One of the common topics for discussion among users: "Do I need an antivirus on Linux?" Experienced users know that they can catch a virus as easily as users of Windows.
Common ways to get malware:
- downloading unknown files from suspicious sites;
- ignoring system and software updates;
- allowing the browser to execute active content on suspicious sites;
- careless attitude to email attachments;
- opening of non-essential ports;
- the presence of holes in programs downloaded from unofficial repositories;
- vulnerabilities in the operating system.
Thus, in most cases, the user himself is to blame for the infection of the computer. Antiviruses provide only additional levels of system protection.
Linux is increasingly being used by ordinary users. Therefore, viruses on Linux are written more often, respectively, the risk of downloading malware is quite large. The user downloads the program from the unofficial repository, runs it under administrator rights. From now on, the operating system is infected. It will be useful to use an antivirus in the case when both Windows and Linux are used on the same machine.
ESET NOD32
At the end of 2015 recognized as the best for computers on Linux.
The program is paid, it detects 99.8% of threats. Antivirus for Linux is similar to the Windows version. Supports the following features:
- real-time security;
- Scan hard disk and mail for threats;
- Scan connected devices
- Checking software for malware before installation;
- automatic detection of potentially dangerous software;
- high productivity and low resource consumption;
- starting a scan in accordance with a given schedule;
- processing files of any extensions before opening;
- automatic updatability.
On the official website they offer to test the demo version of antivirus for Linux, but after the trial period the program needs to be bought.
Kaspersky
Kaspersky has established itself as an effective antivirus for Windows.
There is also a version for Linux that detects and eliminates viruses no worse than the Windows version. Designed mainly for servers, is paid, has flexible settings.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Linux blocks dangerous files, warns of potentially dangerous sites. It ensures the preservation of personal information by checking all letters for malicious software. Detects phishing sites and blocks them. Reliably protects the system and does not affect the performance of the machine.
There are three antivirus packages for Linux.
- The Free package provides basic protection.
- Internet Security package provides advanced features, such as monitoring dangerous applications, tracking malware. Provides protection for multiple devices under one license. Protects from peeping through the camera, collecting user information.
- Total Security contains all the features of the Internet Security package, but in addition, it has parental controls and a password manager. Provides the ability to check data on hard drives.
AVG Server Edition
There is a paid version that contains advanced functionality, and free with basic features.
It does not have, unlike previous options, a graphical interface. It is a simple file system scanner that checks opened files.
Avast!
This is a free antivirus for Linux with a graphical interface.
Authentication is required to use.
All packages: PREMIER, SECURELINE VPN, CLEANUP PREMIUM, PASSWORDS PREMIUM.
Symantec endpoint
Antivirus for Linux Mint and other distributions provides enhanced protection.
Suitable for large companies in which the number of employees exceeds 100 people. Cleans from spyware, has a Firewall, prevents intrusions of any kind. Scanning of the hard drive occurs both using the graphical interface and from the command line.
It uses Insight technology, which detects changing malware. Deletes the following types of malware:
- viruses;
- Worms
- Trojans
- spies
- rootkits.
The quality of the functionality is confirmed by the presence of the “Best Corporate Defense” award.
Sophos
Free antivirus for Linux Mint 18 is one of the best for this operating system.
On-demand scanning is supported, real-time protection is provided. Designed for use on other platforms such as Windows and Android. Detects and removes worms, trojans. You can execute commands through the graphical interface or on the command line.
Antivirus Features:
- free use;
- command line and graphical interface support;
- detection and removal of malware;
- simple installation;
- minimum requirements for free hard disk space;
- cross-platform.
F-secure
Effective software from a Finnish company has wide functionality. He knows how to do everything like any high-quality antivirus: search, removal of viruses, including unknowns, worms, etc. The program is paid, the purchase of a complete package makes it possible to use protection on 3 computers at once. There is a Russian version. It uses the Bitdefender engine, cloud technology, antiphishing, parental control, secure Internet banking.
Microworld eScan
Paid antivirus for Linux Ubuntu is designed to protect both home computers and servers. The following distributions are officially supported: Debian, Fedora, RedHat, OpenSUSE, Slackware, Ubuntu.
Opportunities:
- file system scan;
- heuristic analysis;
- scanning archives;
- the ability to set a schedule for verification;
- database update;
- disinfection of infected files and quarantine.
Comodo
Comodo is on the list of the best antiviruses for Linux.
Known for supporting various architectures, cross-platform. It scans e-mail, in other programs this is not common. It supports the Firewall module, works with all Linux distributions, including server ones.
This is a free antivirus that is easy to install and has a clear graphical interface. Scans the hard drive on demand, there are no false positives. Protects against spam, provides protection against possible viruses in real time.
Clamav
Antivirus is open source, so it can be used absolutely free. It is well known in the Linux community. It is a versatile malware defender. Scans standard mail gateways. It does not have a graphical interface; control comes from the terminal.
Features:
- open source
- free of charge;
- cross-platform;
- support for postal services;
- No installation required.
Clamtk
ClamTK is an improved version of ClamAV. It has a simple graphical interface, intended for a wide range of users. Written in Perl using the GTK library. It has open source code, respectively, it is free. It starts without installation.
F-PROT
Supports 32-bit and 64-bit architectures. It is capable of detecting more than 21 million known viruses and their variants. Suitable for fighting trojans, boot viruses, macro viruses. It does not require installation, performs scheduled scans.
Chkrootkit
This is one of the best rootkit search solutions. Takes up little space, no installation required to run. It has a lightweight interface, is launched from the terminal, while it has ample opportunity to remove malicious files.
Rootkit hunter
Another rootkit finder is Rootkit Hunter.
Like the previous program, it works from the terminal. In addition to rootkits, it recognizes backdoors, local exploits, and searches for malicious code in text files. When scanning the system and recognizing the characteristic signs of malware, it sends an appropriate signal.
Features:
- rootkit search;
- command line support;
- easy use;
- fast work;
- support for scanning text files;
- start without installation.
Bitdefender
This antivirus does its job perfectly. The program is not free, but there is a trial version for testing the function. BitDefender scans archives, has a clear interface, works from the command line. When infected files are detected, they are quarantined.
Zoner AntiVirus for Linux
Zoner is a solution to finding and eliminating malicious files. It is aimed at administrators of mail servers. The following virus detection technologies are used:
- Signature based discovery
- code emulation;
- dynamic and heuristic analysis;
- target and general decoders.
This antivirus is available as a system scanner on demand. Easy to install and configure.