Chapter 9: Securing Your System

Overview

Linux is widely considered to be one of the most secure operating systems around. SUSE Linux enhances this reputation by making some of the built-in Linux security tools easy to use.

SUSE Linux provides protection by working on the basis of access permissions. In addition, the Linux kernel includes various clever security features, which make the life of a virus writer much more difficult.

So, if SUSE Linux is so secure, should you stop reading at this point and skip to the next chapter? Unfortunately, that's not a good idea. There are still plenty of ways that malicious interests can break into your SUSE Linux computer. As with Windows, using common sense is essential.

Security should be looked into by everyone, regardless of how or where the computer in question is used. It isn't just a matter of online security either. Data theft can take place if someone simply has access to your PC, such as in a working environment.

In this chapter, you'll discover what you should watch out for in terms of security and how SUSE Linux's built-in tools can help protect your system.