spyware in ubuntu?

[Larry Grover]

Matthias Heiler wrote:
> Charles Malespin <charles.malespin at gmail.com> writes:
> 
> 
>>Hi all, I have been using ubuntu for the better part of 4 months, and I
>>have been doing all the noob things and studying as much as I can about
>>ubuntu/linux.  I have read that for all intents and purposes you dont
>>need anti virus in linux, but what about spyware protection?  Is there
>>something for ubuntu to use and check if you have got spyware? Sorry if
>>this seems like a really dumb question,  I am just asking because I
>>would rather be safe than sorry.  Thanks, 
>>Charles
> 
> 
> Yes, there are similar things to spyware under unix.  They are called
> "rootkits".  This is software hidden on your computer that allows
> people from the internet to log into and use your machine (to sniff
> passwords or send spam mail).

You make a good point.  Rootkits can include "spy" function, and it 
won't hurt for Charles to check for the presence of a rootkit on his 
system.

Still, I doubt that a web page designed to raise an alarm when it's 
visited by a system infected with windows spy/adware is going to be 
set off by a linux rootkit.  I think it's more likely that he hit a 
bad web page.

Regards,
Larry