Linux is not immune to malware – Muhammad Imanudin

Many people believe that Linux is safer than other operating systems. Some even think it cannot be attacked at all. This belief has been around for years, especially among those who use Linux on servers or in the cloud. The idea is that Linux is open source, well designed, and less popular on desktops, so attackers do not bother with it. But this is not true. Linux is not immune to malware, and recent data shows that attacks against it are growing quickly.

Why people thought Linux was so safe

The belief did not come from nowhere. Linux has real strengths.

Its design naturally limits how much damage a program can do.
Because its code is open, thousands of developers can spot and fix problems quickly.
For years, hackers mostly targeted Windows because it had the most users. This created a quieter environment for Linux, making it seem safer.

The evidence shows a different story

Recent reports from cybersecurity companies paint a clear picture: Linux is a major target.

Attacks on Linux servers are constant. Hackers use automated programs to break into servers by guessing weak passwords. Once inside, they install malware. Common threats include:

Cryptocurrency miners that steal computing power.
DDoS bots that turn servers into weapons for attacking websites.
Ransomware designed specifically for Linux systems.

Ransomware is a particularly serious threat. Hackers now create ransomware like Cl0p and ESXiArgs specifically to target Linux servers, especially those used for virtual machines. By encrypting one server, they can paralyze an entire company.

The malware itself has also evolved. It has become sneakier, often hiding in a server’s memory instead of leaving files behind. It can also change its code to avoid detection.

Perhaps the biggest wake-up call was the XZ Utils backdoor discovered in 2024. A hacker almost successfully planted a secret “back door” into a piece of software used by nearly all Linux systems worldwide. This showed that even the core tools of Linux are not beyond reach.

Why are hackers targeting Linux now?

The reason is simple: value. While Windows is targeted for its huge number of users, Linux is targeted for its importance.

Hackers go where the money and data are. Linux runs the critical infrastructure of banks, hospitals, governments, and big tech companies. A single successful attack on a Linux server can cause massive financial damage, making hackers a lot of money.

Immutable Linux: A real defense, not a myth

You might hear the term “immutable” about Linux. This does not mean all Linux is naturally untouchable. Instead, it is a new type of defense.

An immutable Linux distribution is built differently. In systems like Fedora Silverblue, the core operating system is locked and set to read-only. You cannot accidentally or maliciously change the essential files. All software runs in separate, secure containers.

This approach has big benefits:

Stops persistent malware: Bad software cannot permanently alter the system.
Easy recovery: If something goes wrong, you can reboot and return to a known, clean state instantly.
Stable and reliable: It is perfect for systems that need to run without fail.

How to stay secure

Dropping the myth is the first step to real safety. Here is how to protect Linux systems:

Update everything, always. Always install the latest security patches for your operating system and software.
Use strong, unique passwords. For servers, use key-based authentication instead of passwords for SSH access.
Lock your doors. Use a firewall. Do not leave management interfaces openly accessible on the internet.
Consider immutable distros. For certain uses, like servers or simple workstations, an immutable Linux system can be a very strong choice.
Pay attention to your software supply chain. Know where your software comes from. Be aware that even trusted sources can be compromised.

The story of Linux malware is a lesson for everyone. No software platform is magically secure. As Linux has become the world’s most important software, its security has become everyone’s problem. By moving past the old myth, adopting smart new designs like immutable systems, and following careful security practices, we can keep this critical infrastructure safe.