Practical tools for locking down your Linux portable
Tight Ship
Image © kirillm and Nah Ting Feng, 123RF.com
Linux is quite secure compared to the alternatives, but you'll need a few additional steps if you really want to lock it down. We'll introduce you to some practical tools for antivirus protection, firewall configuration, and sandboxing.
It occurred to me recently that the laptop I devote to my personal use did not have the same add-on protections I routinely expect from systems I use at work. In one sense, this is understandable. (No one gets paid for integrating my personal laptop into a comprehensive security infrastructure, and no one will get fired if I get hacked.) However, the threats posed by Internet activity are very real, especially for a laptop computer that operates in public spaces behind low-tech coffee house firewalls that someone else configured. When I read about the Infostealer malware targeting Linux [1], I decided it was a good time to explore the options for using security sandboxing techniques to isolate applications. And while I was at it, I took a closer look at antivirus options and local firewall tools that would make me less dependent on the security of whatever subnet I happen to have landed in.
Of course, users expect convenience and simplicity for their home systems. Tools that are too elaborate or complicated are often ignored – or set up once and then forgotten. For my system, I set out to find convenient yet powerful tools that could provide virus protection, firewalling, and sandboxing support. Eventually I settled on the following cocktail:
- ClamAV for virus protection
- UFW for firewall configuration
- Firejail for sandboxing
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.