This article applies to all Ubuntu versions
Why do I need anti-virus software?
- You are required to have a virus scanner installed by the terms of use of the company you work for or are doing business with.
To scan files locally, over your network, or going outside your network. For example, via email.
Windows viruses may potentially run via Wine.
Discovered linux viruses are mitigated.
Open Source Antivirus
Free Supported Versions of Proprietary Antivirus
Sophos Antivirus for Linux 16.04 LTS is supported.
Comodo Anti-Virus for Linux. Ubuntu 12.04 32-bit and 64-bit releases are supported.
F-PROT Antivirus for Linux Workstations - for home use. Please see XFProt.
Other Free Versions of Proprietary Antivirus
This is a vendor category where an expectation is set differently to the above.
Avast Core Security. As per the vendor's website, it works with Ubuntu 12.04 32-bit and 64-bit.
Bitdefender Antivirus Scanner for Unices. As per the vendor, One may request a legacy solution license.
Panda Cloud Cleaner Requires Facebook login.
ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4 for Linux Desktop Free trial for Ubuntu.
Reasons Linux is less prone to malware
- Programs are run as normal user, not root user
- Open source - more eyes on the system source code
- Diverse system configurations
- Less malware actors overall focus on linux. However, proficient malware actors do target linux.
Other Links
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Linuxvirus
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Antivirus/Avg
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BitDefender - Community page for BitDefender
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Antivirus/Avira - Community page for Avira