[plug] Linux Viruses

[Craig Ringer]

 > Are viruses for Linux really that common?

Nope. There's the occasional worm that exploits flaws in server software 
  (apache, sshd, etc) but I've never heard of /any/ viri in the usual 
sense (executable-infecting virus, email worm/trojan, etc).

 > I mean...this is the first time I've actually
 > heard of anything regarding a Linux virus.

One hears discussion occasionally, but that's about it. Linux is not 
immune to viri, but it is harder for a virus to cripple the system since 
nobody in their right mind runs as root. So a virus can't infect shared 
executables. Also mail programs tend to be less ridden with security 
holes than our old friend "Look Out!" express. Generally the worst that 
could happen is damage to and/or theft of user data - and disinfection 
should be easy since root can't get infected without a lot of effort. I 
don't expect viri to ever become a serious problem for linux, even once 
they do appear.

Craig Ringer