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Linux - Spyware & Viruses
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Posted by: Ironfighter
I've read that you don't have to worry about spyware and viruses in unix/linux systems but as a newcomer to Linux I would like to ask the question - "How can I tell that my system is free from and protected from malicious code?" I am tinkering with Fedora 2 on a dedicated machine at the moment. I am thinking of networking it into a Windows PC which has a firewall, antivirus software, spybot and spyware blaster installed, but I am reluctant to do so without knowing the answer to this question.
Posted by: goranpaa
I have read the same stuff about Linux.
But I would still be causious and download a free Antivir and anti spy, that works with Linux.
At least, it won't do any harm?
Posted by: zorg
well as far as I know, AND I might be wrong, executable files as we run in windows dont actually work in Linux. Most if not all of the spyware need to run an executable file. Im sure there is some smart person out there that can or has figured out something that can run on linux, but im also sure that they are much less than those that can run on windows.
Posted by: redwench
there is malware out there for linux, its just not very common. youll have to use normal security precautions like a firewall and an antivirus. you can probably not bother with spyware stuff, unless its a dual boot system.
Posted by: Boggy B
It's essentually not an issue, viruses can't spread because the user isn't (Or at least shouldn't) be logged in as root. (The administrator) Which, by default, you won't be. Besides as most viruses are made to spread in Windows, they're usually .bat, .exe, .dll and so on, which Linux doesn't recognise, not without an emulator anyway. And under an emulator, it wouldn't leave the emulated environment.
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"How can I tell that my system is free from and protected from malicious code?"
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As long as you don't put or, or manually allow the small amount of linux affected code thorugh, no, at the moment viruses and spyware aren't really an issue under Linux.
Still, AVG antivirus should give you some protection from your own paranoir. 
Posted by: Ironfighter
Thank you everyone - looks like my "paranoir" wins the day- Boggy B saw right through me. I had my browser hijacked once and Ive never been the same since. Ive got a Clam antivirus tarball so I'll start by trying to install that.
Posted by: Zendu
i read a article where i guy ran wine (an emulator that makes linux act like windows) and TRIED to get viruses. Almost all of the failed completly, and if i recall one actually did some damage, but not as much as it was supposed to.
There are three main reasons why you dont have to worry as much if your running linux.
1) better code: there are less errors in the codes and those that are are usually patched (go open source woo woo)
2) Limited amount: Considering the majoirty of users run windows, why bother to program for linux as well?
3) advanced users: probably the number one, anyone running linux most likely knows what thier doing and so are runing anti virus and anti-spyware even though they dont need it.
Be warned however, although im a strong supporter for open source the fact it cant play games (or at least good games, not solitare and the like) really stops me from using it
*note* before someone flames me, yes i know about cedega and from what ive read its just not as good as the real thing.
Posted by: Antti2004
If wanting to know more about Linux virus worm problems visit www.f-secure.com and www.symantec.com and read about the different problems with the bugs on Linux systems.
One very common 'bug' that can be downloaded to Linux is adware.cdt
Linux is quite secure against 'bug's but not foolproof, the 'bugs' are just written by users with more knowledge that the normal virusvriters. 
Posted by: Ion Silverbolt
The most insecure thing about Linux is a lot of the distros tend to have some remote services listening by default. Which can be vulnerable to DOS attacks and such. Also, it pays to have a secure password if you have SSH services active. Best thing to do is disable these services if you don't need them.
As far as viruses and spyware, no worries. The closest thing I have seen to adware in Linux was Realplayer. Which is useless anyway because there are about 8 other media players for Linux that play Real media types. And there are no Linux viruses outside of college labs.
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