Linux Cyber-security

[steep fable]

So, considering replacing my Windows 10 with Linux Mint (Cinnamon) this year due to Windows 10 falling victim to Window's Modern Lifecycle Policy. One of the concerns I have is which security programs to look into. I've typically only ever used Windows Defender, but obviously they isn't an option now. Does Linux Mint come with a pre-installed:

• Firewall?
• Virus scanner.
  If not, what are some good options to use? I'd prefer programs with a GUI, but not tied to them as I'm going to have to learn terminal at some point.

[cobalt patrol]

mint has Gufw pre-installed, and will ask you to enable it after installation

[night wolf]

1. It has a native firewall
2. https://discord.com/channels/628978428019736619/1295757570346057791

The firewall is native to kernel and it is called iptables. Regarding malware detection, it depends on your use case. the standard use case for linux for a long time has been to install software from trusted repos. Its not as common on linux to just download a file and run it. It still happens though. There are security systems like SELinux and such to prevent this automatically. I believe there are some vendors that do offer malware detection on linux but the efficacy is questionable

[steep fable]

Looking into Vivaldi now lol.

[steep fable]

How do I figure what is and isn't a trusted Repo? Also, what does Repo stand for repository?

[night wolf]

Repository yes, it is how packages are installed by default. The default trusted distribution repos are included. Occasionally when you pull in esoteric software online for linux they may ask you to add a repo to your sources.list. it is up to you to decide if you trust the publisher, much like with windows in this case

[sharp vault]

and the repo should be specifically geared to your distro base. eg Mint 22 = Ubuntu 24.04 (noble)

[night wolf]

sorry if I'm being a little terse, having some issues rn and this stuff is kinda opaque, please feel free to ask as many clarifying questions as u want

[steep fable]

Oh your fine XD. Most of my file downloading is within a small modding group I'm in and the only applications I tend to use are from Steam so I think I should be good looking at what ya'll are saying above.

[terse hound]

Clamscan is goated for file defense

the file is called "Clamtk"

But the software is "ClamAV"

[steep fable]

Yeah, I've read up on it some too.

[terse hound]

thats all i use, just be sure to change the settings when you get it so that it scans all your files

[night wolf]

Yeah u might have some issues here or there, it's an adjustment, but you seem to have a good mindset on it

[steep fable]

Honestly, I look forward to the challenge. I learned Arma coding my headbutting that wall, and learning Python a bit back was not too bad. Figured this was a good next step.

[terse hound]

i think linux mint was light work