An Example of Malware in GNU/Linux at Robert Pogson

The fans of other OS often claim that given a large enough share to bother malware creators GNU/Linux will be a target so there’s no need to migrate to GNU/Linux for security. Chuckle…

Here’s an example of a “botnet” that does target every PC running Java, including GNU/Linux.
“They show that about 16 per cent of infections hit Macs. They didn’t show any infections on Linux machines. Turner said that Jnanabot attacks on the open source platform weren’t able to survive a reboot.”

Ever wonder why there’s a /tmp/ directory in GNU/Linux? Perhaps this is a good use for it.

One wonders why MacOS and that other OS don’t take care of their users. Perhaps it’s because Apple and M$ don’t bother to meddle with middle-ware and third parties cannot. With FLOSS, anyone can meddle with the middle-ware and do it right. Not only the authours of Java but the operators of distros and their bug-hunters also get a shot at fixing problems in the whole system be it the kernel, the system, the middle-ware or the applications.

This data also shows that the argument that share matters a lot in security is false. MacOS has a much lower share than 16%. Why are they hit so often? It’s because GNU/Linux is hardly hit at all. Java applications shouldn’t care what OS someone is using to operate. Why would the malware authours not go after GNU/Linux machines using Java?

My Mission

My observations and opinions about IT are based on 40 years of use in science and technology and lately, in education. I like IT that is fast, cost-effective and reliable. I do not care whether my solution is the same as yours. I like to think for myself.

My first use of GNU/Linux in 2001 was so remarkably better than what I had been using, I feel it is important work to share GNU/Linux with the world. I have been blessed by working in schools where students and school systems have benefited by good, modular software easily installed in most systems.

I have shown GNU/Linux to thousands of students and hundreds of teachers over the years and will continue in some way doing that until I die in spite of the opposition.