3 ms·

Linux is definitely a target, it runs the majority of, well, everything. The DoD uses Linux, defence contractors use Linux, infrastructure, most of the interne

Linux is definitely a target, it runs the majority of, well, everything. The DoD uses Linux, defence contractors use Linux, infrastructure, most of the internet, etc... The idea that it isn't targeted because its "obscure" is silly, it's just more secure. Also, remember when Microsoft themselves were hacked multiple times by Russia? Or when a Russian spy was hired by Microsoft? Windows has historically been insecure, it could just be that Microsoft is bad at security...

orf 2y ago
The daily number of people who interact directly with Windows machines absolutely dwarfs the daily number of people who interact directly with Linux machines. Most malware campaigns target people.
- dismalaf 2y ago
  Most malware campaigns are designed to extract money. Large corporations have multiple orders of magnitude more money than the average Windows user. If large corporations could be targeted as easily as Windows users, they'd be targeted 10/10 times. The only reason there is to target individual Windows users is because it's easy.
  - orf 2y ago
    Hate to break it to ya, but those large corporations are filled with the individual Windows users that campaigns target.
    - dismalaf 2y ago
      That's true. I was thinking more about the large infrastructure focused companies, but you're right, ye olde average fortune 500 company likely has nothing but Windows PCs.
alp1n3_eth 2y ago
With the different flavors of Linux, the varying configs, and uses, etc. it would be a less-likely target because it's overall much easier just to infect one of the numerous Windows computers or servers in a corp, then pivot to the other machines within the network from there. Whether targeting public facing Windows servers, or the employees' own desktops, it's easy to see why Linux would be more of an afterthought. Windows devices massively out number the number of daily-use Windows devices, which also increases the opportunity for attack.

orf 2y ago

The daily number of people who interact directly with Windows machines absolutely dwarfs the daily number of people who interact directly with Linux machines. Most malware campaigns target people.

dismalaf 2y ago
Most malware campaigns are designed to extract money. Large corporations have multiple orders of magnitude more money than the average Windows user. If large corporations could be targeted as easily as Windows users, they'd be targeted 10/10 times. The only reason there is to target individual Windows users is because it's easy.
- orf 2y ago
  Hate to break it to ya, but those large corporations are filled with the individual Windows users that campaigns target.
  - dismalaf 2y ago
    That's true. I was thinking more about the large infrastructure focused companies, but you're right, ye olde average fortune 500 company likely has nothing but Windows PCs.

alp1n3_eth 2y ago

With the different flavors of Linux, the varying configs, and uses, etc. it would be a less-likely target because it's overall much easier just to infect one of the numerous Windows computers or servers in a corp, then pivot to the other machines within the network from there. Whether targeting public facing Windows servers, or the employees' own desktops, it's easy to see why Linux would be more of an afterthought. Windows devices massively out number the number of daily-use Windows devices, which also increases the opportunity for attack.