Linux, being a free and open source operating system, has its own advantages. It includes a large base of developers who constantly audit the source code for any possible security risks; the Linux community can provide fast support and fixes for any potential security problem. Patches are released quickly for testing by the community so they don't have to deal with the clumsy administration that other Unix vendors may have to deal with.

Due to the massive worldwide user base, Linux's security gets tested across huge range of computing environments, thus making it one of the most stable and secure operating systems. As Linux is open to scrutiny by developers across the world, it helps Linux derive superior security in the ways the privileges are assigned. The way in which these privileges are assigned in a Linux system is also a security feature derived from the open source code of the system.