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Mar
4
Does Ubuntu Linux Really Need Antivirus Software?
March 4, 2008 | By: UbuntuLinuxHelp
Posted in Applications, Experiences, Installation
(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
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One of the people who switched to Ubuntu Linux recently, phoned me asking what kind of antivirus they should have installed. Quite frankly, I've never given that a thought. I've used Ubuntu for some time and have never had any virus issues, ever. Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that Linux is impervious to a computer virus, rather I'm suggesting that (currently) it's not an issue. As a matter of fact, I did a bit of research and found out that there are viruses, worms and malware that effect our Linux based systems.
Needless to say, my original answer to this individual saying "I don't think we need to worry too much about that", was perhaps not the most accurate perception. Just look at these links which clearly list some of the nasties that can effect our Linux systems (and took less than 1 minute to find):
Viruses and Worms: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_computer_viruses#Worms
Malware: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware
Viruses: http://vx.netlux.org/ (http://vx.netlux.org/vl.php)
Needless to say, I've since installed antivirus on my Ubuntu system. Partly because of what I've learned in research and partly for ethical reasons. Imagine if an email sent to you contains a nasty Windows-based virus. Well... not being Windows based, I couldn't care less, but if I forward a message that contains that payload to a windows user, he or she is not going to be happy (and in my opinion rightfully so). A couple others who are Linux users disagree with me saying, it's up to everyone to protect their own systems. Personally, I think that perception is a band aid solution (and not very ethical). Think of it this way, if someone surreptitiously installed software on your system to participate in DDoS, would that be okay, as long as it did not effect you? Of course not! So the same ethics should apply to preventing our "safer" systems form forwarding on viruses and other negative payloads. The point is, if you have a computer virus, you don't pass it around. But what's a quick fix?
After Googling around a bit, I learned that AVG has a good antivirus of Linux. (And there are many others). I picked AVG simply because it was easy to find and subsequently, easy to install.
The download link for the Linux version is here: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/us/frt/0?prd=afl Ubuntu users should select the .deb version (currently 7.5.51). Save that to your system, perhaps the desktop. (I did this using Ubuntu Feisty, 7.10). After the download has completed, it's a simple matter to just double-click the .deb file (in my case it's called "avg75fld-r51-a1243.i386.deb").
The package installer will begin (and ask for your password). The install is seamless, it'll do everything for you.
To use the antivirus, you'll find a new icon here: Applications --> Accessories --> AVG for Linux Workstation. Simply click on that and follow along. Very easy, and only took a few minutes to do.
For those newer to Linux, or those looking for a quick antivirus solution, I hope this post was helpful! 
Update 1: I found a nice tutorial on howtoforge.com that shows how to install Avast, Linux Home Edition on Ubuntu Linux (Gutsy). From their site: "...although there aren't many Linux viruses out there, this can be useful if you often exchange files with Windows users - it can help you to not pass on any Windows viruses (that don't do any harm to Linux systems) to Windows users. avast! Linux Home Edition is free for private and non-commercial use..." You can use the tutorial provided by them here: "Virus Protection With avast! Linux Home Edition On Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon"
Update 2: For those interested in a simple hands-on project, try this: Create a Linux Antivirus Server to Protect eMail - A Brief How to
[tags]linux, ubuntu, antivirus, discussion, malware, solution, avg, open source[/tags]
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51 Comments so far
Even now I don’t think that it is neccesary to use AV on my linux desktop. These virii are mostly aimed at small servers. These are often badly looked after. So if they are infected, they can be used to spread spam, windows virii, etc.
However if linux continues to develop in favor of home users, security will suffer from it. Linux’s first lines of defence, the file permissions and root account, prevent the unauthorised spread of virii on your system. However these security systems are anything BUT friendly to a first-time linux user. If these were to disappear in the name of useability, Linux would suddenly become way more vulnerable. Ubuntu made the first step in ignoring the root account and relying upon sudo to handle permissions. Don’t get me wrong, I like Ubuntu but this is one of the few things I don’t like about it because it is a double-edged development.
