The Best Antivirus Software for Linux 2024

Best For Small Business Ransomware Protection

4.8

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On Bitdefender's website

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Bitdefender

• Antivirus software offering reliable security
• Simple yet powerful interface tools
• Perfect protection score in third-party tests
• Premium features incur additional subscription fees

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Best for Linux Server Protection

4.8

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On Avast's website

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Avast

• High antivirus test scores
• Ransomware protection
• No parental controls

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Best for Comprehensive Security

4.3

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On Sophos's website

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Sophos

• Antivirus with webcam and mic protection included
• Parental and website controls
• Scanning options can be confusing

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As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated, the importance of having an effective antivirus, even for Linux-based systems, has grown exponentially. With the surge in malware, rootkit vulnerabilities, and other cybersecurity threats, a reliable antivirus protects you from potential harm.

This article dives deep into the world of Linux antivirus solutions, highlighting options like Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security for its cutting-edge anti-malware capabilities and Avast Antivirus for Linux, renowned for its competitive pricing and robust real-time protection.

Let’s dive into the best antivirus for Linux: Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security, Avast Antivirus for Linux, and Sophos Intercept X for Server.

The best antivirus software for Linux 2024

Below is an overview of our top three picks as the best antivirus for Linux in 2024.

• Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security: Best for small business ransomware protection
• Avast Antivirus for Linux: Best for Linux server protection
• Sophos Intercept X for Server: Best for comprehensive security

3 best Linux antivirus programs compared

How we tested the best antivirus software for Linux

In our quest to determine the top antivirus solutions for Linux, we focused on a set of criteria to assess the efficiency, user friendliness, and overall protection offered by each software. Here's an in-depth look at the key features we considered:

• Real-time protection: We looked for the best antivirus that protects you from malware and a variety of cyberthreats, ensuring they are nipped in the bud before they wreak havoc.
• Firewall: A solid firewall in an antivirus program manages data traffic, filters malicious content, and secures potential entry points that cybercriminals might exploit.
• Open-source and Linux distro compatibility: With the rise of open-source platforms like Ubuntu, we evaluated how seamlessly these antivirus solutions meld with such systems and their adaptability across a variety of Linux servers.
• Comprehensive virus scanning: Beyond the standard full system sweep, we valued those antivirus programs offering the flexibility of quick or custom scans, catering to the user's unique needs and system demands.
• Anti-malware protection: Beyond just computer viruses, the best antivirus software should protect against a variety of malware, ranging from rootkits to more elusive vulnerabilities.
• Behavior-based monitoring: We valued software that goes beyond traditional threat databases and observes system behavior for anomalies or strange behavior. By detecting unusual patterns, these tools can flag and tackle emerging threats, ensuring no new or sophisticated cyberattacks slip undetected.

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security: Best for small business ransomware protection

4.8

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On Bitdefender's website

Bitdefender

• Antivirus software offering reliable security
• Simple yet powerful interface tools
• Perfect protection score in third-party tests
• Premium features incur additional subscription fees

Who it’s best for

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security is a holistic antivirus solution, standing out as the top choice for small businesses looking for ransomware protection for their Linux-based systems. It has comprehensive protection measures that are suitable for small- to mid-sized enterprises desiring to safeguard their assets from a myriad of cyberthreats. Plus, it has a user-friendly interface and a wide range of security features that novice and tech-savvy employees can navigate easily, making it ideal for SMBs.

What we liked

Bitdefender GravityZone excels with its intuitive user interface, state-of-the-art anti-malware tools, and real-time defensive measures, bolstered by a firewall. It is capable of scanning systems and networks for viruses and malware. The fact that the antivirus solution supports a wide range of Linux distros, from Ubuntu to Amazon Linux, also adds to its appeal. GravityZone lets you determine what internet traffic to allow or block, as well as configure policies and add rules. More importantly, Bitdefender has solid ransomware protection due to its behavior-based monitoring capabilities, thanks to its great detection skills powered by machine learning (ML). This means it can flag any suspicious activity, even the most difficult threats.

From the dashboard, we loved how easy it is to view any detected threats under the Threats Xplorer feature, which centralizes detected threats from your network, devices, storage, firewall, or anti-malware solution. This feature helps you stay on top of your company's security. Additionally, you can view your risk score under Risk Management and get an overview of your network security, seeing any vulnerable apps and endpoints with misconfigurations, including the top user behavior risks like weak passwords, for example.

We also loved another cool feat we discovered — the Sandbox Analyzer. This lets you analyze threats in a sandbox, so you can investigate them safely without infecting your systems. Plus, security heads will appreciate how easy it is to search for hashes and plug-in MITRE ATT&CK; techniques.

What we didn’t like

Despite its strengths, we didn’t like that custom scans required specific target directories and lacked a straightforward "scan entire machine" option. This can be problematic during urgent situations, by slowing down response times and potentially allowing threats to linger and escalate, which may impact users' data security and business operations.

