Ubuntu Security Checklist

Ubuntu Linux is the most famous open source operating system. It is an open source Debian based Linux distribution sponsored by Canonical Ltd. Ubuntu is considered a good distribution for beginners and the operating system was intended primarily for personal computers but can also be used on servers.

There are several reasons to use Ubuntu Linux that makes it a totally worthy distribution. Aside from being free and open source, its profoundly adaptable and has a software center loaded with applications.

Linux distributions are designed in a way to serve different needs. Being open source software, developers have the freedom to pick their code and create something new. Out of the various Linux distributions, Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, openSUSE, and Debian are the most prominent operating systems. If you’re facing trouble with Windows operating system, then you can surely try out a fresh Linux experience.

Let’s look at some of the promising characteristics of Ubuntu and the security checklist you need to follow in order to stay protected.

Characteristics of Ubuntu

User- Friendly- Many computer users have this false notion that Linux based systems are to hard to use and are made for developers. This is a misconceptionas Ubuntu goes about as an ideal legend buster. Much like Windows, installing Ubuntu is very easy and anybody with basic knowledge of computers can setup their system. Over the years Linux has improved the overall desktop experience and polished the user interface. On the other hand, many people call Ubuntu easier to use as compared to Windows.

Ubuntu is Free- This is another reason why you need to use Ubuntu Linux. Downloading, installing and using Ubuntu is absolutely free. It has also been adopted at various educational and government organizations across the world to reduce costs.

Secured- In comparison to Windows, Ubuntus is far better and doesn’t need an antivirus. The malware risks associated with Ubuntu Linux are negligible and saves the cost of an antivirus. Ithas got an amazing firewall and virus protection method that makes sure you’re your system is protected.

Customization- Ubuntu gives its users the freedom to customize their systems. In case you don’t like any particular desktop environment then you can easily replace it with a new one. This is a great feature in Ubuntu that makes it a great choice for daily use.

Ubuntu Flavours- Many new users might not be aware that besides the basic GNOME based Ubuntu there are lots of other flavours and various variants that fulfill specific needs of the users. You can opt for Kubuntu if you want a modern sleek looking KDE desktop environment. For low configuration systems, you can try out Lubuntu and Xubuntu. Also, Ubuntu GNOME and Ubuntu MATE are the other two popular flavours.

Supportive Community- Just like any other Linux- based projects, Ubuntu has strong community support, and this is the biggest advantage of Ubuntu. For instance, you can go online, visit Linux forums and get the answers to all kinds of Linux queries.

Low System Requirements- Lubuntu and Xubuntu are developed to cater to the needs of lower–end systems. Default Ubuntu doesn’t need a high-end system. The recommended hardware requirements are 700 MHz processor, 512MB RAM, and 5GB hard disk.

Free Software- By going to Ubuntu Software Center you can look for software of your interest. Simply click on the install button and the package will be installed. You can install any software with a few simple command lines. Also, Ubuntu comes with some pre-installed software like Gimp, Chromium, VLC and Firefox.

Security Checklist

Security is a necessity in the web world and is a process that requires a variety of techniques, tactics, and strategies which can change in due course of time and cause threat. So, here is the security checklist you should follow in order to keep your system protected.

Software Up to date: Software needs to be updated on a regular basis as it protects against a variety of vulnerabilities. If you have outdated software on your computer, you are more vulnerable to malware.

Install Software from Ubuntu Software: To reduce the possibility of installing infected software it would be advisable to install software via Ubuntu Software. It not only provides software that has been checked of vulnerabilities, but also informs you of any recent updates.

Don’t Click on Links or Email Attachments: The most common way of getting infected with malware is via links or email attachments sent to users. Therefore, it’s very important to avoid clicking on links or opening email attachments when sent from unknown sources.

Disable Java and Adobe Shockwave Flash Browser Plugins: These plugins are often found to contain security vulnerabilities that can give control to a remote user to access your computer and install malware. So best is to disable these plugins.

Strong Passwords: Ensure everything on your system is password protected. Use strong passwords and try to have different passwords for each account.

Lock your Screen When Away: It is extremely important that you lock your screen when away from your computer or laptop. This prevents any third party from accessing or using your laptop.

To Conclude:

Every Linux distribution needs to make a compromise between functionality, performance, and security. Though Ubuntu has secure defaults, it still needs tuning to the type of usage. Ubuntu desktops and servers need to be configured to improve the security defences to an optimal level.