Solved Do I really need anti-virus on Linux?

[Tani]

Briefly explain your current issue(s)

na

Steps taken to resolve, but have been unsuccessful

na

Hi Friends
I could never get exact answer whether I need any anti virus on linux or not, I've moved from windows to linux few days ago & totally love in it.
We may need anti virus on linux to let our removable drives stay clean, apart from it does linux OS needs anti virus to protect itself? (not windows files)

 

[Kate_L]

Yes, it is a must.

 

[Piteko21]

hi Tani, In my opinion, I think that linux OS need an Antivirus, since there are some malwares created for linux.
If you are experient enough to detect this threats you dont need Av protection but if you download malware or visit phishing sites you may need extra protection, AV protection.
I always recomend antivirus protection for any OS if there are some AV available for that system.

 

[Oxygen]

I'm just going to say that it wouldn't hurt to have one installed.

 

[Tani]

Thank you friends, I also assume specially java based virus can run over linux I was just curious if anti viruses are actually good enough for linux so that they can detect linux based viruses, any suggestions you'd like to share about specific anti virus for linux Friends? Sorry for asking this thing in this thread but it'd complete the purpose of making this thread

 

[Piteko21]

maybe this pdf can help decide the best AV for you: http://www.av-comparatives.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/avc_linux_2015_en.pdf

 

[MikeV]

I think Eset & Sophos (basic version is free) have versions that works for linux.
Take a look on this video......it will give answers to your questions

Mythbusting Linux.

 

[Ink]

Yes, it is a must.

Optional, but recommended if you transfer files between Linux-Windows, Linux-Mac, Linux-Android etc

 

[jamescv7]

Well if you are going to scan USB's for proper disinfecting those autorun based threats then a scanner is fine.

Then add a siteadvisor extension to your browser for web threats.

 

[Tani]

Thank you friends, I'd installed eset as I was having it's license already, but got bored of linux within few days reverting back to windows