Spyware ?

bongo22 · 03-27-2005, 05:49 PM

Is spyware/adware/malware possible on linux ?
I read that it is and that it is not, so uhm, is it or not

jtshaw · 03-27-2005, 06:36 PM

Is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? Not if you use a good security policy and don't browse as root.

I'm not really sure if there is any spyware out there targeting linux yet. Certainly there isn't nearly as much as there is targeting Windows. Not enough people use Linux (and those that do tend to be more technology knowledgable and thus able to avoid malware) so it probably isn't worth the malware creators effort to build stuff that works on linux yet.

bongo22 · 03-27-2005, 07:14 PM

So what is a good security policy according to you ?

jtshaw · 03-27-2005, 07:20 PM

Well, as far as malware/spyware is concerned. Don't install stuff if you don't know what it is.... and don't use the root user for everyday use and you'll be fine.

NeoAndersn007 · 03-27-2005, 07:27 PM

since most programs on linux are open source they don't include spyware or viruses plus linux has the ability to monitor everything thats going on so nothing is invisible also linux has a good permission system.