For now I still feel safe enough to run AV-Free
@Rick - You’re right! You’ve also raised a pertinent issue in that Linux based mail servers could forward such nasties on. So it seems to me you’ve isolated a very important aspect. I agree too; as a first time user, Linux can take quite a bit of getting used to. I remember when I started, I gave up on it a couple times (early Red Hat days). But returned with Fedora, Debian and finally Ubuntu. From my friends who converted to Ubuntu, they raised the same issue you pointed out (some of the configuration aspects being harder top grasp).
A few thoughts on this—
There is a bit of controversy surrounding viruses and GNU/Linux.
From what I understand, there are only about 500 theoretical viruses for a GNU/Linux system. There are over 60,000 for windows systems. Any anti-virus software for linux (KlamAV, AVG, etc) DO NOT protect against Linux viruses; they protect against WINDOWS viruses. You see, of all the Linux viruses “out there” the majority are purely theoretical–written by college students and enthusiasts. This is not because fewer people use Linux; that’s a fallacy. The fact is that it is extremely difficult to write a Linux virus as UNIX systems run multi-user enviroments (specific permission sets are given to specific processes depending on the user). More than 60% of the internet is made up of Linux servers. Finally, the only reason that Linux Servers ever run anti-virus software is because they interact with windows machines–through samba, for example. They simply do not wish to help spread any viruses.
Now this is not to say that there aren’t a TON of security exploits out there—there are!
@yochai - Thanks for the informative input and perspective. Your thoughts make a lot of sense! I think your input really clarifies a lot for the rest of us. Particularly the issue of “true” Linux viruses and that existing antivirus packages are primarily created for environments where cross-platform networking is required. (As a side note: The permissions/process/service issue was one of the harder ones for me to get used to).
Only 60%???? I thought it was higher than that!! Smiling here… Hee hee hee…
First we, the F/L/OSS community, create free operating systems for everyone to use, and we’re shunned. Then we create great applications to run on our system, and we’re shunned. Then those apps get ported to Windows machines, and they’re occasionally used but often shunned. And now you want that we protect those users from their own ignorance?
I’m sorry, but there are great, Free (GPL) applications for every use, including an antivirus for Windows, ClamWin based on ClamAV; there are also no-cost AVs for Windows all over, including AVG for Windows.
If people are going to just willynilly click and open files on an unprotected, or underprotected, system after years of people telling them otherwise, its unlikely that their first malware app is coming from you (or whomever send the file from a safe Linux computer).
My CPU cycles do what I want them to on a Linux computer, and that doesn’t include protecting the world from themselves when we’ve been trying for years to get them to do just that. I’ll give them words, advice, links to apps and articles about protection, but not my own computer resources.
@ left.crupps - Shunned? Then how is it that distributions (like Ubuntu) are growing in user-ship? How is it that Open Source applications are becoming more and more common? http://ubuntulinuxhelp.com/top.....lications/
Shunned? NO way! Smiling here…
I agree that people need to educate themselves more!! And stop mindlessly clicking stuff. But… I also agree that people need to be informed of alternatives and given the resources to learn. As I think Rick and yochai also rightly pointed out, installing Antivirus on my system might in certain environments be a wasted gesture.
I think users in general really need to educate themselves. Shunned or not, your input is quite valid (”…willynilly clicking…”). At first your comment came across as negative, until I stopped and actually “listened” to what you said.
Oh… and by the way… I really liked your post about Synergy - Sweet! http://gnuski.blogspot.com/200.....howto.html
thanks roger—
To further exemplify the inherited process argument, lets give an example:
You open firefox as a normal (ie non-root) user. No matter what you do from here, any program or file executed by firefox will only maintain your permission set; ie if you downloaded a nasty executable it STILL couldn’t hurt your machine as it only had the rights of the program that downloaded it— namely firefox, which is being run by you, the normal user.
