When it comes to keeping your Ubuntu system secure, many users wonder whether antivirus software is even necessary. With Ubuntu 24.04 and 22.04 being popular choices for both home users and server setups, it’s always wise to stay informed. In this guide, we’ll tackle the common question of whether you need antivirus on Ubuntu and share our top 5 picks for reliable solutions to protect your Linux system, whether it’s for personal use or your Ubuntu server.
Do you need an Antivirus Software on Ubuntu?
Yes, you do need some form of antivirus app for your Ubuntu/Linux system, and the reasoning is straightforward, viruses exist for every operating system.
While it’s true that Ubuntu and Linux systems are inherently more secure and less targeted by malware compared to Windows or macOS, this is largely due to their smaller market share. Virus developers tend to focus on platforms with the largest user bases, which is why Linux systems are less frequently attacked.
However, as Ubuntu continues to grow in popularity and becomes more user-friendly, the likelihood of viruses targeting Linux systems will inevitably increase.
Being proactive by installing a reliable antivirus now can help safeguard your system against potential threats in the future. Remember, protecting your system today ensures peace of mind for tomorrow.
Best Antivirus Software for Ubuntu in 2025
#1. Avast Linux Antivirus for Ubuntu
Avast Linux Antivirus for Linux is part of Avast’s comprehensive suite of security solutions tailored for business environments. It safeguards Linux servers and workstations against malware, ransomware, and other threats. Its Core Security feature ensures that Linux systems remain protected from outside contaminants and can function optimally.
Avast Linux Antivirus Features:
- On-access and on-demand scanning utilities
- Automatic malware database updates every hour
- Specialized file server protection that scans on write
- Compatible with various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora
- Command-line support for scanning the system from the terminal
[ Download Avast Linux Antivirus ]
#2. Comodo Linux Antivirus
Comodo Antivirus for Linux (CAVL) offers the same great virus protection as our Windows software with the added benefit of a fully configurable anti-spam system.
Comodo Features:
- Proactive AV protection intercepts all known threats
- Automatic updates for the most up-to-date virus protection
- Includes scan scheduler, detailed event viewer, and custom scan profiles
- Mail filter is compatible with Postfix, qmail, Sendmail, and Exim MTA’s
- Install and forget. No annoying false alarms, just solid virus protection.
[ Download Comodo Linux Antivirus ]
#3. ClamAV Antivirus
ClamAV is an open-source (GPL) antivirus engine used in a variety of situations including email scanning, web scanning, and endpoint security. It provides a number of utilities including a flexible and scalable multi-threaded daemon, a command line scanner, and an advanced tool for automatic database updates.
ClamAV Features:
- Command-line scanner
- Milter interface for sendmail
- Advanced database updater with support for scripted updates and digital signatures
- Virus database updated multiple times per day
- Built-in support for all standard mail file formats
- Supports various archive formats, including Zip, RAR, Tar, Gzip, Bzip2, and more
- Supports popular document formats including MS Office, HTML, Flash, RTF, and PDF
#4. Kaspersky Linux Endpoint Security
Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Linux provides centralized protection from all types of malware and potentially dangerous programs. It features a new antivirus engine that dramatically increases system scanning speed and optimizes the use of system resources.
Kaspersky Features:
- New antivirus engine with improved performance
- Centralized management through Kaspersky Security Center
- Enhanced heuristic analyzer for detecting unknown threats
[ Download Kaspersky Linux Antivirus ]
#5. Sophos Linux Antivirus
Sophos Protection for Linux replaces the discontinued Sophos Antivirus for Linux, offering advanced security solutions specifically tailored for Linux servers and endpoints. It provides robust malware protection with both real-time and on-demand scanning capabilities, all managed centrally through Sophos Central.
Sophos Protection Features:
- Real-Time and On-Demand Scanning
- Centralized Management
- Advanced Threat Detection
- Web Filtering and Malicious Traffic Detection
- Broad Compatibility
[ Download Sophos Linux Antivirus ]
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