If you are running a Linux-based file server or mail server, you will probably want to use antivirus software. Because in this scenario, if you don’t use any antivirus, infected Windows computers may upload infected files to your Linux. The antivirus software will scan for Windows malware and delete it. Hence, most of the Linux anti-virus programs focus on clearing Windows viruses.
Check out the below listed top 6 antiviruses for Linux based systems.
6 Best antivirus for Linux-Based Systems
(1) Avast
It is the best “antivirus for linux“ due to features it provides. The software detects the threats by scanning your entire system. It also scans your home network for weak spots. With Avast, you will get a browser cleanup facility which will stop you adding up annoying browser add-ons. Moreover, it comes with a firewall which shields your computer from hackers. It has been praised for its performance and features like real-time protection of files, email, P2P transfers, web surfing. Lastly, it features a quite good GUI on Linux. So all-in-all it is complete virus scanner and malware protection software. You can use Avast for Linux technical documentation if you are stuck somewhere while installation. It seems that Avast will enhance its features in coming 2016.
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| avast antivirus for ubuntu |
(2) Bitdefender
Be it windows, Mac or Linux, Bitdefender is very popular antivirus for Linux. It provides features such as real-time shield, active virus control, intrusion detection, rootkit scanning and HTTP scanning. Rootkits are a type of stealth software, often malicious, that can help hackers get control of your computer. While HTTP scanning protects you from scams such as credit card phishing attempts. Moreover, it gives you online banking protection, a 2 way firewall and a parental control system.
Direct download link for this tool is not available, so you need to install the scanner gui of Bitdefender through the terminal. To install the GUI version of Bitdefender Antivirus Free edition 2014, open your terminal and type $sudo apt-get install Bitdefender-scanner-gui.
(3) Avira AntiVir
After Avast and Bitdefender, Avira AntiVir is the best Linux antivirus software program. It protects your Linux system from dangerous viruses, worms, Trojans, and rootkits. With this software, you will get anti-malware protection, anti-spyware protection, browser protection and cloud-based scanning.
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| Avira AntiVir for Linux |
(4) AVG
This is the second best antivirus for Linux but it doesn’t have a GUI. The AVG antivirus software 2015 is a highly rated antivirus available for free download. The command line scanner provides virus definitions and updates. Without user interface also, it’s very easy to use. The software blocks viruses, spyware, & other malware, warn you of malicious email attachments, provides Online Shield and encrypts/password-protects your private files.
Once you have installed it; open the terminal and type $sudo avggui.
Download AVG Free Antivirus and Malware Protection 2015
(5) ClamAv
This one is the most popular for Linux systems. And if you are an Ubuntu user, it is the best antivirus for Linux ubuntu. To perform basic scans you can use GUI, but to use advanced features of this software, you need some command line knowledge. Its GUI interface is called Clamtk. The application features a Milter interface for sendmail, a command-line scanner, automatic database updater and on-demand scanning. The Milter interface works as mail gateway scanning software.
To install it from the software center, open your terminal and type $sudo apt-get install clamav clamtk. If you are a ubuntu user, click the below link.
(6) Comodo
This one is the last antivirus for Linux. This software works as a firewall application. Basically, it provides strong protection against all online security threats. Also, it detects and protects the system from spamming, phishing, Trojans, malware and other hacking attempts. Mail gateway of comodo blocks email-borne viruses and spam. Other features of the program are on-demand and cloud-based scanning.
From all these, Bitdefender, Avast, and AVG are the best antiviruses for Linux mint. If you think some other antivirus software should make up to the list, let us know through comments.
As always Avast is a good one. Works fast!