5 Steps to security in Linux

The fact that in our computer desktop use Linux, as "home users", is not in itself enough to give us security against cybercriminals. Why only 2% of the worldwide desktop using functional Linux, but that does not mean that cybercriminals remain "indifferent" towards this - seemingly small - number of users.

Many will say that the main aim of cybercriminals is overwhelmingly the most - compared to other operating systems - Windows users, but this is not absolute. Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to take advantage of "backdoors" and vulnerabilities, with a view, as is logical, the economic benefit. And Linux systems is - for now - a very good field.

There malicious for running Linux software and many users have found. Users of Linux fall phishingvictims. Well someone can lose his laptop running Linux, to steal or fall victim hacker. Some remove and resell hard drives from computers with Linux systems, without first deleting the saved data in them. So we realize that there is a serious risk to our personal data and in general for our digitalidentity, even if we use functional Linux.

5 Steps to security in Linux

After this, we present five basic steps to better protect your data, privacy and your property if you are using Linux on the desktop or on your laptop.

1. Select Full Disk Encryption (FDE)

Regardless of the operating system, encryption of the entire hard drive is always an important step protection.

If your laptop is lost or stolen, a password during the login is not enough to protect your data. It is very easy to start the computer in Linux with a USB key, and so one who holds your computer can read your files easily.

If, however, your disk data is encrypted, then it is safe, as the ultimate owner of your computer will not be able to "read" without FDE code.

It is worth noting that the Full Disk Encryption advantage over encryption only a few files, and the first will not have to worry about any temporary files or files that may have accidentally come up with some random folder.

Moreover, slowing your computer's response speed will be negligible because of the encryption.

In Ubuntu and Fedora, and other distributions of Linux, the FDE is available as an option during installation.

During installation select «Encrypt the new Ubuntu installation for security ».

Of course you have to choose from and a strong password!

2. Regularly update your software

And in this case, regardless of the operating system, it is imperative to update on a daily basis - or even real - time, both the operating system and the software you use, such as web browsers, PDF readers file or video players.

This is fairly easy in most Linux distributions.

In Ubuntu security updates installed automatically, by default.

Check yourself in System Settings> Software & Updates> Updates

Make sure that important (Important) security configuration updates is active.

3. Learn to use the firewall of Linux.

The kernel in Linux includes an element firewall, called iptables, and has significant potential for network traffic management and avoid a lot of cyber species.

In Ubuntu there is also a further embodiment, described Uncompicated Firewall (UWF), a frontend program facilitates considerably the iptables setting.

The UWF is disabled by default, but you can activate it from a command prompt as follows:

  $ Sudo ufw enable
 Password:
 Firewall is active and enabled on system startup
 $ 

In Fedora will find FirewallD, an alternative firewall management tool, which is enabled by default.

At your disposal you have also a GUI firewall - config for easier adjustment FirewallD. You can install through command prompt as follows:

  $ Yum install firewall-config 

4. Increase safety in the browser you are using

Any browser you use, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, etc., this is a "safe" gateway to cyber.

Many free extensions (extensions) are available to improve the security of your browser, and to protect your privacy. Among other things, you can use the following:

• HTTPS-Everywhere
• adblock Plus
• NoScript
• Ghostery
• Disconnect

5. Use anti-virus software

For last we left the main, considered by many as unnecessary. Anti-virus software! Some will say: "But I need anti-virus on Linux;». The answer is "yes"!

The fact is that more malware detected in a Linux target Windows systems. But there is reason to be part of a chain of problems for others - that might take the "infected" files - rather than to protect them?

Want Some other reason? If Linux does not constitute a frequent target of cybercriminals, this does not mean that they never target. If you ignore the hackers, then - alas - there is a serious risk of breaching the security of your computer from malicious users and not noticing only when the situation will be irreversible.