That’s just a beautiful thing, fi you ask me.
by the way, check out wubi.
http://wubi-installer.org/inde.....x.php
Ooooooh Wubi looks sweet! (I’ll try it out over the weekend!! - On an older Windows box).
Hee hee hee… people at this end learned a lot from your input. And for that matter, so did I. 
Cheers!
Thanks for the follow up.
The “Windows Weenies”
@Roger: Yes, Ubuntu and Linux in general is growing, and as excited as I am about that, people are moving there for (some of) the wrong reasons, I think. Eventually, however, they may come to learn about and appreciate the reasons FLOSS exists– namely, the GPL and the rights it gives.
But a lot of computer users are just that — users, who have no interest in becoming learners. And that really saddens me. Maybe this is overkill, but its like a new parent just having a kid rather than taking an interest in her (maybe overkill, not sure yet)
Thanks for the comment on my post about QuickSynergy, I’m checking your blog now!
For anyone not familiar with FLOSS (Free/Libre/Open Source Software), commented by lefty.crupps, please see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F.....OSS and here: http://www.dwheeler.com/oss_fs....._why.html
From experience, when I first started using OpenSource solutions, I thought I was doing it to get “free” software (because I had trouble affording proprietary software). At that time, I was not aware that I was getting a far more valuable commodity. Knowledge! Migrating motivated me to learn more (far more) and to garner a better command of technical/computer related things. It (in my opinion) liberated me from the “point-and-click” thought process, enabling me to think in innovative ways to arrive at a solution. Over time I found that the “community” at large are very generous in sharing information and solutions (including “fixes”). In my opinion, those that participate and/or drive the OpenSource community and its various projects are great people!
[...] Read more here. [...]
You know most of them are obsolete since Linux kernel updates right?
@Qusai - I do now.
Read the input from yochai, it’s pretty good.
[...] about Linux virus issues has been very informative. (You can read the post and the comments here: Does Ubuntu Linux Really Need Antivirus Software?). Some of my “Windows Weenies” friends (you know who you are) Keep telling me that [...]
Well I guess I’m bitter. I do not use an anti-virus on any of my Ubuntu boxes. Microsoft’s behavior is upsetting, and I find its OS’s substandard at this point.
Free and Open source software in many cases is the only viable competitor to Microsoft software. Between patent saber rattling, and charity involving windows somehow… Is just slowing Free Software uptake.
So I propose stop saving the Windows machines. Let them crash and burn. If the design is so flawed, they should fix the bugs.
Maybe some people will stand and take notice, and decide to make an effort to try something else.
[...] we were discussing if Ubuntu Linux needed antivirus software. (If you missed the post, it is here: Does Ubuntu Linux Really Need Antivirus Software?) During the course of the discussion, one of our readers (from TechCollective) suggested we try out [...]
“Why GNU/Linux Viruses are fairly uncommon”
evilmalware 0.6 (beta)
Copyright 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005
E/17 |-|4><0|2z Software Foundation, Inc.
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions. There is
NO warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY, COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF IMPORTANT
DATA or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE (eg. sending thousands of Viagra
spams to people accross the world).
Basic Installation
==================
Before attempting to compile this virus make sure you have the correct
version of glibc installed, and that your firewall rules are set to `allow
everything’.
1. Put the attachment into the appropriate directory eg. /usr/src
2. Type `tar xvzf evilmalware.tar.gz’ to extract the source files for
this virus.
3. `cd’ to the directory containing the virus’s source code and type
`./configure’ to configure the virus for your system. If you’re
using `csh’ on an old version of System V, you might need to type
`sh ./configure’ instead to prevent `csh’ from trying to execute
`configure’ itself.
4. Type `make’ to compile the package. You may need to be logged in as
root to do this.
5. Optionally, type `make check_payable’ to run any self-tests that come
with the virus, and send a large donation to an unnumbered Swiss bank
account.
