Saturday, October 29, 2011

Re: [LINUX_Newbies] New features in 11.04

I did say that people will say otherwise. Meaning that it is my opinion. I
did not state it as fact. I disagree with your position. Quoting Bit
Defender and other sites like it who have a vested interest or magazines
that like sensationalism is not proof of anything. Microsoft will tell you
that Windows is secure.anybody can say what they want, but it does not make
it true.

I base my OPINION on using Linux for over 10 years almost exclusively. I
have had a broadband (always on) connection for all of that time. I use the
internet extensively. I download through bittorrent and usenet. I have three
browsers open at once most of the time. I get email from Windows users. And
I have never had a single problem. That is not proof of anything, but it is
my experience and the experience of almost every Linux user. In fact, I have
never met anyone having had a malware or virus issue. I have hundreds of
followers on on just about every social media site. I have hundreds of RSS
feeds that I read daily. I listen to just about every Linux podcast there is
and there are dozens. It is not like I am deaf to what is happening.

There are only a handful of Linux viruses and none in the wild. None has
been reported for years and none has spread from one user to another.
Malware is a potential threat, but Linux is sandboxed with userspace and
root being separate. Any malware would have trouble infecting root unless
you provide access. There is no case of this happening that I am aware of. I
am not saying that it can't happen, but it is unlikely. Linux is not perfect
and users are the weak link, but because of the way it is structured and it
is hard to infect and even harder to spread, so people who do this sort of
thing are unlikely to go to the trouble. They pick the low hanging fruit,
which is not Linux.

I have tried AV software and it is more trouble than it is worth, especially
considering two things, the lack of threat and the fact that it must be used
manually to scan incoming files. Anybody suggesting an imminent threat is
either spreading FUD or has a vested interest, IMO. <--- note

Users can decide for themselves. This is not gospel, just an opinion and I
worded it that way. I caution users, especially Windows users who are used
to serious threats, that Linux is different. The level of threat is not the
same and the lack of resources to combat threats is lacking because of it.
There are Linux applications for everything. The lack of support for AV and
malware is not indicative of carelessness nor a shortcoming. It is
indicative of the lack of need.

Roy
Using Kubuntu 11.10, 64-bit
Location: Canada


On 28 October 2011 20:42, g.linuxducks <g.linuxducks@gmail.com> wrote:

