this post was submitted on 02 Mar 2024
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Linux
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Computing practices (like installing packages from trusted maintainers and the deliberate use (through filling in passwords) for granting privileged access etc.) on Linux are different than on Windows. This already ensures that -simply by the virtue of using Linux as it's intended- a Linux user is protected from complete classes of attacks.
Furthermore, the average Linux user is a lot more computer savvy compared to the average Windows user. And I haven't even mentioned the focus on FOSS, the security benefits through obscurity etc.
Of course, Linux isn't impenetrable. In fact, one might argue that its security frameworks on desktop are lacking compared to macOS and perhaps even to Windows (S mode).
Nonetheless, Qubes OS (i.e. the worlds most secure desktop OS) heavily relies and utilizes Linux to do its bidding.
To conclude, there's a lot of nuance to secure computing on Linux. But as long as its user (i.e. the biggest attack vector) holds on to best practices, it should be more than safe. Unless..., you seek protection against sophisticated adversaries and their targeted attacks. At that point, I wouldn't trust any desktop OS besides Qubes OS anyways.