For this reason, many Linux users have long believed that the OS doesn’t need antivirus software. However, while Linux use on desktops has historically remained at relatively low levels, the inverse is true for servers. Antivirus is necessary for cybersecurity teams that wish to better protect their endpoints.
If you are running a Linux-based file server or mail server, you will probably want to use antivirus software. If you don’t, infected Windows computers may upload infected files to your Linux machine, allowing it to infect other Windows systems. The antivirus software will scan for Windows malware and delete it.
Again on the official page of Ubuntu, they claim that you don’t need to use antivirus software on it because viruses are rare, and Linux is inherently more secure. You can still add antivirus software for additional security and mental satisfaction. Popular antivirus software for Linux includes Sophos, Comodo, and ClamAV.
A common question we ran across in our research was “Is antivirus software useless on Linux?”.
Antivirus software isn’t entirely useless on Linux. If you are running a Linux-based file server or mail server, you will probably want to use antivirus software. If you don’t, infected Windows computers may upload infected files to your Linux machine, allowing it to infect other Windows systems.
Can Linux get viruses?
However, you are very unlikely to stumble on — and be infected by — a Linux virus in the same way you would be infected by a piece of malware on Windows. Whatever the reason, Linux malware isn’t all over the Internet like Windows malware is. Using an antivirus is completely unnecessary for desktop Linux users.
Another thing we asked ourselves was is Linux server safe from viruses?
One more thing to ponder upon is the fact that Linux servers can get hit by malware just like any other server. The desktop version of Linux is highly safe, but the servers can get infected if infected files hit them. This is a simple case that can be fixed very easily in Linux. Is antivirus necessary on Linux?
How to protect Linux from malware and viruses?
Here are precautions to take to protect your Linux machines from threats such as malware or viruses, Linux user is advised to get trusted software from authorized repositories such as Github. If you are running cross-platform with a windows workstation; make sure to get up-to-date anti-virus software.
Is Linux safe to use?
Linux has gained a good name for being secure enough, and resistant to many malwares out there. Some of the popular Linux based operating systems are Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, Redhat, Debian, Arch. Nevertheless, none of these operating systems by default utilize a proper antivirus guard.