Ron Schenone

Why Is There An Anti-Virus Program For Linux?

Posted by on Oct 25, 2007 | 9 Comments

I recently saw that avast! is offering a free version of its popular anti-virus program for Linux. I have read many articles in the past that claim Linux is virtually virus free. Though I do recall one article that mentioned there are some 40 known Linux viruses. So, with this in mind, is having an anti-virus program necessary when using a Linux distro?

We will all agree that not using an anti-virus program with Windows would be like driving a car with the air bags disabled and not wearing a seat belt. But with Linux we seem to feel that we are immune to viruses. It is an unfortunate fact of life, but as Linux becomes more popular, there are going to be attacks. With this in mind, using an anti-virus program such as avast! may be sound advice. Especially since it is FREE.

The avast! site states:

avast! Linux Home Edition represents an antivirus solution for the increasingly popular Linux platform. This software is designed exclusively for home users and non-commercial use. Both of these conditions should be met! Our company offers the Home Edition free of charge, since, in our opinion, it is possible to avoid global virus spreading by efficient prevention; however, many user are not able to or do not want to pay for antivirus software. This page will show you the most important features of this program.

The antivirus kernel of avast! For Linux is identical to the one for Windows systems, which means that all high-end features, typical for AV kernels on Windows, are included in the Linux version too.

The latest version of avast! antivirus kernel features outstanding detection abilities, together with high performance. You can expect 100% detection of In-the-Wild viruses (viruses already spreading between users) and excellent detection of Trojan horses with minimum of false positives.

The kernel is certified by ICSA Labs; it frequently takes part in the tests of Virus Bulletin magazine, often yielding the VB100 award.

Comments welcome.

Free download is available from here.

[tags]linux, avast, anti-virus, free. home use, [/tags]

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/dabrace1984/ dabrace1984

    I have a good story about running virus programs. A couple of months ago I was running Symantec AntiVirus Cooperate Edition 10.2 (Windows Vista Edition) on a computer running Windows Vista Enterprise. I started to experience compatibility problems with what Windows Vista claimed were related to Symantec. So I uninstalled Symantec and for the last couple of months I have been running Windows Vista with any security, with the exception of Spybot and the Windows Firewall. Some would call be an idiot, I say that I am saving system resources.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello dabrace1984,
    Have you given any thought to using one of the freebies such as AVG or Avast?

  • Scott King

    Most people get viruses from “risky” behavior. Clicking on anything that pops up, opening unknown attachments, chain letters, etc., I believe if you are careful, just as in “real life”, you will be OK. The only time I ended up with viruses or spyware is when I went to “risky” places on the net. A little knowledge and care is about just as good as bolstering you system with virus scanners, anti spyware programs etc.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/verdican/ verdican

    Other alternatives to Linux Anti-Virus programs: http://www.linux.org/apps/all/System/Anti-Virus.html and http://linuxappfinder.com/security/anti-virus

    Dabrace1984, you really should try out AVG or Avast; running Vista with only a Firewall and Spybot isn’t really enough to keep yourself ‘safe’ on the internet.

  • Kawa

    As far as I know linux antiviruses exist to find …windows viruses.

    If a linux file server / mail server, for instance, has an antivirus installed, it will protect windows clients before they access the virus. So it is just an immune problem solver.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Thanks for all of the comments.

  • Mike

    Better safe than sorry as far as running AV programs. I like the freebies but they are impossible to manage in an Enterprise. For single machines or those PCs that are in isolated subnets I guess those are fine.

    Personally, if you have a Corporate network running AV is a cost of doing business. We use Symantec Corporate edition 10.x and it runs fine and uses little resources…their home product stink! Same with Mcafee although I don’t like any of their products business or home.

    Personally, I use AntiVir Internet security and it does a nice job, doesn’t slow down my computer and is reasonably priced. I used to to use AVG but saw dismal test results and thought I needed to just break open my wallet and pay for a solid product…ANTIVIR got great writeups.

    peace!

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Mike,
    Thanks for your comments.

  • http://www.goretsky.com/ Aryeh Goretsky

    Hello,

    Many anti-virus software vendors provide versions of their software for BSD, Linux, Netware, Solaris and other operating systems which are not known for being infectable by malicious software because they are used as file or mail server platforms for desktop computers which are more vulnerable to such threats. Also, some companies have policies that all computers must have anti-virus software on them, regardless of the operating system. Just because a computer virus (or other form of malicious software) cannot run under a particular operating system does not prevent a virus infected file from being copied onto it and transfered to a computer which is running a vulnerable operating system.

    Also, another thing to keep in mind is that since Linux is a particularly popular hosting platform, common LAMP applications can be searched for vulnerabilities and targeted as easily as visiting a search engine and typing a query in for a specific version message. Searching for bots, php scripts, rootkits and other types of code which are malicious but may not be viral (parasitic, recursively self-replicating, et cetera) in the classic sense is a task that a Linux-based anti-virus program might perform.

    Regards,

    Aryeh Goretsky