Basic security tips for linux?

Question

So I'm just getting started with Linux and I wanted to know what I should be mindful of when using linux?

Some things I wanna know right off the bat:

-How to get a list of all connections and their corresponding process (i.e. linux equivalent of netstat -b)

-What you usually disable/remove with a fresh install of Ubuntu

-What you usually install (Linux equivalent of CCleaner, winrar, notepad++, etc.)

Answer 1

For your firewall rules, input :



`sudo iptables -nL -v --line-numbers`



You may want to install firewalled http://www.linuxbsdos.com/2014/06/07/replace-ufw-firewall-with-firewalld-on-linux-mint-17-cinnamon/ (the site is for Linux Mint though it should work for Ubuntu also)



For Netstat :



`netstat -a` will display all sockets; just input `man netstat`



Alternative software : http://www.linuxappfinder.com/alternatives

notepad++ --> Gedit, Kate, Emacs, Vim, Lime Text , &c.

CCleaner --> BleachBit

winrar --> Q7Z, Archive Manager (just install all the libraries for the archives formats you want support for), &c.



Lynis is something you will want to look into http://rootkit.nl/projects/lynis.html



http://youtu.be/g5EHT0KhuWI?t=9m17s

Answer 2

Most Linux distros are pretty secure out of the box. I've been using Ubuntu for several years and have never bothered to remove anything from the default install. There are things I don't use, but I see no point in removing them. I don't bother with things like CCleaner (even on Windows) but if you want a really good cross-platform text editor, check out Sublime Text.

Answer 3

Firefox (default browser) should be modified somewhat to constrain automatic behavior.

Of special importance is "NoScript", which blocks JavaScript assets until you have a chance to look at the source.

That and other mods': https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20140728011528AAKUhhN

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One of the first things you can do is put the top 'bar' (called a 'panel' in Linux) down on the screen bottom.

The empty 'stock' bottom panel can be omitted for beginners: Right click panel> click "Delete this panel".

Back to the stock top panel: Right click panel> Properties> General tab> Orientation drop menu> tick "Bottom"> Close.

(Note this window has other options for the look and behavior for the panel.)



Corresponding to Windows 'Control Panel' is the "Control Center".

To display on panel topic "System": System> Preferences> Main Menu> left panel, "System"> check Control Panel.



On the bottom panel> System, and either "Administration", or "Preferences"; and what is displayed there can be modified for quicker access to specific 'topics' you access frequently.



To modify what's displayed within the 2 'sections' do this:

Panel> System> Preferences> Main menu:

On the left are the "Menu" headings (Applications & System). Click to expand the heading.

Under "System> Preferences" you may want to have checked "Appearance" (for changing the 'look' of Ubi desktop); "Cursor" (choices); "Display" (for monitor); "Main menu" (brings you back to this Display mod section); "Mouse" (behavior); "Network connections" (control how you get "connected"); "Screen saver"; and "Startup applications" (what gets running right away).

Other items not mentioned can be selected as you like, but in general they are relevant to specific items. Feel free to display them, and at your leisure 'open' them to see what the topic is, does, and if you would need quick access to it.

As you become familiar with Ubi, you may want to explore these powerful tools.



Available software installations (beyond the default) are found in the panel "Applications"> Ubuntu software Center> category is by icon, and within that are the various specific items.