General tips to keep in mind when using the internet
Steven Richards
steven.richardspc@gmail.com
Rodolfo Ribeiro Gomes
rodolforg@gmail.com 2011, 2012.
Rafael Ferreira
rafael.f.f1@gmail.com 2012.

# Staying safe on the internet

A possible reason for why you are using Linux is the robust security that it is known for. One reason that Linux is relatively safe from malware and viruses is due to the lower number of people who use it. Viruses are targeted at popular operating systems like Windows, that have an extremely large user base. Linux is also very secure due to its open source nature, which allows experts to modify and enhance the security features included with each distribution.

Despite the measures taken to ensure that your installation of Linux is secure, there are always vulnerabilities. As an average user on the internet you can still be susceptible to:

Phishing Scams (websites and emails that try to obtain sensitive information through deception)

Forwarding malicious emails

Applications with malicious intent (viruses)

Unauthorised remote/local network access

To stay safe online, keep in mind the following tips:

Be wary of emails, attachments, or links that were sent from people you do not know.

If a website's offer is too good to be true, or asks for sensitive information that seems unnecessary, then think twice about what information you are submitting and the potential consequences if that information is compromised by identity thieves or other criminals.

Be careful in providing any application root level permissions, especially ones that you have not used before or apps that are not well-known. Providing anyone/anything with root level permissions puts your computer at high risk to exploitation.

Make sure you are only running necessary remote-access services. Having SSH or VNC running can be useful, but also leaves your computer open to intrusion if not secured properly. Consider using a firewall to help protect your computer from intrusion.