Yes. Don’t.

There are anti viruses that run on GNU/Linux like ClamAv and kaspersky but they actually do not target the machine they run on or at least they are not so useful. Their intention is to stop the spread of malware.

In general, you just need to install softwaref uaong the package manager from trusted sources that are usually the defaults of your distribution and not input your password when you are not expecting it.

When copying commands to the terminal, most terminals will warn you if you are copying a command that requires root privileges.

That said for the operating system, apply it to the browser as well by being eclectic on what extensions you install and voila. 99.99% guaranteed malware free.

Most antivirus software are just root level tools to harvest your data, that pretend to help

At first: In most cases you don’t need and don’t want one.

I wanted to get one as I have several old (over two decades and more) Windows game CDs that I’ve bought long before switching to Linux. Back in the days it was actually a thing that sometimes malware slipped into professionally pressed CDs (especially on discs that came with PC game magazines or cheap game collection boxes).

For this case (Windows software check before attempting to run with wine) I can recommend ClamAV. It is open source and available on probably every distribution. But there is no need to attempt having it running all the time. I just run scans from the terminal whenever needed.

Common sense. ClamAV exists, but I have no idea if it’s worth it

Unless you are in a cooperate environment or very careless with the stuff you download and commands you run you shouldn’t need one!

Common Sense Antivirus™ is breddy gucci.

1. Do not run a root account for regular stuff. This is a lot less common now since most distros require you to create a non-root account during install and a lot of the systems annoy you if you’re running as root, but you’d be surprised by the sheer number of people who use accounts with UID 0 daily. This may also be caused by “”“more experienced”“” friends/family setting it up that way to try cutting corners regarding access rights, but the bottom line is: don’t be that person. Use root when necessary only.

2. Get into the habit of not blindly running every command you see online or trying every trick you read/hear, at least not on your main system. Try to setup a VM (or multiple) for the purpose of trying stuff out or running something you’re not sure what the impact might be.

3. Keep your system updated, from kernel to userland.

4. Get into the habit of reading news regarding exploits, malware and the responses for them. You don’t need to become an infosec professional or even understand what they actually do. What is important is for you to learn what to avoid and when something really bad is discovered so you can update as soon as possible.

These 4 steps are arguably more important and create better results than any anti-virus could ever hope to do for you. They won’t ever get to 100% security, but then again, nothing will.

Yes, no antivirus. You don’t need it. There are no viruses. Plus, the way Linux is setup it’s not easy for a virus to do alot of damage.

I’ve been running Linux for 20 years. Not once have I been in a situation that required an antivirus. The one time I’ve had a security breach it was not a virus but user error that left a door open. And even then, it was just ransomware, not a virus.

Dr Web for linux. Run it once a week.