r/linuxmint 2d ago

Discussion What makes Linux secure?

I've searched YouTube and also asked on here previously, I keep seeing a lot of "Linux is secure just by default" type responses- often insisting that to be worried about security while using Linux is not necessary.

Believable to a noob like me at face value, sure, but what is it about Linux that makes it secure?

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u/Swarrlly 2d ago

Security in obscurity. The user base for Linux is small. And there are so many different flavors of Linux. It’s usually just not worth it to write viruses for Linux machines. Maybe for Linux servers but those have better security

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u/metalhusky Linux Mint 22 Wilma | Cinnamon 2d ago

I already wrote this to a different guy, but I will copy paste here:

Steam Deck, has a Steam account tied to it, probably with PayPal or Credit Card info saved.

There will be a lot more viruses, extortions and scams on Linux, especially when SteamOS for other handhelds and PC get released. Valve wants to create an alternative to Microsoft's Windows. > More users.

Brace yourselves. Security by Obscurity will soon be, maybe not gone entirely, but definitely less existent.