9 replies to this topic

[Zero_Cool]

Hi Guys I am New To Linux And I wanted To Know If Linux Requires AntiVirus THX For The Help :P

[WingedPanther]

It can be important, but there are far fewer of them than for Windows. Also, most distributions will let you load ClamAV with minimal fuss.

[Alexander]

There are usually less holes in Linux in regards to most applications (i.e. if you set yourself up as a user who needs to sudo before every root command, a viral application cannot really do much (i.e. access admin applications, or infect other devices on the network assuming they need permission to be written to)).

However it is always a good idea to have an antivirus on cron if you are often handling files that are not native to Linux, you do not want to harbour or accidentally store other platform viruses for example if you serve as an FTP server for your network.

[Zero_Cool]

nod32 has antivirus for linux but i am getting error message

[Alexander]

It may be silly to get an antivirus such as nod32, especially due to the fact it may cost too much to write the application for every flavour and platform of Linux (clamAV should suffice as WP pointed out, it should have updating features and can be run on cron.)

On top of that, if you only use your distribution's package manager you should not be exposed to any malicious software unless you were targeted, or other less likely things.

[b941]

Zero_Cool said:

Hi Guys I am New To Linux And I wanted To Know If Linux Requires AntiVirus THX For The Help :P

Hi!
You might want to search Google for this question. You'll find tonns of info. Quick answer is: no, you don't need an antivirus.

[aresius]

as many have pointed out, no, you don't need an antivirus for linux.

you may get one if you want to use linux to "clean" windows hard drives/usb drives. but it will scan for windows viruses, of course ;)

[7SLEVIN]

As the term 'virus' is often used for all malware, i thought it was worth metioning that viruses (not generally speaking) is the least of your worries. If you want heightened security i would focus on the simpler things; password strength, file- and user permissions, and keeping your software up to date (there are more, try google it).

But if you want some reading on Linux security software, you might want to check out:

• Tripwire (detection)
  
• Tiger (audit and detection)
  
• PAM (authentication and mooore)

[elvenjedi14]

Which version of linux are you using? that would help in which anti-virus you might need, however, most linux distros don't need anti-virus. (i use ubuntu, so will be speaking from that perspective) one strength of linux is that the kernel behind it is different with almost every person, due to customizable codes, creating millions of unique kernels that you would need a virus for. unless you havn't changed the kernel at all, which is unlikely, a virus would almost have to be structured exactly for your unique kernel. really, unless you have smart enemies, you should be ok.

[Irfan_A]

Zero_Cool said:

nod32 has antivirus for linux but i am getting error message

I use Fedora.
Linux has Security Enhanced Linux (SELinux).
SELinux has three values : (Check it current enforcing mode via Terminal : getenforce)

• enforcing - SELinux security policy is enforced.
  
  
• permissive - SELinux prints warnings instead of enforcing.
  
  
• disabled - SELinux is fully disabled.
  

To change those values, we can use system-config-selinux.py :
su
yum install policycoreutils-gui
After downloaded, goto System-Administration-SELinux Management. Currently, I use old Fedora (F13) with Gnome 2.
Select Status-System Default Enforcing Mode, choose Permissive. And note that :

• After Nod32 installed, set again to Enforcing.
  
• Nod32 always up to date I think although we set to Enforcing if we connect to internet.
  
• We can uncheck Nod32 from StartUp Application Preferences.