Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Do you need to have a firewall on a linux desktop? (discuss.tchncs.de)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Hi. I wanted to know if it's needed to install a firewall on a linux desktop/laptop. Why yes or why no?

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Any vulnerabilities in any of your software that can talk to a network, ssh, browser, the operating system itsself could be exploited if your firewall is down

If you're using username and password and have ssh enabled, for example anyone on your network could attempt to log in to your machine

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Let's just say the system does not have any outward facing service (no ssh, http, smb, nfs).

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

At that point why not just have the firewall set to deny everything just to be safe though? There's always the chance you missed something that's decided to listen on some random port and if you aren't using anything that listens on a network why have the firewall open anyway

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

For ssh, sure.

But a browser? No way.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

My understanding is there can be a vulnerability in absolutely anything

Browsers are unlikely to but don't think it's impossible

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

A firewall protects open ports on your machine. A browser does not have any open ports.

Of course they have vulnerabilities, but a firewall won't protect you from them.