Ubunto Protection (virus/firewall)

[Comsat]

I'm new to Ubuntu and really enjoying playing around with the OS. I was wondering if I need virus/malware protection and firewall? I assume yes but interested what others have to say and welcome recommended apps.

Thanks!

 

[MrLinux]

There is a reasonable firewall already built-in, if you want something a little more "hardened" have a look at "arno-iptables-firewall"; Virus/malware is rare on Linux (but does still exist, and will probably increase), if you visit (potentialy) dodgy web sites or download (potentialy) dodgy files, have a look at "clam antivirus".

 

[Comsat]

Excellent. Thanks much.

 

[linux_0]

Great suggestion from MrLinux, clam is great

AVG free has a closed source version for Linux as well, check it out.

Remember you should always use verified packages from the official repositories and check the checksums and digital signatures of your downloads before you run or compile anything.

Good luck

 

[audiovoodoo]

Firestarter is a good front end on IPtables and is also in the repo's.

 

[Comsat]

Any advantages to AVG Free as opposed to Klam?

 

[linux_0]

You should definitely get clam, if it free and completely open source.

If you want extra protection and you trust AVG Free get it too ( AVG is closed source ).

Two AV's are better than one.

You should also install rootkit checkers available from the official repositories.

Good luck

 

[Comsat]

Excellent. I'll install clam and get the rootkit checkers. I think I can live without AVG.

 

[linux_0]

Look into disabling all the remote access stuff and unnecessary services too

inetd, nfs, ssh, vnc, wireless and so on should be disabled if you don't need them.

If you do need them, you'll want to block access from all IPs except your own.

If you decide to give WINE a try you should be extra careful because WINE can allow windows viruses to run on Linux. Without WINE or something similar Linux is 100% immune to windows viruses.

Good luck and keep the questions coming [ fixed typo ]

 

[Comsat]

Thanks again. Great Information.