These white specks on the outside of the lens barrel are most likely cosmetic wear, not fungus. Based on the answers, they could be either:

• tiny bits of tissue/paper dust left from cleaning, or
• small scratches, dings, or rubbed spots from handling

On many older lenses, the barrel is aluminum with a black anodized or painted finish. When that finish gets nicked or worn, lighter metal or underlayers can show through as white or pale specks.

Lens fungus normally grows inside optical elements or in internal spaces, not as random specks on the exterior barrel. Exterior marks near focus and aperture rings are much more commonly signs of use than signs of humidity damage.

So, in most cases, this is normal cosmetic wear and should not affect image quality. If you’re worried, inspect the glass itself with a bright light for internal haze, web-like growth, or spots between elements.