Everyone hails Linux for its built-in security. Compared to Windows or other operating systems, the way Linux assigns file permissions is different. The infrastructure is much more robust. Plus, malware creators tend to target Linux less often due to it having a smaller percentage of users in general. Thus, there are fewer potential targets to exploit.
But when it comes to cybersecurity, there is no such thing as being too careful. So if you want to go the extra mile, you should install some additional tools on your Linux PC. You can start with these five.
1. Wireshark
Your computer may be secure, but can you say the same for your local network? With the help of Wireshark, you can analyze the traffic that’s running through it. That way, if you determine that anything is wrong, you can get to the root of the problem before any further damage can happen. Wireshark supports many different operating systems. Thus, you can secure your home and office devices, whether you’re using Linux, Windows, FreeBSD, or another operating system. The GUI displays all the data that’s gathered, so reviewing it is a breeze.
2. NordPass
The days are gone when you had to remember every password by heart. Or make dangerous compromises like writing them down in a text file or re-using them to keep it easy on your memory. First off, NordPass makes it easy to come up with a strong password that’s hard to crack by a brute force attack. It also stores your passwords for you without exposing them to anyone else in the process. You only need to remember one password to have access to the rest. Best of all, the software relies on the latest encryption technology. No wanna-be cybercriminal would be able to slice through it. NordPass also offers the option of importing your passwords from another password manager or browser.
3. Nessus
Nessus vulnerability scanner will flag all the potential threats before they can come to the surface. The tool has more than a million downloads, and that’s no coincidence. It enables industry-grade asset profiling, configuration auditing, high-speed discovery, vulnerability analysis, and more. You’d think that such a cybersecurity solution would cost an arm and a leg, but currently, it’s free for personal use. Enterprise use is also an option, but the price tag differs accordingly (the subscription will set you back by $1,200 every year).
4. ClamAV
Since malware designed for Linux is such a rare sight, why would you need to install antivirus software, right? It’s a legitimate question, but the answer is quite simple. Attaining peace of mind and knowing that you’re not distributing malware to others when exchanging files. ClamAV is available for almost every Linux distribution out there. And this cutting-edge antivirus scanning tool doesn’t need you being tech-savvy to operate it. There’s a command-line version as well as the regular one, so you can choose based on your preferences. ClamAV has all the virus-scanning and threat detection functionality you can expect from the top-rated industry tools. And it’s available for free.
5. John the Ripper
Why would anyone in their right mind install a password cracker if they want to have nothing to do with hackers, one may ask? There is an excellent reason – to test whether one’s passwords can hold up against an onslaught of brute force attacks. That way, you’ll be able to discern your weakest passwords in the most reliable fashion possible. In case you don’t fancy building it from source, you can download a ready-made version – yes, even for Linux. But it’s going to cost you a bit ($39.95 at the moment). Plus, there is no reason to commit to one single solution for your password security needs, as there are countless alternatives available. THC Hydra is a noteworthy example.
Conclusion on Linux Security Tools
When it comes to sheer resilience and well-built infrastructure, you shouldn’t underestimate Linux. But that doesn’t mean that you install it and never think about cybersecurity again. It just doesn’t work this way. When you become the user of this alternative operating system, you’re already a few steps ahead of your Windows-running peers. Top it up by installing the programs suggested in this article, and you’ll be an even tougher nut for the bad guys to crack.
