Is Linux more secure?

bloggerbee · #1 (**permalink**) 02-13-09, 08:27

A friend of mine has been ragging on me for some time to stop using Windows hosting and switch to Linux. According to her, Linux is a lot more secure and less easily hacked than the Windows. Is that actually true?

carl owen · #2 (**permalink**) 02-13-09, 20:18

Yes, Linux is considered to be more secured in comparison to Windows. Most of Viruses do not affect Linux and you would be amazed to know that a Virus can be in a Linux Environment without affecting it. On the other hand, there are many viruses which affects Windows. Also, most of the people are aware of Windows as Windows is the most popular Operating system for desktops. Hackers are quite aware of the technical drawbacks of Windows and hence can hack a server with Windows operating system easily in comparison to a server with Linux operating system.

BodShane · #3 (**permalink**) 02-14-09, 11:48

I remember Sean ( Now - Forum Moderator )asking the same question long back. ;)

It is just the matter of preference and the applications that run on it. Please keep in mind that any security loop hole irrespective of the Operating System will lead to a Server Hack.

It's Linux or Windows Server, eventually it comes to down the security of the server.

Regards,

Shane Phillips

Lazlo90 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-14-09, 22:08

I'll agree with the point made about having a secured server.

Also, another thing to keep in mind is that it's necessary to upgrade your scripts if an exploit has been found for them. An example would be something like phpBB, as I remember that it was rather insecure in it's 2.X stage as once an exploit was found, hackers would target forums using an outdated version of it and cause havoc. Only forums that were regularly updated were truly secure.

carl owen · #5 (**permalink**) 02-15-09, 18:02

It is really necessary to update the scripts and applications you have on your server as this contributes to the security of the server. Also, you can have additional security measures like Firewall etc. which will make your server secured against many viruses and other threats.

clarabean · #6 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 10:04

This was another reason that I've been considering switching to Linux hosting whether I get a dedicated server eventually or not. Obviously either type of server can be hacked but it does seem that less hackers target Linux. I'm sure this will change eventually.

Sean · #7 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 15:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane Phillips

I remember Sean ( Now - Forum Moderator )asking the same question long back. ;)

It is just the matter of preference and the applications that run on it. Please keep in mind that any security loop hole irrespective of the Operating System will lead to a Server Hack.

It's Linux or Windows Server, eventually it comes to down the security of the server.

Regards,

Shane Phillips

Yes I agree with you Shane,

But I think Linux is more secure than Windows OS because on Linux we can configure IP tables and it can be used to prevent most TCP hijackings.

bluetrance05 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-17-09, 03:51

Some users are aware of the security issues happened in Windows. By design, Linux is simply more secure than Windows. Though Linux and Windows have equivalent levels of skills, Linux is a multi-user operating system while Windows is a single user operating system. But both are not invulnerable just like any other operating systems.

bloggerbee · #9 (**permalink**) 02-17-09, 17:36

Security would be a big factor for me in purchasing a dedicated server so I would definitely be leaning towards a Linux server. No sense taking any extra chances, right?

carl owen · #10 (**permalink**) 02-18-09, 11:30

Correct. If you are more concerned about security then I would suggest you to go for Linux. I would also suggest you to make sure that you update your scripts and applications regularly which will surely contribute in increasing the security of the server.

php_rules · #11 (**permalink**) 02-18-09, 13:00

As someone in the thread said it totally depends on the person securing it - sure most linux distro's come with better security out the box, but if you make your linux server weak after installing it then it is no better than any other server out there. You are best to learn the system that you are working with, including all of its weaknesses and try to plug the holes that exist!

BodShane · #12 (**permalink**) 02-18-09, 17:28

Perfect! ;)

Security Hardening and Updates will keep your Server Safe.

Regards,

Shane Phillips

carl owen · #13 (**permalink**) 02-19-09, 16:54

If you are very much concerned about your server security and you are not a tech guy then it is better to contact your web hosting provider which will be able to give you suggestions to make your server more secured.