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< Previous Section: The "Hacker" Word

1.3      Security and Linux

As Linux users we have some inherent advantages over our fellow Windows users when it comes to security (or lack there of). Hackers, rather like gamblers, use the laws of odds and averages in their endeavors to find vulnerable computer systems to break into. They will typically target the types of systems that have the most security vulnerabilities. They will also mostly focus attention on areas where there are the most opportunities for unprotected systems – in other words the types are system that are most common on the internet. In both these cases Windows is the predominant operating system. In security circles they say Windows has a larger “surface area” to attack both in terms of vulnerabilities and numbers of systems.

Linux is both more secure and less common than Windows based systems with the consequence that attacks on Linux systems occur less frequently than on Windows systems. Having said that it would be foolish to be complacent about securing any system regardless of whether it runs Windows, Linux or any other operating system.

The purpose of this book is to provide a step by step approach to securing a Linux system from outside attack. It is designed to be used and understood by both new and experienced Linux users.

< Previous Section: The "Hacker" Word

 
 
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