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security specs

Avast Antivirus for Linux: Best for Linux server protection

4.8

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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On Avast's website

Avast

• High antivirus test scores
• Ransomware protection
• No parental controls

Who it’s best for

Avast Antivirus for Linux emerges as an optimal choice for businesses and technology professionals who heavily rely on Linux servers, especially those operating on popular distributions like Ubuntu and Red Hat. This antivirus is particularly beneficial for those who demand real-time protection against cyberthreats, coupled with behavior-based monitoring to stay ahead of emerging vulnerabilities. If you're an open-source enthusiast keen on safeguarding your Linux environment without compromising performance, Avast offers the comprehensive security suite you've been searching for.

What we liked

Avast's Linux-focused antivirus seamlessly combines traditional signature-based detection with cutting-edge behavior-based monitoring. Its on-demand scanning, easily accessible via the command-line interface, provides users with quick and efficient threat assessments. The antivirus supports major Linux distros, ensuring broad coverage, especially for businesses operating on platforms like Ubuntu. Additionally:

• Real-time protection: Avast constantly monitors your system, ensuring threats are detected and neutralized as they appear.
• Open-source compatibility: With support for popular distros like Red Hat and Debian, Avast integrates well in diverse Linux environments.
• Comprehensive scans: From full system scans to targeted checks, Avast offers a range of scanning options to suit every need. This makes it the perfect tool for finding computer viruses, malware, and other threats.

For businesses that heavily rely on real-time tasks, Avast's on-demand scanning functionality is a game changer. Its seamless operation on Ubuntu and other Linux distros ensures that critical business processes remain uninterrupted.

What we didn’t like

Some users might find the starting price point a tad steep, especially when compared to other antivirus software. Additionally, while the antivirus supports several major Linux distributions, those operating on less common distros might feel left out. The behavior-based monitoring, though advanced, could sometimes flag false positives, requiring manual oversight.

Avast Antivirus for Linux specs

Sophos Intercept X for Server: Best for comprehensive security

4.3

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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On Sophos's website

Sophos

• Antivirus with webcam and mic protection included
• Parental and website controls
• Scanning options can be confusing

Who it’s best for

Sophos Intercept X emerges as the most comprehensive cybersecurity solution that is tailored for Linux servers. It’s an ideal choice for enterprises comprised of IT professionals and system administrators operating on open-source platforms like Ubuntu. With features ranging from deep learning malware detection to application control, this solution serves as a dependable shield against malware, rootkits, and other vulnerabilities, ensuring Linux servers remain uncompromised. Plus, its real-time scanning makes it invaluable for those who prioritize robust cybersecurity.

What we liked

Sophos Intercept X stands out with its advanced cybersecurity features tailored for Linux. It’s known for its command-line efficiency, offering an in-depth defense strategy against computer viruses and cyberattacks targeting Linux servers. With its deep learning detection capabilities, Intercept X harnesses the power of AI to identify and neutralize threats in real time. Plus, its application whitelisting feature ensures that only trusted applications run on your servers, reducing the attack surface.

We also liked that Intercept X keeps an eagle-eyed watch on critical system files, ensuring no unauthorized changes slip by. In addition, its ransomware file protection (CryptoGuard) feature thwarts even the most sophisticated ransomware attacks. Another convenient feature is its compatibility with platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, ensuring that businesses operating in the cloud are not left vulnerable. Moreover, it operates well with popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu. Users have raved about its ability to swiftly identify and neutralize threats and have called it one of the best antivirus solutions, while also being positioned as one of the best Linux password managers.

What we didn’t like

After testing and analyzing Sophos Intercept X for Linux Server, we highlighted a few areas of concern. We noticed that updates sometimes caused inconsistencies in older Linux systems. This led us to question its full compatibility with legacy Linux distributions. Additionally, the software appeared resource-intensive, especially during scans and updates. On some of our older Linux setups with constrained CPU resources, there was a noticeable performance dip.

Sophos Intercept X for Servers specs

Honorable mentions

While Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security, Avast Antivirus for Linux, and Sophos Intercept X for Server lead the pack, there are several other antivirus solutions that deserve a mention for their notable features and effectiveness in providing cybersecurity for Linux-based operating systems.

These solutions might not have made it into our top three, but they are still worthy contenders in the realm of Linux antivirus software.

Best antivirus for Linux FAQs

Bottom line: What’s the best antivirus for Linux?

When it comes to safeguarding Linux systems against cybersecurity threats, the landscape is dynamic and diverse. Bitdefender GravityZone and Avast Antivirus for Linux are often lauded as top-tier choices, especially for their prowess in real-time malware defense and compatibility with various Linux distributions, including the popular Ubuntu.

Sophos Intercept X also deserves a nod for its robust protection tailored to Linux servers, adeptly managing the intricacies of rootkits and other complex vulnerabilities.

In essence, the “best antivirus for Linux” varies based on individual or organizational needs. The landscape is rife with options, from free, lightweight tools to comprehensive, on-demand solutions. Whether you're managing a Linux server or looking for personal protection, these programs cater to a spectrum of requirements in the Linux ecosystem.

3 best antivirus products for Linux 2024

4.8

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On Avast's website

Avast

• High antivirus test scores
• Ransomware protection
• No parental controls

Author Details

Mars Groves

About the Author

Mars is a California-based cybersecurity professional and writer currently pursuing a B.S. in Cybersecurity. With interests ranging from OSINT to ethical hacking and threat intelligence, Mars leverages his two years of writing experience to produce informative content on topics such as Internet guides and VPNs.