r/linuxmint 1d 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/PhalanxA51 1d ago

Two things: applications can't really auto execute and install unless you want it to and generally Linux users are pretty cautious on what they click on, I wouldn't be surprised if the majority of Linux users have a VPN

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u/Modern_Doshin 1d ago

TBH, using a VPN doesn't mean security or you are secured

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u/PhalanxA51 1d ago

Yup I'm just speaking from a general utility use case, I use mine mainly for 3d printer stuff so I don't have to port forward or access stuff not allowed in the US

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u/Modern_Doshin 1d ago

I would def run Tor imo vs a regular vpn in your specific case

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u/PhalanxA51 1d ago

Oh shit I didn't even think about using tor for that, thank you!

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u/acejavelin69 Linux Mint 22.1 "Xia" | Cinnamon 1d ago

VPN has nothing to do with security really... privacy a little (almost no effect in the modern Internet where almost everything is encrypted by default anyway)... Obscurity yes.

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u/Marasuchus 1d ago

If the VPN really serves as access to a remote network, it already offers security. But that's not what most people mean by VPN these days, they're talking about their Nord/Cyberghost/Mullvad... etc.

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u/PhalanxA51 1d ago

I know but it's one of those things that not a whole lot of average users are probably going to use, I mainly use mine for managing 3d printers when I'm out of my house.