> **
>
>
> If I didn't know better from your posts in this group I would have
> assumed you were a computer security dummy.
> QUOTEd
>
> <<<AV software in Linux is a redundancy, IMO. You will get people saying
> otherwise, but there is little conviction in them or their argument.>>>
>
> Way back when with Linux and malware it might be called FUD
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fud
>
> Today virtually straight across the board in all security circles
> (obviously) and publications (news sources, blogs, articles, etc. )
> admittedly malware is a concern with Linux now and obviously Apple/Mac
> others. I know that for two reasons. I do windows amateur forensics and
> now involved in Linux and as well I read a zillion RSS News Feeds by
> Professionals and Experts practically daily. I have maintained a
> computer security site since 2005 and can assure you playing ostrich
> with Linux malware will not make it go away. Linux and botnets are a
> study in themselves.
>
> I am well aware of Klam and Clam as only so-so or fair to very fair
> chronically in their detection abilities. With Linux when you go to
> Synaptics Package Manager you can really add a lot to Clam including the
> Third Party Definitions from a handful of the most prestigious security
> companies in the world. These fill a void until Clam catches up. As well
> there are more and more to add for pop mail and web based mail scanning.
>
> Now I am not engaging any can of worms here. I indeed appreciate your
> comments. I absolutely do not agree with them but will say in reality I
> lean towards it is currently a blue moon chance of getting infected on
> Linux. There is now spyware for Linux.
>
> Because of your entire views stated but particular where you stated ....
> <<<"...there is little conviction in them or their argument....>>>
> I may say off the bat you are very very very uninformed in Linux
> security. And that's okay. And that's not okay if you are someone who
> knows better and wish to spread help and awareness - meaning you try and
> keep users informed. It's not okay when a friend gets preyed upon by
> malware cyber criminals. You try and help. Knowledge in security
> computing no matter what system is a starting place.
>
> I am walking through this once because I know you are probably adamant
> in your position but I feel compelled as a fellow user to offer another
> view. Of course it is up to you to freely make up your mind as to what
> is real or a convenient truth.
>
> Let me just through this and that towards you as I assume you are not
> aware - and because you feel there is no substance to any reality of
> Linux malware being any threat....
>
> Let's start with you mentioned QUOTEd <<<AV software in Linux is a
> redundancy>>> and that BitDefender for Linux is better. Go to
> BitDefender Linux and sure enough it says on the front page...
>
> QUOTEd http://www.bitdefender.com/business/antivirus-for-unices.html
> "Linux is no longer immune to security threats .....
> Linux operating systems have been considered less vulnerable than
> Windows systems for many years but the myth that they are immune to
> virus attack is completely false.
> The Linux platforms early low instance of attacks was primarily due to
> the lack of root access required for malware to infiltrate the system,
> the Linux communities ability to quickly patch vulnerabilities, and the
> low adoption rate of Linux in the corporate network. This made Linux a
> lower priority target for the writers of malware. However, that priority
> is changing quickly as the platforms popularity across sectors
> increases......" UNQUOTED
>
> Sophos and Eset for Linux have both won the VB100 Award for Linux
> antimalware. Do you understand what that means ? It means there is many
> malwares that will infect Linux that have been thrown at these company
> products in lab testing of the product ability to defend and protect.
> BOTH of those got 100 percent protection in the tests with the legal
> right to display the VB100 logo on their products which is the most
> prestigious award available to antivirus companies.
>
> These are NOT proof of concept malwares. These are not simulated from
> fantasy. These are actual real threats they get tested on as well as
> facsimiles of various malwares. These products (above mentioned) have
> Real Time Protection processes for Linux - NOT simply stand alone on
> demand reactive scanning for threats on Linux. Preemptive heuristics for
> both virus and spyware category threats with Linux.
>
> So I must say to your statement and only in the friendliness of
> discussion....
> QUOTED <<< First point to make is that you do not need to have any AV in
> Linux.>>>
> NO the first point to make in real world as opinion and fact of
