firewall

If you connect to the internet, a firewall provides greater security. Iptables, which comes in most Linux distributions, is a very effective firewall, giving you great control of what comes in, and what goes out of your computer. It can also be used for other purposes, for example, if you want to limit young children to certain internet sites, or want to restrict what employees in a workplace can access.

There are also other Linux firewalls. These are normally graphical frontends for Iptables.

© Copyright Guy Shipard 2008 - 2009