Best Antivirus for Linux Ubuntu

Linux operating systems are better protected from viruses when compared to Windows. However, Linux is not totally immune to viruses.

Does Ubuntu Linux Really Need Antivirus?

In the recent past, malware threat for Linux has increased enormously. Many antivirus software packages have been released lately to safeguard the operating system. But, it isn’t that easy to answer the question – ‘what is the best antivirus for Linux Ubuntu’; so, let’s take a look at some of the best Linux antivirus software packages.


McAfee Antivirus for Linux Ubuntu

McAfee Virus scan protects Ubuntu machines from viruses, and provides an easily manageable solution to keep a check on Trojans, malware, adware, worms, and viruses.

• Features: Automatic updates save time and ensure all latest protections are updated. Virus scan enterprise can be managed from a centralized unit using ePO (ePolicy Orchestrator). This software can be used for home as well as enterprise networks.

• Benefits: The Linux Ubuntu environment can be secured with McAfee antivirus software which is always alert for scans. Some of the scanning methods it uses are the heuristic scanning which blocks anonymous threats and viruses; archive scanning identifies and obstructs malware within hidden files; cross platform security obstructs Windows threats from entering linux platform.

Panda Antivirus for Linux

Panda Antivirus software is a new security service that provides total protection against viruses for linux based servers and workstations. This is automated software that can be programmed to scan at scheduled intervals. Panda provides ideal integration with most of the linux applications Mandrake, Debian and Redhat.

For Red Hat systems, the panda software offers a command line version. This software is a good inexpensive solution for linux workstations but it lacks many features to be used on commercial servers. This also lacks to provide real time security.

Central Command (Vexira)

The Vexira Antivirus for Linux is more efficient than the Panda antivirus for Linux as it offers real time security to both servers and workstations. This software is capable of scanning files, mails and downloaded data from other websites. With internet facilities, the software can be updated automatically.

The central command Vexira antivirus also notifies email viruses, obstructs accessing affected files. It has additional choices of repairing or deleting the affected files. However, the software does not support SMP. The scanning process is also very slow. Three versions of vexira antivirus for linux are available-vexira for linux workstations, vexira for linux servers and vexira for linux mail servers.

These are some of the best antivirus for Linux, and can be installed fairly easy too. It is also very easy even for beginners to follow the instructions, and complete the installation process.

All products include almost the same features; however some antivirus for Linux have added features like file server security or mail server security. The major deficiency in most of the antivirus for Linux is the absence of SMP support.