> virtually the entire security and news industry is that we as users MUST
> observe that a malware infection is quite possible and possibly probable
> now. This is truth sworn and testified to by the above mentioned meaning
> it is FACT not fiction FUD or Proof Of Concept.
>
> For sake of discussion ONLY have I replied but simply to your main
> comment about Linux security being "...not much conviction in their
> argument..."
> I propose no "argument" at all but to state to you as an assumed Linux
> security dummy (friendly phrase) that indeed as FACT that Linux malware
> and the probability of infection exists and is indeed inevitable. Case
> in point for a Linux security dummy is "How do you know your Linux
> system and files are not infected right now by Linux spyware ?"
>
> The most basic introduction to FACT not argument is right here....
> Linux malware
> From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_computer_viruses
> CLIP:
> "The number of malicious programs --- including viruses, Trojans, and
> other threats --- specifically written for Linux has been on the
> increase in recent years and more than doubled during 2005 from 422 to 863"
>
> Some may laugh because Windows viruses have passed one million not to
> long ago and spyware catagory threats are double that now or in other
> words there is a 3 Million chance on Windows as opposed to less than a
> 1,000 chances on Linux of getting infected by malware. Who is safer ?
> Nooooo question - Linux obviously. And that is said with the idea that
> it is assumed the User understands the neccessity to continually perform
> computer maintanance which includes malware scanning either hourly,
> daily, weekly, or monthly.
>
> I recommend you join the Ubuntu security mail by Canonical. Surely you
> do not believe Ubuntu and Canonical are just making arguements rather
> than facts about Linux security ! ! ! Then they would be wasting
> millions and millions of dollars over the years for all the Security
> Updates/Patches/Fix issued by them for Ubuntu Linux, right ?
>
> IN THE NEWS.... http://www.linuxsecurity.com/
> Linux Advisory Watch: October 28th, 2011
> Source: IT Pro Portal - Posted by Dave Wreski
> Hacks/Cracks
> Recently, ESET and Sophos security researchers found out that hackers
> are trying to transfer an old backdoor Trojan from Linux to the latest
> Apple Mac OS X platform. By doing this the hackers are trying to expand
> their reach of PCs which they will be able to use for botnets.
>
> Do you see that ? Two things ? Number one "LinuxSecurity.Com and 'Linux
> Advisory Watch" - these are Professionals in the Security field who
> know everything a Linux computer security dummy does not. Agreed ? Linux
> security and malware are not a popularity contest as to who makes the
> best argument. They report facts and inferred opinion. They exhibit
> samples - real factual samples - not best arguable suppositions and
> surmisings of making best guesses about Linux malware to be one's
> belief and Linux security status and then as it's stated view to be
> considered real world facts.
>
> Secondly above did you see it ? QUOTE "...old backdoor Trojan from
> Linux...." Do you see it ? OLD Linux malware (and very dangerous,
> backdoor trojans are). This is FACT. It is not there reality that they
> are trying to make some believable ARGUEMENT (as you say) of some
> fantasy or proof of concept malware threat to Linux - BUT a for real one
> from days and days ago as very very very well known to Professionals and
> Experts in Linux Security.
>
> Hopefully this reply post is received as intended as nothing personal or
> defamatory or anything BUT to make discussion of a very intense and
> lengthy subject affecting all computer users. Possibly others are
> reading these as interesting and may even add.
>
> I will not engage anything else to the contrary as I stated I have been
> in computing security and have seen your EXACT type view on both Windows
> and Linux for several years as well as many many many others including
> the entire security software industry, caring and concerned
> professionals in security news, and the USA Government with their
> agencies and publications to the public to engage them in awareness and
> learning about the grave threat by cyber criminals through their
> malwares that can not only destroy computers but peoples lives as well
> financially. We most times it seems do not get through to assumed
> ostriches that refuse to admit the threat is real no matter what OS
> (operating system) you operate.
>
> NEWS
> New Mac Trojan Proves There's No Such Thing as a Malware-Proof Platform
> eWeek
> *It's time to accept the fact that any operating system can be attacked
