1. Introduction
Some people think Linux is a safe system; at least it is safer than PC or Mac. It's not true. We feel it safe because fewer stories reported on it, or say, hackers, have less reward or interest to attack it. Technically, Linux has similar risks and Vulnerabilities as PC, Mac, or other systems; computer viruses and malware are found from Linux from time to time. Antivirus is no exception at Linux machines. Other data security tools, like VPN, backup, and password manager, are also important assets to build a strong security environment for Linux users.
Antivirus
The top issue of computer information security is to scan and remove viruses. Do Linux computers really 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 a further risk of infecting viruses and malware.3. Cyber attackers can use scripts, like Javascript, to enter your system through multiple routes.
Backdoor
Linux machine won't run alone. Some PC or Mac malware code may stay on Linux, then spreads 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 huge 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 own 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 important data in case of a media accident or ransomware hijack? If no, you should set up a backup or vault for valuable stuff. 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 start to have more options to improve their security situations. In view of its nature, Linux is a relatively safe OS. Especially, 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.
Producer | Name | Area | Free | |
---|
Nord Inc.  | NordVPN | VPN Service Password
| |  |
| NordPass Password Manager | Password Privacy Security
| |  |
ESET, LLC.  | ESET Smart Security | Antivirus Internet Security Password Data Backup Parental Control
| |  |
Comodo Security Solutions, Inc.  | Comodo Antivirus | Antivirus Data Backup VPN Service
| |  |
Aura  | Hotspot Shield | VPN Service Password Privacy Security
| |  |
CyberGhost  | CyberGhost VPN | VPN Service
| |  |
Express VPN International Ltd  | ExpressVPN | VPN Service
| |  |
Surfshark Ltd.  | Surfshark VPN | VPN Service
| |  |
Bitwarden, Inc.  | Bitwarden Password Manager | Password File Security
| |  |
Siber Systems, Inc.  | RoboForm Password Manager | Password File Security
| |  |
IDrive Inc.  | iDrive | Data Backup
| |  |
McAfee, LLC.  | Mcafee Identity Theft Protection | Privacy Security
| |  |
3. Hot Linux Security Software
Comparing with Windows, Linux's core is much more difficult to exploit. Now the main Linux security supplements focus on backup and password. Here 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
Feature | Basic | Personal | Business | Device |
---|
Backup to cloud | | | | Full list |
Backup select file | | | | Full list |
Scheduled backup | | | | Full list |
Continuous backup | | | | Full list |
Hard drive backup | | | | Full list |
FTP and network backup | | | | Full list |
3.2 Free Password Manager for Linux
Bitwarden Password Manager
(1)
Feature | Free | Premium | Family | Team | Device | Note |
---|
Secure password vault | | | | | Full list | |
Auto fill password | | | | | Full list | |
Password generator | | | | | Full list | |
Secure Note | | | | | Full list | |
Digital wallet | | | | | Full list | |
Multiple factor authentication | | | | | Full list | |
Share Password | | | | | Full list | |
Encrypted file storage | | | | | Full list | (1G) |
NordPass Password Manager
(2)
Feature | Free | Premium | Family | Device |
---|
Secure password vault | | | | Full list |
Password generator | | | | Full list |
Secure Note | | | | Full list |
Digital wallet | | | | Full list |
Share Password | | | | Full list |
Build trusted contacts | | | | Full list |
Biometrics Login | | | | iOS Android |
Monitor privacy breach | | | | Full list |
Multiple factor authentication | | | | Full list |
RoboForm Password Manager
(3)
Feature | Free | Everywhere | Family | Device | Note |
---|
Secure password vault | | | | Full list | |
Auto fill password | | | | Full list | |
Secure Note | | | | Full list | |
Share Password | | | | Full list | |
Multiple factor authentication | | | | Full list | |
Encrypted file storage | | | | Full list | (1G) |
3.3 Quick Access Security Tools