Improved security with your Linux server
Linux servers offer increased security capabilities, the operating system is increasingly viewed as a potential way to reduce organisational IT expenditure.
Linux is one of the most secure operating systems. “Walls” and flexible file access permission systems prevent access by unwanted visitors or viruses.
Open source is more secure because it is more rigorously reviewed. The open source project has a strong community, with many sharp individuals contributing to reviewing the source code so it is more secure.
Open source software cannot rely on obscurity for security because the source code is transparent, security must be implemented well at the source code level. 
Standardising your Linux distribution to reduce risk
While Linux servers may provide your organisation with a security advantage, to realise this advantage, you need to standardise your organisation on a single, trusted Linux server distribution.
Having fewer “flavours” of Linux allows you to build better in-house familiarity with the operating system and its vendor, and concentrate more on standardising your security practices and policies for the distribution you have chosen.
With standardised practice for security of the platform, you can more appropriately invest in securing each of the services and applications you intend to host on that platform.
Patching for protection
It is important to stay ahead with patches and updates. The ubiquity of Windows as both a client and server operating system makes it a prime target for hackers. Linux servers are more secure because of their communal development process, but it has yet to attain the level of success of Windows and thereby remains a lesser target to hackers.
Linux market share is rapidly growing, and some claim that the operating system may become scrutinised more closely for vulnerabilities, creating the possibility of more attacks as it becomes more attractive to hackers.
Turnaround times for patches in Linux and other popular Open Source offerings are very rapid, which allows proactive organisations to more quickly reap the benefits of a strong patch management strategy.
For more information on Linux security and a comparison of security in Linux servers and Windows servers click on the link.