> by malware.* We've been hearing the stories for years about how Apple's
> Macintosh is immune to malware. For years I've heard the smug claims
> from Mac owners about how it's too bad ...
>
> http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/New-Mac-Trojan-Proves-Theres-No-Such-Thing-as-a-Malware-Proof-Platform-180787/
>
> That should be the new dialogue for Users with your view and opinion....
> "It's time to accept the fact that any operating system can be attacked
> by malware."
> It is EVERYBODY else's ! Including mine.
>
> That is only one article from one day among thousands on every day
> yearly year in and year out. NOT meant as any substance to making a
> "better argument" than yours that " there is little conviction in them
> or their argument." as you stated.
>
> I SINCERELY HOPE I personally have offered any Linux security knowledge
> or beginnings to you and that as webmaster of the BlueCollarPC.US with
> over 6 million users since 2005 as WE always say "Have a Safe Computing
> Day" ! !
>
> I would be happy to discuss actual Linux security with anyone but NOT
> whether it exists or not. Fruitless and
> I hope as well I made that absolutely clear. For any posting that - well
> I have said enough that has addressed that already and anyone in the
> know could write you a library of information.
>
> TIP: Talking about virtualization, I have done a forensics in the R2
> Windows 2008 Server patch area on Vista ...
>
> https://bluecollarpcwebs.wordpress.com/2010/01/07/new-amatuer-forensics-build-in-progress-nimrod-botnet/
> Your dummy speech is not at all fool proof but far from it to today's
> sophisticated cyber criminals. Piece of cake. Virtualization is NOT a
> defense. Fatal error.
>
> gerald philly pa usa
> http://bluecollarpc.us/
>
>
> On 10/28/2011 08:16 AM, Roy wrote:
> > You are right about klam. First point to make is that you do not need to
> > have any AV in Linux. The only reason to do so is to protect Windows
> > contacts. There are no Linux viruses in the wild and it is dubious that
> it
> > can harm your computer through Wine, which lacks many of the things that
> > viruses exploit such as Active X and it does not have the same structure
> in
> > the dummy c drive and you can copy your dummy c drive and just delete any
> > infected drive. AV software in Linux is a redundancy, IMO. You will get
> > people saying otherwise, but there is little conviction in them or their
> > argument.
> >
> > The second point is that Clam is not rated very highly. Bit Defender is
> > given higher ratings. If you want to use Clam there is Clamtk and the
> > nautilus clam scanner extension in the repos.KDE has been quite
> aggressive
> > in weeding out older KDE 3 based apps like Klam and Klibido (usenet
> client).
> >
> > Finally while I like your enthusiasm 11.04 is not considered a strong
> > representative of Ubuntu. It is an in-between version. 10.04 is great and
> > 10.10 is better, but 11.04 used a GNOME 2.x base and built Unity on it
> > and nothing worked well and that turned people against Unity. They should
> > have kept GNOME 2.x and had Unity as a sidebar that people could play
> with.
> > Now with 11.10 Unity is where it belongs. It is build on top of GNOME 3
> and
> > it uses either Mutter (Unity 2D) or Compiz (Unity) depending on your
> card's
> > capabilities. The transition from Mutter to Compiz in 11.04 was not good
> and
> > Unity 2D was not quite ready.
> >
> > That is both my opinion and my experience. I read hundreds of feeds a day
> > and followed both Natty and Oneiric reviews closely and used both
> versions.
> > Most analysts had it right on. Unity is a good idea, but it was only half
> > baked in 11.04.
> >
> > That is not to suggest that you should switch to 11.10 if you are happy.
> > Just know that Unity is getting better and it works decently in 11.10 and
> I
> > could see using it on a full time basis. I also believe that with the
> kind
> > of resources that Canonical has and their passion that Unity will (has)
> > surpass (ed) GNOME sHell and will be with front runner. People who doubt
> > Canonical and their resolve invariably are proven wrong. They may make
> > mistakes (in releasing something too early) but they get things done and
> > they do it right in the long term. They are the de facto leaders in
> Linux. I
> > say that as a happy Kubuntu user. I like the slower pace and being left
> > alone. Kubuntu is part of Canonical but KDE developers predominate. We
> are
> > the unloved child and that is fine by me. The KDE people are doing a
> great
> > job and Canonical is smart enough to get out of the way.
> >
> > Roy
> >
> > Using Kubuntu 11.10, 64-bit
> > Location: Canada
> >
> >
> > On 27 October 2011 17:51, g.linuxducks<g.linuxducks@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> >> **
