9 replies to this topic

[Shiva]

I am using a PC with Dual-Boot system with Windows and Linux-Mint installed in it. And I have to e honest, after installing some eye-candy application and Compiz effects and all... I am in love with Linux mint and don't even remember when I last booted to Windows!!! :-D

However, I have a doubt that is Linux prone to Virus? I know .exe files can't be executed without simulation in linux but, is there anything else which may attack my PC?

When I googled about this, I got a lot of different opinions. Some say its not at all required and some say it is required.
Avira and many anti-virus are available to Linux as well!  I am confused. Want to know your opinion on this.

Is an Antivirus or something like that required for Linux? How can I protect my PC running Linux?

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[Shadowx]

no antivirus required for linux.......
this is the biggest advantage with linux as exe files cannot run until and unless you use WINE

[Shiva]

Shadowx, on 26 July 2011 - 04:56 AM, said:

no antivirus required for linux.......
this is the biggest advantage with linux as exe files cannot run until and unless you use WINE

Thanks Shadowx. Does it mean Linux is totally Virus proof and hack proof? I also wanted to know if there are any vulnerability like Network hacking or something like that.

[brujito]

Hi Shiva,

there are are a couple of viruses in the Linux world, but they don´t matter.
It is much more easy to create a virus/trojan for windows because at the dark side of
the web you can get a lot of constructions kits, so many so called "script-kiddies" can
build a new version of malware.

Therefore it is much more complicated to create malware for linux. And -don't forget- they are
much more targets with windows PCs around.

If you don't use for example, a mailserver to transport mails to the windows-partition
you don't have to care about viruses.

But you should use rootkit-scanner for linux (rkhunter or chkrootkit) and use ONLY
program-packages from trusted sources.

Regards

[Shiva]

That is quite informative Brujito. Thanks.  

[Shadowx]

Brujito has some nice info there...go with that shiva

[brujito]

Hi Shiva,

are you still looking for a reason for installing an antivirus-tool under Linux ?

Here you are ....

Some kind of malware trying to hide themself to remain undetected from av-tools.
So It is recommended to boot a live- or rescue-cd and start scanning your
windows-system out of the live-environment.

So you can install a av-scanner and check your mounted windows-system in the background,
while reading your mails for example...


Her are some FREE av-scanner for Linux:

Avira
Avast

Bitdefender: Request license
Bitdefender Download


Regards and stay clean...

[BeanMe]

And if you doubt about network hacking: SELinux (or Novell AppArmor) will protect programs from doing things they shouldn't do.

Note: I am a WINDOWS user, and I also HATE windows.

Edited by BeanMe, 08 January 2012 - 01:41 AM.

[nkorth]

Antivirus is a fair precaution, as long as you're not paying for it. I don't use antivirus on my Linux systems, personally, so I can't recommend one.

Still, you're unlikely to get a virus on Linux for two reasons:
- No one really wants to write malware for Linux when Windows has so many more users (and Linux users are generally techies who wouldn't fall for their tricks -- most viruses are actually given permission to install by the user, under the guise of something else)
- Linux is, in fact, more secure than Windows, although it's *not* perfect.

[developers]

The chances of coming viruses in Linux operating system is very less so i don't think that there is any need of any antivirus in linux os .