Linux servers – so you think this is not your problem?

Much of the internet infrastructure is composed of Linux machines – and it looks like malware cyber attacks of these and other Linux devices is up throughout 2021, with no indication that they will decrease in 2022.

Linux-Targeted Malware Increases by 35% in 2021 | CrowdStrike

Linux malware sees 35% growth during 2021 (bleepingcomputer.com)

A bug lurking for 12 years gives attackers root on most major Linux distros | Ars Technica (update 26/1/2022)

This problem is exacerbated by the open-source nature of the Linux distros (versions). When Windows has a vulnerability, there is only one version of Windows that needs patching and the fix will work, because everyone’s code is the same. Linux versions all have code variations, so a fix for one may not work on another. Even those that are proprietary Linux version have to look carefully at the fixes, as changes in the proprietary code (which is not open source) may negate the fix.

Where is your problem in all this. The chances are your website (and DNS) is hosted on a Linux platform so make your hosting provider is up to the job of keeping their Linux servers up to date and securely patched.

Clive Catton MSc (Cyber Security) – by-line and other articles