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AntiVirus: ClamAV

Last modified: October 1, 2022
Estimated reading time: 1 min

AntiVirus: ClamAV

ClamAV is an open-source antivirus software toolkit. It helps us to detect malicious software and viruses on a variety of operating systems, such as Linux. We often use it on mail servers to scan for viruses in emails. 

Here is some reasons why you should consider ClamAV for Linux:
 
  • You want to lock down your machine as much as possible when you have sensitive data o your computer
  • Dual boot with Windows. You can use ClamAV to scan all drive partitions and additional drives on your computer.
  • You would like to create a system rescue CD, DVD, or USB to troubleshoot viruses on a friend’s Windows-based computer.

Features

  • High detection rates for spyware and viruses
  • A scheduler for scanning
  • Automatic downloads of updated Virus Database.
  • Standalone virus scanner & right-click menu integration to Microsoft Windows Explorer
  • Addin to Microsoft Outlook in order to remove virus-infected attachments automatically.

Clamwin Free Antivirus

ClamWin Free Antivirus is based on ClamAV engine. It uses GNU General Public License by the Free Software Foundation, and is free (as in freedom) software. For further information, please visit Philosophy of the GNU Project – Free Software Foundation.
 
However, ClamWin Free Antivirus does not include an on-access real-time scanner. You would need to manually scan a file to detect a virus or spyware.
 
Latest version of Clamwin Free Antivirus- 0.99.4

Downloads

User may download for ClamAV for server hosting.
For Windows
– Download the application source code.
 
For Linux
– Run this command query. $ sudo apt-get install clamav.
 
Next, for Update ClamAV –> $ sudo freshclam
 
Besides, you can also scan viruses using ClamAV
$ clamscan OPTIONS File/Folder
 

If necessary start with root permissions: sudo clamscan.

Examples:

  • First, to check all the files on the computer, displaying each file’s name:

      • clamscan -r /
      • To check all files on the computer, but only display infected files and ring a bell when found:
      • clamscan -r --bell -i /
      • To check files in the all users’ home directories:
      • clamscan -r /home
      • Check files in the USER home directory and move infected files to another folder:
      • clamscan -r --move=/home/USER/VIRUS /home/USER
      • Check files in the USER home directory and remove infected files (WARNING: Files will be gone.):
      • clamscan -r --remove /home/USER
      • See more options:
      • clamscan --help
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