Best Antivirus For Linux 2017

When it comes to the world of operating systems, Linux has long been known for its security and stability. However, this does not mean that Linux is immune to viruses and malware. In fact, as Linux gains popularity, so does the need for effective antivirus software. So, what is the best antivirus for Linux in 2017?

One of the top contenders for the best antivirus for Linux in 2017 is ClamAV. With a history dating back to 2001, ClamAV has established itself as a reliable and powerful antivirus solution for Linux users. In addition to being open-source and free, ClamAV boasts an impressive detection rate, with the ability to detect more than 1 million unique viruses. This makes it an ideal choice for both individuals and businesses looking to protect their Linux systems.

Introduction: The Importance of Antivirus Software for Linux

In recent years, Linux has become an increasingly popular operating system choice for both personal and enterprise use. However, many Linux users still underestimate the need for antivirus software, mistakenly believing that Linux is inherently secure. While Linux is indeed more secure than other operating systems, it is not invincible to malware and other digital threats. Therefore, choosing the best antivirus software for Linux is crucial to protect your system and sensitive data from potential cyber attacks. In this article, we will discuss some of the best antivirus options available for Linux in 2017.

1. ClamAV

ClamAV is an open-source antivirus program that has gained a reputation for being one of the most efficient and reliable antivirus solutions for Linux. It offers an extensive virus database, regular updates, and real-time scanning to detect and eliminate malware on your Linux system. ClamAV can be used as a standalone antivirus or can be integrated with other security tools to provide a multi-layered defense against cyber threats.

One of the key advantages of ClamAV is its simplicity. It does not consume excessive system resources and can run silently in the background without affecting the performance of your Linux machine. ClamAV also supports various file formats, including archives, documents, executables, and more, making it highly versatile. Additionally, ClamAV provides command-line interfaces and can be customized to meet specific security requirements.

However, it is important to note that ClamAV primarily focuses on detecting and eliminating malware affecting Linux systems, which means it may not provide comprehensive protection against Windows or Mac-based threats. Nevertheless, for Linux users who are looking for a reliable, open-source antivirus solution, ClamAV is an excellent choice.

Pros of ClamAV

• Open-source and freely available
• Efficient and reliable virus detection
• Minimal system resource usage
• Supports various file formats
• Customizable through command-line interfaces

Cons of ClamAV

• May not provide comprehensive protection against non-Linux threats
• Lacks a user-friendly interface

Top Features of ClamAV

• Extensive virus database
• Regular updates for new malware threats
• Real-time scanning and on-access scanning
• Integration capabilities with other security tools

2. Sophos Antivirus for Linux

Sophos Antivirus for Linux is another highly recommended antivirus solution for Linux users. It offers advanced threat detection and removal capabilities, protecting your system from a wide range of malware, including viruses, ransomware, Trojans, and more. Sophos Antivirus for Linux uses real-time scanning and behavior-based analysis to identify and eliminate threats proactively.

One of the notable features of Sophos Antivirus for Linux is its centralized management console, which allows administrators to easily manage security policies and monitor the overall security of their Linux systems. It also provides detailed logs and reports, which can be helpful for identifying potential security breaches or vulnerabilities.

Sophos Antivirus for Linux is designed to operate seamlessly in Linux environments and provides automatic updates to ensure protection against the latest threats. Additionally, it can be integrated with Sophos Intercept X, an advanced endpoint protection solution, to enhance the overall security of your Linux infrastructure.

Pros of Sophos Antivirus for Linux

• Advanced threat detection and removal capabilities
• Centralized management console for easy administration
• Real-time scanning and behavior-based analysis
• Automatic updates for the latest protection
• Integration with Sophos Intercept X for enhanced security

Cons of Sophos Antivirus for Linux

• Some advanced features require a paid license
• May consume more system resources compared to other antivirus software

Top Features of Sophos Antivirus for Linux

• Real-time scanning and behavior-based analysis
• Centralized management console
• Automatic updates for the latest protection
• Detailed logs and reports for monitoring security
• Integration with Sophos Intercept X

3. ESET NOD32 Antivirus for Linux

ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a well-known and trusted antivirus solution that offers Linux users reliable protection against a wide range of malware threats. It provides real-time scanning, malware detection, and removal features to safeguard your Linux system from viruses, rootkits, worms, and other malicious software.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus for Linux is designed to be lightweight and efficient, ensuring minimal impact on system performance. It offers a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use tools, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The software can be scheduled to perform regular scans and updates, ensuring that your Linux system is always protected.

In addition to real-time scanning, ESET NOD32 Antivirus for Linux also includes features such as web protection, email scanning, and removable media control to prevent malware from entering your system through different vectors. It also provides excellent detection rates and a low false positive rate, ensuring accurate detection without causing unnecessary interruptions.

Pros of ESET NOD32 Antivirus for Linux

• Reliable protection against a wide range of malware
• User-friendly interface with easy-to-use tools
• Lightweight and efficient, minimizing system impact
• Regular scans and updates for up-to-date protection
• Additional features like web protection and email scanning

Cons of ESET NOD32 Antivirus for Linux

• Free version lacks some advanced features
• May not have the same extensive customization options as other antivirus software

Top Features of ESET NOD32 Antivirus for Linux

• Real-time scanning and malware detection
• User-friendly interface with easy-to-use tools
• Lightweight and efficient
• Web protection and email scanning
• Removable media control

4. Avast Security for Linux

Avast Security for Linux is a comprehensive antivirus solution designed specifically for Linux systems. It offers real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and other online threats. Avast Security uses advanced scanning algorithms to detect and eliminate threats, ensuring the security of your Linux system and sensitive data.

