Keep Data Safe on Linux

Data Security Tools: A brief introduction to keep your data safe in Linux devices, including why Linux has security risks as PC and Mac, and principal software vendors and their products served on Linux OS.

 By Steve Morgan
Keep Data Safe on Linux
1. Introduction
Some people think Linux is a safe system and safer than PC or Mac. It's not true. We feel it is safe because fewer stories reported on it, or hackers, have less reward or interest in attacking it. Technically, Linux has similar risks and Vulnerabilities as PC, Mac, or other systems; we get reports of computer viruses and malware related to Linux from time to time. So, we see the antivirus software runs on Linux machines too. Other data security tools, like VPN, backup, and password manager, are also important assets to build a robust security environment for Linux users.

Antivirus
The top issue of computer information security is to scan and remove viruses. Do Linux computers need antivirus software? The answer is yes. 1. Source code isn't 100 percent clean; even if you download the latest patches, there's possibly Linux-specific malware out there. 2. If you're getting files from outside your software repository, you have an additional risk of infecting viruses and malware.3. Cyber attackers can use scripts, like Javascript, to enter your system through multiple routes.

Backdoor
Linux machines won't run alone. Some PC or Mac malware code may stay on Linux then spread through the network. So to avoid your Linux becoming a backdoor of malware, you cannot ignore it even if it's not the primary computer in your system. In this case, Linux itself is safe but potentially brings a considerable risk to your data security.

Encrypt, Backup, and Password
Antivirus and malware aren't the whole of data security. As a Linux user, you need to care for your data and privacy safe in various use cases. For example, do you use public Wi-Fi? If yes, you should consider a VPN solution to protect leakage from communication. Do you backup vital data in case of a media accident or ransomware hijack? You should set up a backup or vault for valuable stuff if not. Besides, the password manager is another option for Linux users to manage passwords and key data for the Linux machine and all devices and Internet services in your system. 

2. Third-parties' Linux Security Software
Linux has a robust security mechanism. But the security requirement is so diverse that more and more companies enter the field. Now Linux users have more options to improve their security situations. Given its nature, Linux is a relatively safe OS. Because its user base is much less than Windows and Mac, hackers have fewer victims to attack. However, any systems have flaws. It's why you still keep an eye on the privacy and data at your Linux computer. Here we list some tools to help you get extra protection for Linux devices.

ProducerNameAreaFree
Nord Inc.
Panama
NordPass Password ManagerPassword
Privacy Security
Detail
NordVPNVPN Service
Detail
Surfshark Ltd.
UK
Surfshark Starter - VPNVPN Service
Detail
AgileBits, Inc.
Canada
1Password Password ManagerPassword
File Security
Detail
Bitwarden, Inc.
USA
Bitwarden Password ManagerPassword
File Security
Detail
IDrive Inc.
USA
iDriveData Backup
Detail
Skymatic Inc.
Holland
Cryptomator EncryptFile Security
Data Backup
Detail
Defiant Technologies, LLC.
India
DiskDiggerFile Security
Detail


3. Hot Linux Security Software
Compared with Windows, Linux's core is much more difficult to exploit. Now the leading Linux security supplements focus on backup and password. We list some available tools to enhance your Linux backup and password management. In addition, we also list quick accesses to get Linux's security tools by categories.

3.1 Backup for Linux
iDrive
(1)
DEVICE:
 WindowsMaciOSAndroidLinux
Detail Info
Cryptomator Encrypt
(2)
DEVICE:
 WindowsMaciOSAndroidLinux
Detail Info


3.2 Free Password Manager for Linux
1Password Password Manager
(1)
DEVICE:
 WindowsMaciOSAndroidChromeBookLinux
Detail Info
Bitwarden Password Manager
(2)
DEVICE:
 WindowsMaciOSAndroidChromeBookLinux
Detail Info
NordPass Password Manager
(3)
DEVICE:
 WindowsMaciOSAndroidChromeBookLinux
Detail Info
3.3 Quick Access Security Tools