The computer security issue is more relevant today than ever. Now, every user after installing the operating system immediately rushes to download the antivirus program in order to prevent the entry of malicious software onto the computer in the future. But this happens most often with Windows, and what about users who use Linux Ubuntu as their main system? Most do not even know that there are antiviruses on Ubuntu, but they do exist. But the question is different - do I need an antivirus for Ubuntu? Indeed, many argue that Linux distributions simply do not have viruses. We will consider this issue in the article, after which we will talk about several antiviruses for Ubuntu.
Is it necessary or not?
In Ubuntu OS, as well as in other Linux distributions, the situation with viruses is as follows - they exist, but it is much more difficult to catch them than in Windows. This is explained by the fact that, unlike the same Windows, applications are downloaded to computers from repositories, and not from open access. The analogy with the "Play Store" on Android is perfect here. To download the program in the Ubuntu OS, you go to the "Program Manager", where you select the one you need and click the "Install" button. Of course, this is exaggerated, the installation can be performed both from the "Terminal" and from Synaptik. But the bottom line is that before the program gets into the repository, it passes the test. So it turns out that the end user receives software that has already been checked for viruses.
Antivirus for Windows
But antivirus for Ubuntu may still be needed. It will at least help protect Windows if it is installed by a second operating system. The fact is that all Linux distributions can work perfectly with Windows partitions. This means that you can check them for malicious programs while in Ubuntu.
Types of Antiviruses
But working in these programs is more complicated than in Windows. The fact is that you can easily find an antivirus for Ubuntu Server, but there are much fewer programs with a graphical shell, but this is a topic for another article, now we will go directly to the consideration of programs.
Note: before starting, I want to say that in the article each software will be given a score expressed as a percentage from 0 to 100. This score will reflect the ratio of detected viruses by the program to the number of all viruses in the system. By the way, it will be exhibited both in relation to the Windiws operating system and Ubuntu.
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
In 2015, the AV-Test laboratory conducted a study where ESET antivirus showed the following results: detection rate in the Windows operating system - 99.8%, and in Linux distributions - 99.7%. In short, this is a pretty good result. Using ESET antivirus, you are sure to protect your computer from malicious programs. If we compare the versions for Windows and Linux, there are practically no differences between them, except in the method of scanning, but for the average user this information is still not important.
The main distinguishing feature of this anti-virus for Linux is that it has a graphical interface, that is, you do not have to learn many commands to work with it: all you need is to start the program, select the scan mode and click the button to start it.
If we talk about the shortcomings, we can distinguish only one - the program is paid. But before placing an order, you can install a trial version that will work for 30 days, after which it will disconnect and will require purchase.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Linux Server
The well-known Kaspersky antivirus also has a version for the Ubuntu operating system. If we talk about the results of detection of threats, then in both operating systems the value is 99.8%, which is better than the previous program, albeit slightly.
Based on the name, you can understand that this antivirus for Linux only works on server operating systems. Of course, you can install it in the graphical desktop shell, but you will only be able to work with it through the "Terminal" by executing special commands. It is this factor that scares away many users, because for the correct use of antivirus software, you will always need to keep a note with the basic commands for scanning.
If you still list the shortcomings, it can be noted that the application is distributed under a paid license - that is, you must first buy it. Well, now let's go over the distinguishing features of the program, and they are as follows:
- The program automatically scans files that you run in the operating system.
- It has a more advanced technical engine, which minimizes the number of failures during operation.
- You can set a huge number of parameters for scanning, which is a definite plus.
By the way, the program is not placed in the Ubuntu repository, but there is a deb package that you can download from the company's official website. However, the installation is not done in a completely standard way, but you can read about it in a special installation manual, which is also located on the company's website.
AVG Server Edition
We continue to consider antiviruses for Ubuntu. Next in line is the AVG Server Edition program. This is a very simple antivirus that does not have a graphical environment, so you will have to work with it, just like with Kaspersky, through the "Terminal", running special programs. Most often it is used specifically for database analysis, but it also copes well with running applications, and in which case it will inform you of the threat.
