Malware

Security

Malware

Consider using an operating system which can be installed frugally, to reduce the likelihood of being affected by malware.

If you use an operating system which is installed conventionally, it may become infected with malware. So it is a good idea to to check from time to time.

The following programs may be downloaded and installed for this purpose.

Rootkit Hunter (rkhunter)

To run rkhunter, open the Root Terminal and type:

rkhunter -c --sk

Check Rootkit (chkrootkit)

To run chkrootkit, open the Root Terminal and type:

chkrootkit

Become Familiar with the Output

If you are not familiar with the output, you may think there is malware on the computer when there is not. It is a good idea to run rkhunter and chkrootkit just after installation, so you can become familiar with what the output looks like when there is no malware.

If you find Malware

What do you do if you find malware on your computer?

The simplest way of removing malware is reinstalling Linux.

Malware is normally removed when Linux is reinstalled. On rare occasions it is not. To be absolutely sure, you can run DBAN to erase everything from the hard drive before reinstalling Linux.

You should have regularly backed up your personal files, and can copy them back after reinstalling Linux. If you have not saved a recent copy of your personal files, save a copy before running DBAN or reinstalling Linux. When using Linux, it is unlikely that malware will infect your personal files, unlike Windows, where viruses often infect personal files. But there is no guarantee. If you have important files, and are not sure, save a copy.

After reinstalling Linux, ensure you set up a firewall, install all the latest updates, and regularly back up your files.

Or even better, use an operating system which can be installed frugally.

< Graphical Firewalls

Erase Everything from a Hard Drive >