linuxmemes

I find the Linux ecosystem has far better updating mechanisms than Windows and it doesn't have as much backwards compatibility cruft as Windows. That and the open source nature I think is better at having exploits uncovered. I'm not saying Linux is perfectly secure, but that it's more secure than Windows. But I think the biggest reason it's less likely to get viruses is just that it's a smaller target and that hackers aren't spending as much time trying to attack it, plus the users are more tech savvy meaning any attacks will be less lucrative.

Not sure what their answer is but not delaying security fixes until some fixed monthly date would be my answer.

There's a difference between exploits and malicious software (even though malicious software often makes use of exploits, it is different). I am willing to bet there is way way more malicious software written for Windows than Linux, simply because there's way more Windows users than Linux users and there's way more Windows software than Linux software.

GNU/Linux is Libre Software, so that already makes it more secure, because anyone can actually verify what it does and modify it if needed. This means that users are really in control of what the operating system does. It's difficult to verify what Windows does, but we know that it contains spyware, which isn't easy to remove.

Installing software from a repository is also safer than downloading it from random websites.

When some library like OpenSSL has a vulnerability, you will get a new version with system updates and all programs will start using that patched version. On Windows usually each program has to have its own update mechanism or it will be stuck with old libraries.

Getting a virus takes real effort. I feel like the whole virus debate is just 2000s hangover, and people never update their shit talking points.

What is actually a threat are scams. Seniors being called, lied to and forced to compromise themselves. Those are the real viruses of 2023. And obviously 99% of seniors are on Windows.

yeah when you use your brain you don't get viruses it better than any anti virus software

lmao

I use Kubuntu, BTW.

I think when people say it is a smaller target for virii, they are talking about an actual virus such as ransomware, crypto miner, adware, trojans, etc. I have zero doubt these types of virii are more targeted on Windows platforms. Linux servers on the other hand are indeed going to be the largest target for exploits. The primary mechanism by which a Linux server is compromised is going to be via an exploit, not an actual virus. That's not to say they don't exist. I administer hundreds of Linux servers in several data centers. I don't believe I've ever come across an actual virus in the last decade or so, but do deal with exploit and brute force attempts nonstop. Perhaps this is a matter of semantics. I don't consider the tools and methods used to exploit systems as a virus.

Yeah, even if it IS true that it's not juicy right now, doesn't that mentality run directly contradictory to the desire for linux to become more popular? We're trying to increase market share, so the "not a juicy target" idea is a very wreckless way of thinking.