An antivirus scanner for Linux servers with Windows clients
Heedful Helper
© Lead Image © 3dalia, 123RF.com
The Sophos Anti-Virus for Linux free antivirus scanner works unobtrusively in the background and targets mainly server operators and users who exchange files with Windows computers.
Newcomers in particular wonder about the security of the still unfamiliar Linux operating system. Can you really do without an antivirus scanner on Linux, and if so, should you do so? Can you really bank online without an antivirus scanner? The answer has not changed in recent years: Linux itself does not need an antivirus scanner.
Antivirus scanners for Linux typically target server installations, looking for infected files and attachments on mail and file servers. As services, they thus run in the background. Sophos Anti-Virus (SAV) for Linux is in this group of scanners; the application comprises a service with a toolset for the command line. Don't expect visual feedback unless the Sophos scanner discovers something on your disk or you are attempting to store an infected, or purportedly infected, file.
Sophos Anti-Virus
SAV is available for free from the Sophos website [1] in exchange for your email address. The installation package, sav-linux-free-9.9.tgz, weighs in at 423MB – antivirus programs are not exactly lightweight. To set up the application, unpack the archive and run the text-based installation routine as root:
[...]
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
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.