One of the key features of Avast Security for Linux is its compatibility with a wide range of Linux distributions, making it accessible to a broad user base. It provides regular updates to keep up with the latest malware threats and offers customizable scanning options to suit individual security preferences.

Avast Security for Linux also includes additional features such as email scanning, behavior-based analysis, and secure web browsing to provide comprehensive protection against various attack vectors. It has a user-friendly interface and can be easily configured to meet specific security requirements.

Pros of Avast Security for Linux

• Comprehensive protection against viruses and malware
• Compatibility with a wide range of Linux distributions
• Regular updates for the latest security
• Email scanning and behavior-based analysis
• Secure web browsing capabilities

Cons of Avast Security for Linux

• Some advanced features may require a paid license
• May consume more system resources compared to other antivirus software

Top Features of Avast Security for Linux

• Real-time protection against viruses and malware
• Compatibility with various Linux distributions
• Regular updates for the latest security
• Email scanning and behavior-based analysis
• Secure web browsing capabilities

Overall, when it comes to choosing the best antivirus software for Linux in 2017, it is essential to consider factors such as effectiveness, resource usage, ease of use, and compatibility with your Linux distribution. The above-mentioned antivirus solutions, ClamAV, Sophos Antivirus for Linux, ESET NOD32 Antivirus for Linux, and Avast Security for Linux, are all reputable choices that offer reliable protection against malware threats, ensuring the security and integrity of your Linux system.

Top Antivirus Programs for Linux in 2017

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, Linux users are not exempt from the threat of malware and viruses. However, Linux has been considered more secure than other operating systems, thanks to its built-in security measures. Nevertheless, it is still important to protect your system from potential threats. Here are some of the best antivirus programs for Linux in 2017:

• ClamAV: As one of the most popular choices, ClamAV is an open-source antivirus software that offers excellent malware detection and scanning capabilities. It can be used as a command-line scanner or integrated into various applications and mail servers.
• Comodo Antivirus: Known for its robust security features, Comodo Antivirus provides real-time protection against viruses, worms, and Trojans. It offers cloud-based scanning, behavior analysis, and reliable threat detection.
• Avast Antivirus: Avast is a well-known name in the antivirus industry, and their Linux version is no exception. It provides basic virus protection, on-demand scanning, and a user-friendly interface.
• Bitdefender Antivirus Scanner: Bitdefender is a lightweight and fast antivirus scanner that offers excellent malware detection. It provides tools for scanning specific files or directories, as well as an integrated file shredder.
• ESET NOD32 Antivirus: ESET NOD32 is a powerful antivirus solution with a user-friendly interface. It offers comprehensive protection against various types of malware, including zero-day threats.

Remember, even though Linux is generally considered to be more secure, it is still important to have an antivirus program installed to protect against any potential threats. Choose the antivirus program that best suits your needs and keep your Linux system safe and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the best antivirus for Linux in 2017:

1. Is antivirus software necessary for Linux?

Yes, antivirus software is necessary for Linux. Although Linux is known for its security features and robustness, it is not invulnerable to malware and other threats. Antivirus software helps protect your Linux system and ensures that your files and data are safe.

With the increasing popularity of Linux, cybercriminals have also targeted this operating system. Therefore, it is essential to have an antivirus software installed to protect against viruses, Trojans, ransomware, and other malicious attacks.

2. What are some recommended antivirus software for Linux in 2017?

In 2017, some of the best antivirus software for Linux were:

a) ClamAV: ClamAV is an open-source antivirus engine that is widely used for Linux systems. It provides real-time scanning, on-access scanning, and automatic updates. ClamAV is known for its high detection rates for malware and its low resource usage.

b) Bitdefender Antivirus Scanner for Unices: Bitdefender is a well-known name in the antivirus industry, and their Linux version offers excellent protection. It provides on-demand scanning and supports multiple Linux distributions.

c) Sophos Antivirus for Linux: Sophos offers a free version of their antivirus software for Linux. It provides real-time scanning, automatic updates, and an easy-to-use interface. Sophos Antivirus for Linux has a high detection rate for both known and unknown threats.

3. Can I use the same antivirus software for both Windows and Linux?

While some antivirus software is compatible with both Windows and Linux, it is generally recommended to use separate antivirus software for each operating system. This is because the malware targeting Windows and Linux systems may differ, and specialized antivirus software can provide better protection.

Using separate antivirus software for each operating system also allows you to optimize the performance and resource usage of each system.

4. Are there any free antivirus software available for Linux?

Yes, there are several free antivirus software available for Linux. Some popular free options include:

a) ClamAV: ClamAV, as mentioned earlier, is an open-source antivirus engine that is free to use. It provides reliable protection against malware and other threats.

b) Avast Antivirus: Avast offers a free version of its antivirus software for Linux. It provides essential protection against viruses and malware.

c) AVG Antivirus: AVG also offers a free version of their antivirus software for Linux. It includes features like real-time scanning and automatic updates.

5. How often should I update my antivirus software?

It is recommended to update your antivirus software regularly. Updates often include new virus definitions and security patches that help protect your system against the latest threats. Setting your antivirus software to update automatically ensures that you are always using the most up-to-date version.

Additionally, it is a good practice to manually run a full system scan with your antivirus software at least once a week to detect any potential threats that may have been missed by real-time scanning.

In summary, when it comes to choosing the best antivirus for Linux in 2017, it is important to consider your specific needs and priorities. While there are several reputable options available, it is recommended to opt for a reliable antivirus program that offers regular updates, real-time protection, and a user-friendly interface.

Additionally, it is crucial to keep in mind that antivirus software is just one layer of protection, and it should be complemented with other security measures such as regular system updates, strong passwords, and safe browsing habits. By taking a holistic approach to security, you can ensure the safety of your Linux system and protect it from potential threats.