The Top 7 Free Antivirus Programs for Linux
Malware attacks are increasing: be prepared!
Linux systems are known to be more secure than Windows. However, that doesn’t mean they are entirely immune to threats. Malware attacks on Linux systems are increasing. This article will describe seven free antivirus programs for Linux.
1. ClamAV
ClamAVis an open-source antivirus engine used to detect viruses, trojans, malware, and other malicious threats. It can run on a Linux server and Linux desktop.
All actions with this tool use the command line. Features include:
ClamAV works through the terminal and doesn’t have a native GUI, although you can download your own. It can scan compressed files (supports Rar, Zip, 7Zip, and Tar) and archives.
If you are looking for an automatic file scanner, ClamAV is not for you. It requires you to open the files first.
Another downside of this program is its slow processing speed and infrequent system updates.
2. ClamTK
ClamTKis not a virus scanner in and of itself. It is a GUI for ClamAV. For those users who don’t like to use a command-line interface, ClamTK provides the same features as ClamAV via an easy to use graphical interface.
The main feature of ClamTK is to be able to use all the advanced features of Clam AV in a simple GUI. Other features include:
Both ClamTK and ClamAV are available in many mainstream Linux distributions’ software repositories.
3. Comodo Antivirus
Sometimes referred to as CALV,Comodo Antivirusincludes an on-demand scanner, real-time behavioral analysis, and spam mail protection and anti-phishing.
Other features of this free antivirus program include:
Comodo Antivirus might be too complicated for those who are not tech-savvy. Be careful and pay attention when installing the free version. By default, Comodo will automatically change your browser and primary search engine.
Comodo also has no web filtering orURL blocking.
For advanced users looking for a feature-rich and highly configurable antivirus program, Comodo is a good choice. Average users might find it too difficult to use.
4. Rootkit Hunter
Rootkit Hunteris a small utility that uses backdoor and other local exploits to detect trojans and viruses.
Other features include:
Rootkit Hunter detectsrootkitsby scanning for unrecognized changes in files. To recognize if there has been a change, Rootkit needs to know what the files should look like on a clean system. Therefore, you must install it to get a baseline for future scans.
If you wait until your system is infected, Rootkit Hunter will not be very useful.
5. F-Prot
F-Protis a free antivirus program for Linux home users to keep their systems free of malware. It scans for ransomware, boot sector viruses, and other malicious threats.
It includes other features such as:
F-Prot doesn’t include Internet security tools such as virtual keyboards, browser extensions, or phishing detectors to protect against keyloggers’ efforts.
However, for those interested in an effective and functional antivirus program, it is a good choice.
6. Chkrootkit
Chkrootkitis a set of tools used to detect the presence of rootkits. It is free and open-source.
Chkrootkit has many other features, such as:
Chkrootkit doesn’t release new versions as often as some of the other antivirus programs.
7. Sophos
Sophosanti-virus software detects and eradicates viruses (including Trojans and worms) for a wide range of Linux distributions.
Below are some of the features of Sophos:
By detecting and blocking non-Linux viruses that might be stored on your computer, Sophos prevents your Linux system from being affected by malware from other operating systems you might be using.
Sophos doesn’t come with a built-in GUI. The free version doesn’t give access to subscriptions or technical support.
Even though Linux systems are better protected than Windows, there is no way to be 100% safe from malicious threats. Why not protect your computer by installing at least one of the free antivirus programs above?
David has a background in small business and lives in Australia. He is a WordPress and Ubuntu Developer who enjoys design, CSS and tech tool integration.Read David’s Full Bio
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