Hello Everyone, and excuse me if I should've put this in the newbie section. I'm pretty much new to the linux world, and loving it. However, I had a question I wanted to pose to everyone and see if you guys can help me get some information. My boss is a BIG windows fan, and he knows that I've been tinkering with Linux. He keeps bragging about how he read in some article for some PC magazine where some security expert said that Linux has just as many security holes and prone to hacking as windows. He also added that the only reason windows has so many more hacks is because hackers hate it and it's more popular. Now, I would really like to ask you guys this. Is what he saying true? I thought I had heard that Linux was more secure. Do you guys know of any articles that I can read that say the opposite of what he's telling me. I'd really love to shut him up. lol.. THanks

There was a post EXACTLY LIKE THIS ONE posted elsewhere on the site. Try searching for it and you will have many of the answers you seek.

I think your boss really shows his ignorance when he tells you linux is as prone as windows, which is completely false. But a linux setup that is not properly setup is open to some holes. But overall the majority of 'hackers' as your boss thinks of them are actually 'script-kiddies' who run IIS and mySQL scripts to check for open http/mysql weaknesses. They usually target just the n00bie admins that set up a machine and don't think twice about security.

Windows can be made secure (with proper firewall configs) on firewall i would recommend is Sysgate (sp?) its 'active response' system blocks 99% of script-kiddy attempts (they most usually start with a port scan, which it blocks instantly).

I am not linux guru so i can't give u the expert opinion on what if any vulnerability linux builds have (and i'm sure they are not 100% secure.. but thye can be made 99%).

I believe Windows actually has few security holes relatively but the security holes that do exist are gaping wide. Linux on the otherhand may have a glitch or two in certain programs that could potentially act as a security hole, but if you upgrade your programs often you will stay ahead of the hackers.

A point, indeed the point, was made in the other thread: The regular Windows user has all the privileges on his system. A regular Linux user has limited or no influence on the system files, and even the administrator is user most of the time. So even if you inadvertently execute a file from one of the rare Linux viruses, most likely the system won't allow you to unleash the damage intended.
I agree with JakeX, though, that with proper firewall settings, Windows can be secure - if you are able to interpret the file calls the system makes and separate them from unauthorized access attempts. I was installing Windows on a friend's laptop (yes, a Windows newbie ) and a popup appeared which ordered me to install the patch from patchwindows.org. Is that official MS? Hardly... Would the beginner have realized? Hmmm...

Interesting article here on why viruses have such a hard time spreading in linux:
http://librenix.com/?inode=21

Scott