Best Antiviruses for Linux in 2024

These days, it’s very important to have good security for computers and other internet-connected devices, even at home. It’s essential to keep in mind that while antivirus software can provide an additional layer of security, maintaining good security practices such as regular system updates, using strong passwords, and practicing safe browsing habits are also crucial for protecting Linux systems against cyber threats.

Best Antiviruses for Linux in 2024

In this article, we will cover a list of the Top 5 Antivirus Software for Linux list including good security solutions for businesses and home users.

Why Antivirus is important?

Having an antivirus program is very important. Some Bad people make viruses and other bad programs that can harm your computer. These bad programs can mess up your files or let bad people control your computer. An antivirus checks for bad programs and stops them. Without an antivirus, your computer can easily get viruses which can make it not work right. An antivirus keeps your computer safe from bad programs.

These Softwares work on popular Linux systems like Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, Fedora, and Manjaro. The list includes good security solutions for businesses and home users.

1. Bitdefender GravityZone – Best Overall Antivirus for Linux in 2024

Bitdefender GravityZone is a very good antivirus program for Linux computers. It works well for home users and businesses. GravityZone works on Debian, CentOS, and Red Hat Linux. It checks computers, servers, and networks for bad programs.

Features :

• Uses special technology like machine learning to find bad programs (malware).
• Detected 100% of malware in tests, including malware for Windows and Mac.
• Provides real-time protection by constantly checking for bad programs.
• It Can detect advanced threats like port knocking, man-in-the-middle attacks, etc.
• It Can protect servers, computers, mobile devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices

Pros :

1. Bitdefender’s firewall is better than the ones that come with most Linux systems. It can find and stop bad things like hackers trying to get into your network.
2. The Live Search tool makes it easy to find problems on your computers and devices.
3. Bitdefender can protect mobile devices and internet-connected devices, not just computers.

Cons :

1. The Live Search tool needs to be turned on first, which some users might forget to do.
2. To protect mobile and internet devices, you need to pay more money.
3. Some features might be too advanced for home users who just want basic protection.

Pricing :

• The basic plan costs around ₹6,480 per year and can protect 3 servers.
• To protect mobile devices and internet devices, you need to pay more, around ₹23,930 per year or more.

2. Kaspersky Endpoint Security – Best for Hybrid IT Environments & Business

Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business is a good antivirus program for businesses. In my tests, it was able to detect and remove all the bad programs (malware) I hid on Linux, Windows, and Mac computers connected to the network. It even found and quarantined malware targeting internet-connected devices like Facebook Portal and Google Nest Hub.

Features :

• Scans for and removes malware
• Provides real-time protection against new threats
• Checks for vulnerabilities in your system
• Protects against ransomware attacks
• Compatible with 26 Linux distributions like AlterOS, Astra Linux, CentOS, and Linux Mint

Pros :

1. Detected all malware samples in testing
2. Protects a wide range of devices and operating systems
3. Offers various advanced security features

Cons :

1. Only available for businesses, no plans for individual users
2. More expensive than some competitors

Pricing :

• Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business Select: ₹16,040 per year
• Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business Advanced: ₹25,750 per year (adds patch management and server protection)

3. Sophos Intercept X Endpoint — Best for Home Linux Users

Sophos Intercept X Endpoint is an excellent security program that can protect networks for home and business users. It uses a large database of known malware and advanced technology to find and remove all types of bad programs (malware). It works with all major Linux distributions and allows managing security across different devices through the Sophos Central dashboard.

Features :

• Provides real-time protection against new malware threats
• Allows scheduling regular scan times
• Supports managing firewall settings (through Sophos Central)
• Works on a wide range of Linux distributions
• Includes advanced security features like extended detection and response (XDR)

Pros :

1. Excellent malware detection rates in testing (found all Linux, Windows, Mac malware)
2. Easy to install and offers good active protection
3. Provides centralized security management across devices

Cons :

1. Pricing is customized, so costs may vary
2. Higher-tier plans with advanced features are more expensive

Pricing :

• Available on a 30-day free trial
• After trial, you need to contact a reseller for customized pricing based on your needs

4. Avast Business Security — Excellent Malware Detection and Removal with Enterprise Features

Avast offers good security plans for Linux users called Business Security plans. While they are aimed at businesses, some of these plans can also work for home users if you reduce the number of devices. The prices can be reasonable even for individuals.

Features :

• Detects and removes malware effectively
• Provides protection against ransomware and data loss
• Includes real-time scanning for threats
• Blocks phishing attempts and suspicious websites
• Offers web content filtering
• Provides unlimited VPN service
• Protects against threats from USB devices

Pros :

1. Excellent malware detection and removal capabilities
2. Offers a range of security features beyond just antivirus
3. CCleaner Cloud integration for easy management (business plans)

Cons :

1. Some features may not be useful for home users (e.g., CCleaner Cloud)
2. More expensive plans required for advanced business features

Pricing :

• Essential plan: Suitable for home users, pricing based on number of devices
• Premium plan: Adds more features but excludes CCleaner Cloud integration
• Ultimate + CCleaner Cloud plan: Includes all features like patch management

5. ClamAV — Best Open-Source Malware Scanner on Linux

ClamAV is a good open-source and free antivirus program for protecting Linux systems. It is considered the best free antivirus option for Linux in 2024, and pretty much the only good free choice available currently.

Features :

• Command-line malware scanner
• Multi-threaded daemon for scanning
• Provides on-access (real-time) scanning
• Can scan emails for malware

Pros :

1. Detected 95% of malware samples in testing, which is good for a free program
2. Scans use very little CPU resources and are quick
3. Truly open-source with a constantly updated malware database

Cons :

1. User interface is command-line based, not ideal for beginners
2. Not suitable for protecting servers or larger networks
3. Slightly lower malware detection rates compared to paid alternatives

Pricing :

• ClamAV is completely free and open-source software

Conclusion

Having a good antivirus program is very important to keep your Linux computer safe from bad programs called malware. For home users, ClamAV is a great free option that provides good basic protection. For better security, paid programs like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Sophos, and Avast are recommended as they offer more advanced features. No matter which antivirus you choose, keeping it installed and updated is crucial to protect your Linux system against malware threats. Overall, it’s important to have a good security program to protect your Linux computers and other internet-connected devices from bad people trying to cause trouble

Best Antiviruses for Linux in 2024 – FAQ’s

Why do I need an antivirus for my Linux computer?

Even though Linux is more secure than Windows, it is still important to have an antivirus program installed. Bad programs called malware can infect Linux computers and cause problems like slowing them down, deleting files, or letting hackers access your system.

Is a free antivirus good enough for home use on Linux?

ClamAV is a good free antivirus option that provides basic protection for home Linux users. However, paid antivirus programs like Bitdefender and Kaspersky offer better detection rates and more advanced security features.

Which is the best paid antivirus for Linux?

Based on testing, Bitdefender GravityZone is considered one of the best paid antivirus programs for Linux. It had excellent malware detection rates, provides real-time protection, and offers centralized security management for networks.

Can a Linux antivirus also protect my Windows or Mac devices?

Yes, many Linux antivirus programs like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and Sophos can also protect Windows and macOS devices connected to the same network.

How much does a good Linux antivirus cost?

Prices can vary, but basic home user plans for Linux antivirus start around ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 per year for a few devices. Business plans with more advanced features for larger networks can cost ₹16,000 or more per year.