Linux operating system is best recognized for its high level of security. It is for this reason that its market price has been growing. Unlike some of the operating systems that are easily affected by threats such as spyware, malware, and ransomware threats, Linux provides robust protection against such threats. Another good thing about it is that it is available all over the market.
However, no operating system is bulletproof from such threats. It comes with specific vulnerabilities that are easy to deal with. Since Linux is open-source, some people think that it is more secure compared to other OS. The truth is, the operating system has various problems including escalation vulnerabilities. Linux is easy to learn for beginners. It also has millions of applications and software to pick from, where most of these programs are free.
The vital point to keep in mind is that most of the cyberattacks that take place are mostly through the Internet. This is regardless of the type of operating system that one is using. Today, hackers have improved the way they do things. It has become easy to hack into systems, considering the weaknesses in every operating system.
They can easily tap into the network using the loopholes, get information and use it to carry out their malicious intentions. Therefore, it becomes the user’s responsibility to keep things under control. Individuals using the internet must ensure their security, considering that hackers have upgraded their game. Protecting personal information is important to avoid threats like identity theft, financial theft, viruses, among others.
One of the simpler ways of protecting your data on your Linux machine is using a proxy to hide your IP address. Cybersecurity experts at Smartproxy wrote a guide for a Linux proxy configuration that you can read through if interested.
There are various ways that people can enhance their security. Check them out in the next part of the article.
Cybersecurity Techniques to Safeguard Your Linux Operating System
1.Preventing Prying Eyes
When your network is unencrypted, you leave yourself vulnerable to anyone. There is a lot of internet traffic and you cannot be able to control it without encrypting your network. This leaves you exposed to cyberattacks and lose your privacy. The best thing you can do is installing a VPN to hide your IP address. The VPN acts as a barrier between your resource and your equipment and prevents ISP from sneaking into your network. A Linux VPN provides security by hiding your device’s IP address to block any ISP activities. With the VPN you don’t have to worry about your privacy and security.
2.Use an Anti-Virus
When browsing through the Internet you are vulnerable to various threats like malware, spyware, or ransomware. You may lose your data or expose it to hackers. Other times, you might have to pay a ransom in case your data is encrypted by a third party. The best thing you can do is installing robust anti-virus software. By using an anti-virus, Linux-based systems are hard to crack. Although devices are still vulnerable due to the sophistication of the hackers, the threats are significantly low. Therefore, an updated anti-virus is essential to prevent harmful software or virus from downloading.
3.Update the System
An outdated operating system has loopholes that give cybercriminals a way to gather your details. It is also easy for the system to download harmful files when using the Internet. This way, you not only expose your sensitive data but also remain vulnerable to other cyberattacks. Keeping the OS updated is an effective way of protecting yourself and the operating system. In addition to the operating system, you also need to update your applications. Linux operating systems have made it easy to do this. Consider the Ubuntu OS it automatically, by default, updates all securities.
4.Multi-factor Authentication
Your online accounts are more vulnerable to hackers. Therefore, you need to secure them with unique, complicated, and random passwords. Make sure that you have not used any password twice. Multi-factor authentication increase accounts security by ensuring users pass through a layer of verification before logging in to their account. If you are afraid of forgetting the passwords, you can use a password manager to help you remember.
5.Disk Encryption
If your disk is not encrypted, you might risk your information being stolen. Regardless of where you are, a cybercriminal can remotely access your device. They can get the content on your disk or install viruses that may harm your data or dis. You can prevent this by encrypting your disk. Linux distributions allow you to encrypt your drive, whether it is a hard disk or an SSD drive. Your data is 100% protected, and once you encrypt it, only you can have access. This means that even when your device is stolen, no other person can access your encrypted data.
The Bottom Line
Linux has been known to be the best and secure OS in the world. This is because it is used by the least number of computers, thus attracting less attention for cybercriminals. However, it does not guarantee 100% security. Malware exists, and data gets lost or stolen. However, with the above tips, it is easy and possible to protect the system from cyberattacks.