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+--- Thread: Antivirus now (/showthread.php?tid=152)
Antivirus now - Coastie - 03-25-2014
I have been reading on internet about a virus affecting Linux servers. Is there a need for antivirus on desktop Linux now?
I share files sometimes with my PPC iMac and e-mail people using Windows.
Re: Antivirus now - busprof - 03-26-2014
Hi, Coastie
I've read a number of reports on viruses targeting Linux servers as well. Most of these seem to be aimed at servers running old, un-patched versions of Linux (http://arstechnica.com/security/2014/03/ancient-linux-servers-the-blighted-slum-houses-of-the-internet/) although there is the infamous kernel.org hack (http://arstechnica.com/security/2014/03/10000-linux-servers-hit-by-malware-serving-tsunami-of-spam-and-exploits/) from a few months ago.
IMHO, you don't need anti-virus programs on Linux as long as:
1. You keep your system updated (I do this at least once / week)
2. You don't forward un-scanned attachments (especially Word or Excel files) to Windows users
Which is really the point you made - if you frequently forward attachments to Windows users then maybe ClamAV or some other precaution used to scan the attached files is a good idea. There are some web-based file scanning tools, as well (https://www.virustotal.com/) also (http://virusscan.jotti.org/en) that are trustworthy if you don't want to install a full-blown anti-virus application to your own Linux desktop system.
Just my opinion - I use the Jotti service when I need to scan a file for emailing (but then, I work at a university - and universities are "virus central" - I don't trust ANYTHING from a student's Windows system)
Re: Antivirus now - Coastie - 03-26-2014
Thanks. I read the same article but was worried it might be a problem for destop Linux too. I update just about every day. I like the web-based scanning tool you provided. I think they are all I need.