Choosing the best free antivirus for Linux depends on your specific needs and skill level.
CLI tools are often preferred by advanced users and IT professionals.
These tools are well-suited for administrators managing critical servers and can be integrated within security frameworks.
All of the options I recommend work on any Linux distro (with just one exception).
Learn more in my comprehensive guide below.
For those who can learn how to use it, ClamAV is well worth the effort.
This makes it great for keeping any threats off your Linux computers or media servers.
Perhaps its greatest asset; ClamAV is highly modular.
you’ve got the option to expand its definitions by incorporating databases from other sources.
This flexibility is ideal for managing security on mail or media servers and protecting mixed OS environments.
In a similar vein, ClamAV itself works seamlessly on all major distros.
It has a great default detection rate which can be heightened even further by an informed user.
For users looking for a high-quality open-source antivirus solution, ClamAV is a solid choice.
Though it isnt a full-fledged antivirus like ClamAV is, it is much easier to use.
Firetools addresses this by isolating web scripts in a secure environment.
It can also be used to secure your web online window against malicious scripts during everyday use.
For instance, Ive configured Brave to automatically run in a Firetools sandbox.
This lets me browse the internet without having to worry about harmful web-based scripting compromising my system.
I love that Firetools allows you to create a virtually impenetrable environment.
Firetools is a user-friendly upgrade to the classic Firejail sandboxing software.
With regular updates and strong fundamental security features, its something every Linux user should look into.
Unlike ClamAV, Firetools, and other options on this list, Qubes is a fully fledged OS.
This means it requires users to abandon their distro of choice to use.
Qubes OS utilizes compartmentalization, dividing the system into isolated virtual machines known as qubes.
Each qube operates independently, ensuring that if one is compromised, the rest of the system remains secure.
Its a great way to isolate tasks like web browsing, reading sensitive documents, and system administration.
Qubes can also be useful in professional environments.
Other security-focused OSs arent as stable as Qubes.
Qubes, on the other hand, creates a stable environment fit for all kinds of usage.
Its backbone of compartmentalization effectively isolates tasks and applications, reducing the risk of system-wide compromise.
Although it requires a significant commitment, its a valuable choice for enhancing digital security beyond standard antivirus solutions.
Rootkit Hunter uses a database and behavior-based detection, which is great.
In addition to rootkits, it also offers some protection against certain types of exploits.
So, unlikeClamAV, which focuses on general malware detection, Rootkit Hunter doesnt provide broad-based protection.
It also lacks a GUI and the process of setting it up is a bit complex.
In my tests, it successfully identified and blocked every simulated rootkit attack I introduced.
The behavior analysis feature is very adept at catching new rootkits that might evade signature-based scanners like ClamAV.
However, there are some serious downsides to using Rootkit Hunter.
The biggest problem is that it hasnt been updated since 2018.
It also issued a lot of false positives in my tests.
But while it excels at protecting against rootkits, dont mistake it for a comprehensive Linux antivirus.
Rootkit Hunter is a free tool that can root out rootkits on Linux devices.
Its behavior analysis ensures that even the latest rootkits wont slip through undetected.
New users should thoroughly study the installation FAQs, as setup can be tedious.
However, its not easy to use, and it requires a solid understanding of Linux to operate effectively.
Privacy advocates and power users will appreciate its alignment with open-source values and its focus on privacy.
Its been around for more than 25 years, which is pretty impressive.
That said, it tends to only get updated every year or so, which is disappointing.
Its a specialized tool for those who prioritize deep system integrity checks and understand the nuances of Unix-like systems.
Chkrootkit is a powerful, lightweight command-line tool for detecting rootkits and system intrusions on Unix-like systems.
That said, its open source, free, and works just as described.
Comodo offers real-time and on-demand scanning, providing both immediate and thorough protection.
Combined, this ensures continuous and deep-level protection.
This is crucial for defending against zero-day vulnerabilities and new malware types.
I also really like Comodos email filtering system.
It integrates with mail servers like Postfix and Sendmail, blocking viruses and spam before they reach your inbox.
This is especially useful for server administrators who need to keep their email systems secure and clean.
Additionally, Comodos sandboxing technology allows untrusted applications to run in a secure environment.
It works, but I preferFiretoolswhen it comes to sandboxing.
But there is a big problem: Comodo hasnt been updated in over a decade.
Personally, this gives me pause.
Still, you may prefer something being actively developed, likeClamAV.
It also lacks a graphical user interface (GUI) and requires command-line knowledge for setup and management.
Despite these limitations, Comodo is a comprehensive free Linux antivirus.
Its an effective tool for protecting servers and computers from a range of threats.
For advanced users, it offers extensive control and flexibility.
Comodo is a strong antivirus solution for Linux.
It includes real-time and on-demand scanning and utilizes behavior analysis to identify threats.
Other useful extras include a reliable email filtering system.
If youre comfortable with a more complex setup, Comodo is a solid choice.
Many (likeRootkit Hunterandchrootkit) are limited to only protecting users against certain types of threats.
Paid options like Bitdefenders Gravity Zone offer extensive customer support and management tools especially for business users.
Even if a free Linux security product offers adequate protection, there are other risks.
Some are closed source, meaning you cant easily delve into how the software works.
This can be used as a screen to hide consumer-unfriendly practices.
Many free products are supported by ads, too, so you might have to deal with those.
Even worse, some developers fund their work by selling user data.
Free vs.
Paid Antiviruses for Linux
Theres a world of difference between free options and premium Linux antiviruses.
The former can be decent, but every option I found has limitations.
Yes, there are several free antivirus options for Linux.
Does Linux really need antivirus?
Linux systems arent popular targets for malware developers and the operating system benefits from strong fundamental security.
Additionally, antivirus tools can prevent Linux systems from becoming carriers of malware that could affect other connected systems.
For those seeking to strengthen their Linux security, tools likeClamAVprovide essential protection against a variety of threats.
Is Bitdefender for Linux free?
No, Bitdefender for Linux is not free.
Bitdefender offers robust antivirus solutions for Linux, but theyre part of the premium security packages.
These packages are designed for business environments and come with a subscription fee.
What is better than ClamAV?
For users seeking more advanced features than ClamAV, your best bet is to use apremium Linux antivirus.
These tend to offer much greater functionality, especially when it comes to managing lots of endpoints.
If you want to stick with a free option, consider switching toQubes, a distro built around security.
If that sounds like too big a step, Firetools offers great sandboxing tools.
