Pretty new to the world of Linux and so far amazed at how good it is, as I understand it Linux is far less prone to Viruses than Windows.
Does this mean you can happily run Linux without any protection ? I understand there are virus programmes for Linux but if I need one which one is best ?
This question keeps popping up every so often. The answer is not simple.
Linux (Or if you prefer, GNU/Linux) has been susceptible to possibly 40 to 50 instances of Malware. Most if not all at this point have been eliminated or were only "Proof-of-Concept" Malware.
The problem is with Mickey$oft. Specifically any potential infectable files created by, passing through, or being stored, on a Microsoft based computer. Symantec has stated, and I quote, "...Symantec maintains one of the world's most comprehensive vulnerability databases, currently consisting of more than 60,000 recorded vulnerabilities (spanning more than two decades)..." See:
Symantec Report
Most of these are Windows based. This only scratches the surface of the problems that users are facing today.
If you are running a File, Samba, Mail, FTP, Web servers, etc... it is MANDATORY to scan your systems daily, no matter what O/S is running on that system, including Linux! ALL email, and ALL attachments, (including all files embedded in zip files), both incoming, and outgoing, should be scanned passing through any mail server.
If your Linux system, sends, receives, or stores ANY files that again, have had any contact with a Windows system, then yes, your system should be scanned regularly. Don't forget Flash Drives, backup drives, C/D's and DVD's!!! I would not want to pass on any infected file that could not infect a Linux computer, but could if passed on, it could infect a Windows system.
You as the owner and user of a Linux based system will have to make that call. Better to be safe, than not. As for Linux based Anti-Virus software, please see:
Malware and Antivirus Systems for Linux
