A friend told me that it is very easy for your computer to get cracked. I am quite nervous about this so I was wondering what steps should I go through to prevent this? Should I get a firewall? I'm really new to this so I'm not for sure what to do. I really don't want anyone to get into my system so the basic security will be fine until I can get out and buy a detailed book about Linux security. I use Slackware 10.1 and I just need some basic security advice/info.


I did scan the stickeys but they just confused me. I am really new to this so speak slowly please. Thanks for the help.

Most definitely! There's iptables (which can hard to use if your new to it) or there are GUI tools to help build a firewall for you. firestarter Also, shut off services you are not using (ftp, http, ssh etc.) Run nmap on your box to see what ports are open and LISTENing. netstat -tulnap will show what ports are open, too.

Keep your system updated for one. A tool like the one below may help with that.

http://freshmeat.net/projects/xpkgtool/

Get a firewall configured. This point is key on slackware. Do it as quickly as possible.

Lockdown your system with bastille linux.

http://www.bastille-linux.org/

Turn off every service you dont need.

Run rkhunter/chkrootkit once a month or more frequently if you want.

Install tripwire.

Read this forum regularly, and read the following thread.

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...threadid=62121