Nor can you rely on data showing how effective a malware detection engine is when confronted with Windows malware – Linux is very different OS with a very different set of vulnerabilities. While enterprise-grade end-point protection often includes Linux server modules, specialist system administrators often prefer more hands-on security tools. ![]() the focus is primarily on defending web servers and other enterprise deployments, which tend to be susceptible to a different range of threats and user behaviours.Įven on the server, Linux security is largely down to regular updates and security patching, system monitoring, and solid hygiene when it comes to service passwords and open ports. And where they do, such as AV-TEST and AV Comparatives’ 2015 group tests. No testing lab carries out regular testing of Linux antivirus. Linux antivirus effectivenessĪssessing the effectiveness of antivirus for Linux is tough. Sadly, it’s not well-maintained – for example, the currently available version for Debian-based systems requires an older version of libssl than ships with recent operating system versions, requiring manual patching of the package, which is frankly ridiculous. Comodo Free Antivirus for Linux is less bare-bones than ClamAV, with features including real-time scanning, optional analysis of software in Comodo’s cloud, email scanning and anti-spam modules, as well as scheduled and on-demand scans. ![]() Third-party virus signature databases are also available for ClamAV, and the software can also be configured to run as a service.Ĭomodo is one of the few notable names in malware defence that caters to desktop Linux users. Note that heuristic malware detection, which examines files’ code for indications of suspicious behaviour, has to be manually enabled. I use it with the ClamTk GUI, configured to auto-update its signatures. It includes no real-time malware detection, which means you’re getting any active defence here, but you have have it carry out scheduled scans of your home directory and on-demand scans of any file or directory you’re suspicious of. The classic open source antivirus tool, ClamAV is available from most Linux distros’ repositories. Linux antivirus isn’t a growth area – a number of anti-malware firms, including Eset and Avast, have or are ceasing the publication of stand-alone Linux anti-malware suites, although enterprise server and end-point protection solutions are still available from both of those firms, as well as the likes of Kaspersky and Bitdefender.ĬlamTk provides a comfortable desktop interface for ClamAV ![]() What antivirus is available for home desktop Linux? OS security updates promptly address new threats, to the point where the official position of Canonical, maker of Ubuntu Linux is that “Linux viruses are so rare that you don’t really need to worry about them at the moment.”īut that doesn’t mean your Linux PC can’t harbour malware for other operating systems, or that cross-platform threats in languages such as Java and Python aren’t a risk. Linux malware has been gradually increasing over the years, with a 35% growth in Linux malware in 2021 identified by endpoint protection vendor Crowdstrike, largely affecting Internet-of-Things devices.īut, assuming your day-to-day security practices are good and your OS is up-to-date, your Linux desktop doesn’t have a particularly great need of antivirus software. Wondering if Linux users can take operating system security for granted and not worry about using anti-virus? Let’s look at the risks and what you can use to protect yourself when you’re running this popular open source OS and alternative to Windows 11.
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