GNU/Linux: Is it immune to Malware?

When someone switches to GNU/Linux, one of the attributes assigned to GNU/Linux and other Open Source Operating Systems (that are free [as in freedom]) is that GNU/Linux is VIRUS or Malware free.

I have been answering (some of the misunderstandings in this respect) at multiple forums and lists, but here is the comprehensive answer.

The truthful answer is YES, writing and enabling malware executing within GNU/Linux is possible.

I prefer the term Malicious Software (abbreviated Malware), rather than the obscure and rather obsolete term 'Vital Information Resources Under Siege' (VIRUS that sounds like a poorly named movie. )

Iran - when diplomacy fails

The EU summit on trade just concluded with countries like India refusing to sign the Free Trade Agreement, as it did not serve their national interests. One of the arguments put forth during this summit was that India would have to respect the "Iran Embargo," that had already been decided by USA and EU.

The Indian government diplomats tried to convince our own government that EU would allow our ties with Iran, the same as USA had already permitted ties with Iran despite the agreements that we should also honor the embargo. This was among the many issues being discussed related to the FTA, although the reasons for India shying away from the FTA were multiple.

Diplomatic Vehicle Attack - India

After this summit, on Monday, 13-Feb-2012, there were two incidents of explosions that targeted Israeli diplomats and one attempt targeting Israeli Diplomats in Tbilisi, Georgia that was foiled by the Embassy Driver. The explosion in New Delhi, India on the vehicle of an Israeli diplomat that injured his wife, which happened a few minutes later (in International time-scales) pointed out that these attacks were coordinated.

The second explosion in Thailand, which involved two grenades, one hitting a cab driver (and the cab,) and the other rebounding into the perpetrator injuring his legs severely was immediately linked to this incident.

Security: Strong Passwords

With Identity Theft and Information Security being compromised in several instances in the recent past, users of the Internet and Electronic Digital Services have a duty to improve the quality of the passwords, the keys to their Digital Real Estate. Here's a nice infographic (src: http://lifehacker.com/5876541/use-this-infographic-to-pick-a-good-strong-password ) which shows how to get it stronger, and why it isn't strong at the moment.

Click to View Full Image in Picasa

Let's at least keep our doors locked properly and not provide a walk-in to Internet thieves. We owe at least this much to our 'digital' selves.