linux security

try1260 · 09-15-2011, 04:49 PM

why linux is more secure that the other os s?

macemoneta · 09-15-2011, 05:12 PM

There are some best practices used by major distributions, for example:

- mandatory access control (SELinux, for example),
- firewall by default,
- policykit fine-grained privilege control,
- buffer overflow protection,
- restricted kernel memory access to stop many rootkits,
- higher level hashing for passwords

However, the weakest link is always system administration, and any OS can fall victim to human error.

sunnieside-up · 09-15-2011, 05:45 PM

In one case, on windows, applications can self execute themselves, and install viruses and such. Linux has different levels of permissions, and always requires explicit authentication to execute programs, thus preventing a lot of viruses.