Need security??

[ICIT2]

I know this must have been asked a million times but I cannot find any definitive thread with an answer.

Do I need to install security for the net in Mint as my most concerns are of course financial ones such as banking and buying / selling on the net??

[jimallyn]

Forums member Pjotr has a few words on security on his Easy Linux Tips site:

https://sites.google.com/site/easylinux ... t/security

Most Linux users do not use an antivirus, but do turn on the firewall (which by default is disabled).

Some time when you've got time, wander around Pjotr's site. He has a LOT of useful information. Ordinarily, most Mint users would tell you to NOT go searching the web for info, but Pjotr is a well respected member of the Mint forums, and the information on his site is always good.

[Mattyboy]

Aintivirus? No.
Firejail? Good idea for programs that connect to the Internet
As said turn on the firewall, you don't need to do anything else to it.

Good ideas? Install https everywhere, Ublock origin and maybe noscript in firefox.

Only use and download programs from the software manager or synaptic, same for drivers, only from the driver manager. Don't download random stuff from the net to install ( Linux ain't Windows ).

Keep your system up to date.

That's about it apart from the No.1 top tip for security... common sense. That last one will save you more than any other method.

[ICIT2]

Thanks for the replies and yes I am all for common sense I am just a bit jittery when it comes to banking etc but I guess the bank would have good systems in place eh?

[WharfRat]

I guess the bank would have good systems in place eh?

I wouldn't bet the ranch on it

[majpooper]

Aintivirus? No.
Firejail? Good idea for programs that connect to the Internet
As said turn on the firewall, you don't need to do anything else to it.

Good ideas? Install https everywhere, Ublock origin and maybe noscript in firefox.

Only use and download programs from the software manager or synaptic, same for drivers, only from the driver manager. Don't download random stuff from the net to install ( Linux ain't Windows ).

Keep your system up to date.

That's about it apart from the No.1 top tip for security... common sense. That last one will save you more than any other method.

Good advice - I would add DNScrypt to protect from DNS spoofing especially if you use a laptop in public places or wireless in general. Same goes for installing a private VPN - not a big concern if you have a PC on a home network and using the extensions Matt suggested (https everywhere, Ublock origin and noscript) but a really good idea if you use a laptop on public wi-fi also not a bad idea in terms of privacy now that US Congress has decided that your ISP can track and sell your data to 3rd parties.

[Schultz]

I felt jittery also doing banking/purchasing when I first switched to Linux Mint. Trust me, that feeling will go away. Just keep your Mint and browser up-to-date as well as turning on the firewall and using common sense as has been already suggested.

[Mattyboy]

I guess the bank would have good systems in place eh?

I wouldn't bet the ranch on it

True that... but if its the banks fault then its the banks fault.... despise the widespread corruption, greed and narcissism you'll have a 'leg to stand on' and be able to appoint appropriate blame. .. wouldn't worry to much about that. Just keep records like any other sensible person.

[revian]

... but I guess the bank would have good systems in place eh?

That's probably what Equifax thought.

[ICIT2]

Thanks for the replies because I was thinking of getting a suite to install as I hav been using Kaspersky for years on Windows but I guess any Windows is a prime target. I have a friend who has Eset set up on that machine which is what prompted me to ask.

Anyway it is so nice to e away from the Windows system which was getting so intrusive to be honest and the atmosphere in tis forum is just such a pleasant change.