Tech

Leaving Windows 10 to switch to Linux? 5 security differences to consider first


Gettyimages-1472518296

da-kuk/Getty Images

For those who are looking for a replacement Windows 10you may wonder How are Windows and Linux different?. In addition to the usual user interface concerns, there are also security issues that need to be considered.

I’ve been using Linux for almost thirty years, and I’ve only had one serious security problem in that time (a rootkit injected into the server I used). Other than that, it has been smooth sailing.

Also: 3 Linux distributions that are most similar to Windows you can try because they are difficult to change

You may have heard that Linux is more secure than Windows. If not, I’m here to tell you that it is. But what makes Linux so much more secure than Windows – and how do these operating systems differ when it comes to security?

Let me provide a few items to help you understand these differences.

1. Firewall

Windows 10 has Windows Defender, a firewall system built into almost every aspect of the operating system. Windows Defender is enabled by default and disabling it is a risk because Windows is the most targeted operating system on the planet.

Also: How to upgrade an “incompatible” Windows 10 PC to Windows 11

With many Linux distributions, the firewall is not even enabled by default. On top of that, there are different firewalls for different base distributions. For example, Ubuntu Have Firewalls are not complicated (UFW) and Fedora Have Firewall. Both are great options, and there are even GUI applications for each (firewall configuration for Firewall and GUFW for UFW). Firewalls tend to be enabled by default, while UFW is usually not enabled. Luckily, managing both is easy, especially with the GUI.

The biggest difference between Windows and Linux firewalls is that Linux options give you more control. For example, with Firewall Configuration, you control zones, services, IPSets, services, ports, protocols, source ports, interfaces, etc. But don’t worry; in general, you don’t need to touch the firewall unless you have specific traffic (such as SSH) that you want to allow.

2. Sudo user and admin

In Windows, when an administrator-level task is required (such as installing an application), you can usually just click OK when prompted and the task will be performed. You can even open the terminal application with administrator privileges without having to enter a password.

Also: What is sudo in Linux and why is it so important?

On Linux, whenever you want to run an administrator task, you will need to enter your user password. If you want to run command with administrator rights, you must use sudoAbbreviation for Super User Due. When you run a command with sudoyou are asked to enter your user password. If someone tries to run an administrative task on your machine (such as installing malware) and they don’t know your user password, they will fail.

Entering user passwords is an area that Windows 10 users will have to get used to. That’s a good thing because it means your operating system is more secure.

3. Rights

On Windows 10, there aren’t many user-configurable permissions. However, on Linux, you have full control over those permissions.

Also: The first 5 Linux commands that new users should learn

Linux permissions are managed in two ways: via command line or GUI. When you want to adjust file or folder permissions from the command line, you’ll use chmod request. When you want to adjust permissions through the GUI, you will use the distribution’s file manager.

One thing to note, however, is that you have more power through the command line, but that’s not really necessary. For example, with the GNOME file manager, you can set custom permissions for files and folders by right-clicking and selecting Properties, then expanding the Permissions section. In this new pop-up, you can adjust permissions for the owner (which is you), the group, and others. You even have the option to change folder permissions recursively, so all files and folders it contains will have the same settings.

Linux’s licensing system is one of many reasons why open source code The operating system is generally considered more secure than Windows.

4. The need (or lack thereof) of anti-virus and anti-malware software

With Windows, anti-virus and anti-malware are necessary. Run Windows without and you risk falling victim to any number of malicious attacks. On Linux, neither antivirus nor anti-malware software are considered mandatory. That said, you No need to spend money on third-party security solutions on Windowsbecause the built-in Windows Defender works very well.

Also: 5 most beautiful Linux distributions: “User-friendly and eye-catching”

As I mentioned before, I’m almost 30 years without any security issues on Linux, and I’ve never installed anti-virus or anti-malware software on my desktop. . You can install these types of applications on Linux, but they most likely won’t be used. One reason Linux is immune to attacks is because it was built from the ground up to enhance security. From user permissions to SELinux and AppArmor, Linux is extremely secure.

Additionally, Linux is simply not targeted as much as Windows (because Windows is not only easier to hack, but also more popular). I will say this: Linux attacks happen is increasing in recent yearsso there may come a day when this type of protection becomes necessary.

5. Patch vulnerabilities

I’ve seen firsthand a patch for a Linux vulnerability released within hours of the issue being discovered. That doesn’t happen on Windows. In fact, I’ve heard of Windows vulnerabilities being discovered and patches not being released for weeks.

For example, Microsoft follows a Patch Tuesday release schedule, which occurs on the second Tuesday of each month. Linux does not follow such a schedule, so patches are released almost immediately after they are created. I run update commands on my Linux system every day and regularly see security patches added.

Also: I converted this Mini PC from Windows to Linux and it worked again. Here’s how

If you are looking for greater security for your operating system, your best bet is to switch from Windows 10 to any Linux distribution you like.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *