Is there anything to be gained in having Linux run in UEFI mode?

[Kyle]

Any thoughts on why you think that or is it just an intuitive gut feeling?  I am particularly interested to know if there is any concrete benefit to be gained from an antivirus/malware/general security perspective ...

I have had some friends, with newer machines, have issues with UEFI, but I have read that if you are able to get it to work it may or may not be beneficial against protecting against rootkits. Generally, such issues aren't common, especially since you seem to be a knowledgeable computer guy.

I have always used a proprietry antivirus for both Linux and Windows on my main PC (the 1st set-up mentioned in the footnote below), purchased from ESET, though have also used the ClamAV.  ESET AV appears to do it's job in warning & blocking my access to potentially risky sites though, like any AV, I don't really know how effective it really is.  Even if AV software is only 20% effective (as mentioned by Quidsup on Youtube), I personally think that's still worth it. I think the rest is down to sensible housekeeping, i.e: avoid suspicious websites, be careful where you download files or apps from,  delete suspicious e-mails & don't click on their links, avoid software that's malware-infected (Adobe Flashplayer), etc.  I wondered if UEFI might be one more tool in the armoury for protection against any kind of malware...??

I don't think UEFI helps in terms of viruses/malware, maybe rootkits, but not viruses/malware. And the only reason I suggest ClamAV/ClamTk is because it is free and open-source which many of us, Linux users, prefer. For extra protection (for your browser) use Firefox and use some tools such as Disconnect, uBlock Origin, Self-Destructing Cookies and HTTPS Everywhere. This will usually protect your browser enough to not even need ESET. I personally ran without a anti-virus for a little while and I do download files in video format without an issue, even though it is possible to get a virus from some video formats, I have not encountered an issue. It may be a smart thing to run certain things Sandboxed like your browser or IRC client (for example).