Linux Security Issues

lifelong · 08-05-2010, 09:45 AM

What are 5 key issues of Linux Security?

- akaivory

zirias · 08-05-2010, 09:49 AM

Depends on who is asking. Is Andrew Tanenbaum your OS teacher?

estabroo · 08-05-2010, 08:17 PM

The rainbow series answers has all the key issues with regards to security in any OS

rsciw · 08-05-2010, 10:34 PM

Surely it's in your course material...

unSpawn · 08-06-2010, 12:00 AM

This thread has seen enough non-answers to last the OP a lifetime. One is OK, two is a bit much and three certainly is overkill. Anyone thinking of wedging in another one: just don't.

rich_c · 08-06-2010, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akaivory

What are 5 key issues of Linux Security?

- akaivory

1. Stupid users trying to circumvent inherent security features or downloading and installing wallpapers/themes from questionable sources.

That's actually two points. Can't think of another 3.

unixfool · 08-06-2010, 07:08 AM

Browser vulnerabilities?

estabroo · 08-06-2010, 07:13 AM

phyiscal access to the box - key for any item since it changes how other things can/need to be addressed

@Unspawn, my first answer, while a bit tongue in cheek, was a real answer so at least one more non-answer should be allowed

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Series

unixfool · 08-06-2010, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estabroo

phyiscal access to the box - key for any item since it changes how other things can/need to be addressed

I don't think that's a really good answer, only because any machine is always going to have to be physically accessible. That's also not specific to Linux...that's ANY machine. Someone will also eventually state that the network connection could be a key issue. <sigh>

Now in defense of my answer (browser vulnerabilities), one can certainly say that that isn't specific to Linux...until one factors in that there's a Linux version of FF (along with other browsers [Chrome, Opera...]).

unixfool · 08-06-2010, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich_c

1. Stupid users trying to circumvent inherent security features or downloading and installing wallpapers/themes from questionable sources.

That's actually two points. Can't think of another 3.

How's that any different from Windows users attempting to do the same? There's no difference. I believe the OP is looking for Linux-centric information.

OP, what say you?

rich_c · 08-06-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unixfool

How's that any different from Windows users attempting to do the same? There's no difference. I believe the OP is looking for Linux-centric information.

OP, what say you?

I belive you're right! In which case, the only Linux (In this case Debian) centric security issue that I have been aware of is this one: http://www.debian.org/security/2008/dsa-1571

Quote:

This is caused by an incorrect Debian-specific change to the openssl package

This is the only example of a vulnerability that got any kind of coverqage in the IT news sources I frequent.

John VV · 08-06-2010, 01:25 PM

this sounds like homework and there has been no replay from the OP with now 12 replays