>
> >>
> >>
> >> Hello Ian, Roy..... (just saying hi, still a new-ish member) I have a
> >> sort of "reading room" forum that I continually post stuff to like a
> >> squirrel hut. Indeed I had posted a good handful of in-the-news- items
> >> about Ubuntu 11.04 .
> >>
> >> I have been following Ubuntu for several years back to about the time
> >> they came out with Wubi as a "prototype" - not as some beta or
> >> something. I got that to run okay. Well things lead to Ubuntu being
> >> about the first, if not actually the first, to come out with the Netbook
> >> Edition for Linux - Ubuntu Linux. This was the Ubuntu Linux 10.04 LTS
> >> Netbook Edition and it worked like a charm on an EEE PC 900 Netbook I
> >> have. (Only 12 Gig solid state drive ! )
> >>
> >> Okay so said all that to say this. The Ubuntu 11.04 is the first release
> >> (and all after) now that has consolidated the download / install as an
> >> all-in-one download. There will no longer be a separate Netbook Edition.
> >> Installing 11.04 (and after) to a netbook will be automatically detected
> >> to install the correct optimized version for netbooks. Immediately below
> >> is an news article about this. As well it has been posted around by
> >> Ubuntu (maybe Canonical too) somewhere - most likely at their sites,
> >> forums, and blogs. (I didn't have those links). Below that article are a
> >> good handful of articles to check out for this new release, although now
> >> not the latest.
> >> BTW by the way I am running Ubuntu 11.04 myself for months now after
> >> upgrading from 10.10. I really like it. Navigation is so fast with
> >> simply the hover over / hide navigation of desktop links, bar. Very
> >> sleek and fast.
> >>
> >> ((( I can not find Klam antivirus for download which was available in
> >> previous versions in the Software Repository (Ubuntu Software). Clam
> >> antivirus is available. Klam works on KDE I believe but has a heck of
> >> interface with in house malware library and other features Clam does
> >> not. )))
> >>
> >> Ubuntu 11.04 will be Optimized for All Platforms
> >> Techtree.com
> >> Installing Ubuntu Linux on a netbook entailed a search for the latest
> >> version of the specially optimized netbook editions. This will be a
> >> thing of the past as Ubuntu is doing away with different optimizations
> >> of the base Ubuntu version. ...
> >>
> >>
> http://www.techtree.com/India/News/Ubtunu_1104_will_be_Optimised_for_All_Platforms/551-114764-580.html
> >>
> >> Ubuntu 11.04 - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
> >> ZDNet UK (blog)
> >> By JA Watson , 30 April, 2011 08:22 Various thoughts and adventures,
> >> including but not limited to Linux, assorted bits of hardware new and
> >> old, and occasionally Windows XP/Vista/7. I've just been reading the
> >> comments to my previous post, ...
> >>
> >>
> http://www.zdnet.co.uk/blogs/jamies-mostly-linux-stuff-10006480/ubuntu-1104-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-10022334/
> >>
> >> Ubuntu 11.04 Adds OpenStack to Linux
> >> InternetNews.com
> >> By Sean Michael Kerner: More stories by this author: The Ubuntu 11.04
> >> Linux release is due out next week and with it will debut a new open
> >> source cloud platform.
> >> The Ubuntu 'Natty' release will include OpenStack, which is an open
> >> source effort that ...
> >>
> >>
> http://www.internetnews.com/dev-news/article.php/3931556/Ubuntu+1104+Adds+OpenStack+to+Linux.htm
> >>
> >> New Nvidia Linux Driver Supports Ubuntu 11.04 - Softpedia
> >> The driver will indeed support other linux distros as it always has.
> >> It supports the X.org version that Ubuntu uses and that is what the
> >> author of the ...
> >>
> >>
> http://news.softpedia.com/news/New-Nvidia-Linux-Driver-Supports-Ubuntu-11-04-196264.shtml
> >>
> >> Ubuntu 11.04 - Notes, Tips and Warnings
> >> ZDNet UK (blog)
> >> By JA Watson , 29 April, 2011 10:30 Various thoughts and adventures,
> >> including but not limited to Linux, assorted bits of hardware new and
> >> old, and occasionally Windows XP/Vista/7. As anyone who has any interest
> >> in Linux at all knows (and most of those ...
> >>
> >>
> http://www.zdnet.co.uk/blogs/jamies-mostly-linux-stuff-10006480/ubuntu-1104-notes-tips-and-warnings-10022328/
> >>
> >> SOURCES
> >> http://linuxducks.free-forums.org/linux-news-and-views-vf14.html
> >> Homehttp://linuxducks.free-forums.org/index.php
>
> >>
> >>
> >> On 10/25/2011 08:23 AM, Ian wrote:
> >>> Roy while I may not use them all I and perhaps other would like to know
> >>> what some of the more useful features in 11.04 do and where to find
> them.
> >>>
> >>> --
> >>> Ian
> >>>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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