Virus protection tools for the Linux environment
VIRUS CHECKERS
So you want a virus checker? We’ll show you what we found when we toured some of the top scanners for the Linux environment.
Since the famous Bliss virus in early 1997, the media has been relatively quiet on the topic of Linux viruses. However, depending on your source, there are anywhere from a few dozen to over 400 viruses, Trojans, and other kinds of malware that infect Unix and Linux. Compared to the tens of thousands of viruses, worms, and other infections that afflict Windows, this number is certainly small, and the chances are much lower that you will be directly affected (or infected) by a Linux virus. But as you learned in the preceding article, virus checking in Linux is still important. Getting a Scanner If you are using Linux as a file or email server in your company, you definitely need to consider installing an appropriate virus scanner. In my case, the dozen or so viruses I get each week, is a motivator to take an active approach in fighting viruses.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Photoshop on Linux?
A developer has patched Wine so that it'll run specific versions of Photoshop that depend on Adobe Creative Cloud.
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.