If you are worried about Linux security, then you should pay attention to this applicant, because in the test he showed an excellent result - 99.3% of detected malware on a Linux computer, on Windows, the result is lower - 99%. Of course, the figure is less than the two previous programs, but this can compensate for the availability of a free version. But here there were some nuances. The fact is that this version has slightly truncated functionality.
The program is distributed through a deb-package, you need to download it first, and then unpack it using the appropriate utility. Fortunately, the installation process does not require additional manipulations, unlike Kaspersky, so you can easily perform the installation.
Avast!
If you are looking for an antivirus for Ubuntu 16.04 and higher, then you should pay attention to the popular Avast! Program. It is better known among Windows users, but the developers have released a version for Ubuntu. Of course, the detection rate of threats will be higher in Windows, since the application was originally designed for the NTFS file system, but also in Linux the program shows a good result - 98.3%, which is enough to ensure safe use of the computer. By the way, in Windows the figure is 99.7%.
Avast! is a free antivirus for Ubuntu. And this cannot but rejoice, because unlike the two previous programs, Avast! It has a nice, minimalistic graphical interface that is easy to work with. You can note the features of this software. They are as follows:
- The application can scan removable media and databases.
- It automatically updates file systems, which no other program on this list can do.
- Checks files before opening them.
Installing the program is not done in the standard way - through the "Terminal", and for proper operation additional libraries are required - these are lib32ncurses5 and lib32z1, but once you have installed everything you need, in the future you will not mess with the "Terminal".
Symantec endpoint
If you are looking for an antivirus for Ubuntu that provides full protection for your Windows operating system, then Symantec Endpoint is best not to find anything. In the test, the program showed the maximum result - 100%. Unfortunately, for Linux, the figure is much lower - 97.2%, but as it was found out at the beginning of the article, Ubuntu practically does not need protection, and this value is quite optimal.
However, the good news ends here, because most users simply will not be able to install this software. The fact is that for installation it will be necessary to rebuild the kernel of the system by adding the AutoProtect module to it. Of course, most ordinary users simply will not be able to perform this task, especially since it is better not to get into the kernel, because you can completely break the system.
Now let's list the features of Symantec Endpoint:
- The program has a graphical interface developed based on the Java language.
- Monitors databases.
- It can scan individual files specified by the user.
- It updates the system using the program tools for this.
- Supports management from the console.
The rest is up to you to try to install the application on a computer or pick up something else to use.
Sophos Antivirus for Linux
This representative of anti-virus software for Ubuntu can only boast of having a WEB interface along with a console one. This means that you can manage it both through the browser and through the "Terminal". For some, this may be a plus, but there are no strengths here. But regardless of this, the program has a rather high rate of detection of threats in the Windows operating system - 99.8%. However, Linux protects it much worse - only 95%.
Let's move on to listing the features of this program:
- Allows you to set the time for automatic scanning of the file system for viruses.
- It can be controlled from the "Terminal".
- Easy to install.
- Well optimized for Ubuntu distribution.
You can download this program on the developer's site, but first you will need to send your contact details so that the developer allows you to do this.
F-Secure Linux Security
If you are worried about the security of the Ubuntu operating system, then this antivirus is better not to be considered as the main one, since the test showed that the percentage of detection of threats is only 85%, which is catastrophically small compared to previous programs. But F-Secure Linux Security perfectly protects Windows, as its rate is almost perfect and equal to 99.9%.
The program does not have a graphical interface, so it is rational to use it on server versions of Ubuntu.
Conclusion
We reviewed seven antivirus programs for Ubuntu. Based on the foregoing, you can now make your choice. But in the end, I still want to repeat again that it is rational to install antivirus on Linux only if you want to provide additional protection to other operating systems installed on your computer.