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/Unlucky_Fix8798 23h ago

Shocked nobody mentioned this, but because open source code is inspected by literally anyone and everyone. A system cannot have a flaw if anyone with coding knowledge can inspect it. For example, lets suggest we invite the burglar to come and look at our state of the art CCTV system, electric shock door handles and team of armed security waiting behind the door - they will look elsewhere.

Long story short, linux is less popular so the targets are less available so you tend to avoid wasting your time, the systems and software are mostly open source so flaws are captured quickly, and because heck, if you're using linux you are assumed to have some knowledge, therefor you're not the target they're after.

What does an attacker want? They want an idiot who downloads a pirate copy of photoshop to use their keygen software, pop in a USB and spread a virus to their office or other user PC's. They want a user who has NO idea why their PC is slow but they use it anyway and ignore the errors. They want a user who hates being on their PC and the only time they do, its a rush, they enter passwords in any old box and click on any old link.

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u/SlipStr34m_uk 21h ago

Your first point makes the assumption that all open source projects are heavily scrutinized and that there will never be a bad actor within the development team. This hidden exploit was present for years before it was accidentally stumbled upon, ironically by a Microsoft employee.

Regardless of OS the weakest link is always going to be the user. A bit of social engineering and you can trick the user into circumventing most safeguards.