Linux hosting has gained huge popularity among resellers due to its high level of security, cost-effectiveness, compatibility and flexible OS configuration. Linux is free, and web hosting service providers do not have to pay for a subscription or license for each user. Linux supports most of the major programming languages (Python, MySQL, PHP, Ruby and Perl), and Linux-based hosting is ideal for dynamic websites with heavy data traffic, such as online stores, ticket sites or medical institutions. Linux also provides cPanel, a handy tool that helps in managing and maintaining a website.
And what about Windows?
Thanks to a huge user base, closed source code and a homogeneous monoculture of the OS, Windows is a much more attractive target for attackers. Despite the fact that malware attacks for Linux have become more frequent in recent years, the vast majority of malware is still directed at Windows, and in 2020 Windows systems were subjected to 83% of the total number of malware attacks.
Microsoft has traditionally used a method known as “security through obscurity” in an attempt to protect Windows source code. With this approach, the source code is hidden from outsiders in an attempt to hide vulnerabilities from intruders. While this may seem like a good idea at first, in reality, “security through obscurity” has a negative impact on security, since it prevents other developers from viewing the source code and reporting vulnerabilities before they are discovered and exploited by cybercriminals. After all, when it comes to finding bugs and security vulnerabilities, the Microsoft development team responsible for checking the Windows source code is no match for the thousands of developers from the global community who support Linux.
Let’s summarize the results
By choosing Linux over Windows, companies get a solid foundation for building a digital security strategy. Linux has a built-in security system, and its relatively small user base makes it not the most attractive target for attacks.
It’s also worth remembering that the security that Linux provides is a compromise between protection and usability. Linux has a slightly more complex learning curve compared to Windows, but it gives a lot more in terms of security.
If you want to increase the level of digital security of your enterprise, then choosing Linux as an OS is a great start.