this post was submitted on 22 Nov 2025
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Linux Hardening Guide / Linux is Insecure (madaidans-insecurities.github.io)
submitted 1 week ago by BigHeadMode@lemmy.frozeninferno.xyz to c/linux@lemmy.ml
42 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Writeup from 2022 that I assume is mostly still valid. TLDR:

  1. Mainstream Linux is less secure than macOS, Windows, and ChromeOS. (Elsewhere: "[iOS/Android] were designed with security as a foundational component. They were built with sandboxing, verified boot, modern exploit mitigations and more from the start. As such, they are far more locked down than other platforms and significantly more resistant to attacks.")
  2. Move as much activity outside the core maximum privilege OS as possible.
  3. OP doesn't mention immutable OS, but I assume they help a lot.
  4. Create a threat model and use it to guide your time and money investments in secure computing.

Once you have hardened the system as much as you can, you should follow good privacy and security practices:

  1. Disable or remove things you don't need to minimise attack surface.
  2. Stay updated. Configure a cron job or init script to update your system daily.
  3. Don't leak any information about you or your system, no matter how minor it may seem.
  4. Follow general security and privacy advice.
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[–] Soot@hexbear.net 30 points 1 week ago (1 children)

These are very subjective arguments, and even the objective points are completely subjective depending on your distro.

I mean one of his arguments is that C++ is just inherently insecure. He just takes Microsoft's claims at face-value that all their pointless shit is the magical security wall that it claims to be. He buys into the same lie that ACE on a Windows, Mac or Android is somehow much much safer than on Linux. Most of his claims that other OSes are more secure are rooted in "well yeah they do exactly the same but at least they knooow they do".

I'm not even acknowledging ChromeOS - it is Linux, except it only runs a browser.

99% of this stuff also applies to Windows/MacOS/Android/iOS, except moreso and far more universally. And 90% of this stuff is only relevant if you're being targeted by some state-funded intelligence like the CIA (cold reading your RAM?? minimum 16-character password?? Keystroke fingerprinting?????)

So whatever, I think the hardening guide looks fairly accurate, but unless you're being spied on by world powers, I wouldn't consider it worth peoples' time to read, never mind implement. 90% of people are still going to be more secure by cluelessly using Linux instead of cluelessly using the others.

[–] Tiempo@lemmy.dbzer0.com 14 points 1 week ago (1 children)

And if the state wants your password they will just ask you using some very persuasive arguments, so, it won't matter your 16 char password

[–] Tenderizer78@lemmy.ml 15 points 1 week ago (1 children)

[–] Tenderizer78@lemmy.ml 7 points 1 week ago

And who TF encrypts their laptop with RSA 4096.