6. Type `make install’ to install the virus and any spyware, trojans
pornography, penis enlargement adverts and DDoS attacks that
come with it.
7. You may now configure your preferred malware behaviour in
/etc/evilmalware.conf .
SEE ALSO
evilmalware(1), evilmalware.conf(5), please_delete_all_my_files(1)
ClamAV is available on Ubuntu repositories. To install:
sudo apt-get install clamav avscan
[...] month we posted “Does Ubuntu Linux Really Need Antivirus Software?” Where there was a bit of discussion as to whether Linux needed antivirus software installed. [...]
I agree with lefty.crupps on the pointlessness of running mail scanning av’s, if someone can’t be bothered protecting their pc, they should suffer for doing so… Even on my (rarely used) windows machine I don’t use an AV, I have something called a brain.
[...] “…To further exemplify the inherited process argument, lets give an example: You open firefox as a normal (ie non-root) user. No matter what you do from here, any program or file executed by firefox will only maintain your permission set; ie if you downloaded a nasty executable it STILL couldn’t hurt your machine as it only had the rights of the program that downloaded it— namely firefox, which is being run by you, the normal user…” You can read the full post and discussion here: Does Ubuntu Linux Really Need Antivirus Software? [...]
As a system administrator, I have plenty of access of to laptops to use as I please. The problem is they are all 4 years old. So I took a discarded laptop and installed Ubuntu to see if Linux really is “ready for prime time”. I had zero Linux experience and I just learned as I went along. The thing that has impressed me the most is how much faster things ran on the Linux box compared to an identical machine with Windows XP and I started to wonder why? Is it the OS? Is it the apps? Or is it because I don’t have those processor intensive, resource hungry AV and Antispyware apps running on it?
@Bob Townsend - Funny you would mention that. I have an old P166 with 64MB of RAM. I loaded up Win 2000 and then Ubuntu 7.04. I thought the Win 2000 installation ran reasonably well considering the limited resources. I was surprised at how much faster Linux ran! I assume it’s an issue (in part) of extra driver information being loaded?
[...] March I posted “Does Ubuntu Linux Really Need Antivirus Software?“. The comments provided by readers was very informative and I learned quite a bit from [...]
I’m a recent Windows convert, although I have tried using Linux in the past (Suse, and previous Ubuntu versions). The things that put me off in the past were the difficulties installing as a dual boot, driver issues for existing hardware, ease of use (although admittedly this was more lack of learning on my part), and not having all the same software I had under Windows.
I’ve just installed Ubuntu using Wubi, and after having used it for a week or so I’m about ready to ditch Windows for good this time.
The only last sticking point I had was the issue of Virus/Firewall/Spyware software. Having read this article and the comments I realise that AV is not really needed. My webmail has AV included so any downloads will be scanned, and if any Windows users don’t have AV then that’s their problem.
My router has a Firewall, although I may still install a software one.
So the only other thing to consider is anti-spyware. Is there any spyware problems for Linux users (key loggers, malicious websites etc)
[...] a Linux operating system on your PC instead of Windows (no dangerous malicious code in wide circulation [...]
I am a Windows user thinking of giving Ubuntu a try. I have read all the comments here and can’t help but wonder. As Linux continues to gain in popularity, wouldn’t one expect that Linux viruses would become more and more prevalent? Given my bad experiences with Windows, I want to make sure that I am protected from what I see as inevatable, which are Linux based viruses. Unless I misssed something, it appears that all the antivirus programs mentioned look for Windows problems, not Linux.
@Dick - You might want to research what yochai was saying:
“…of all the Linux viruses “out there” the majority are purely theoretical–written by college students and enthusiasts. This is not because fewer people use Linux; that’s a fallacy. The fact is that it is extremely difficult to write a Linux virus as UNIX systems run multi-user environments (specific permission sets are given to specific processes depending on the user). More than 60% of the…”
I’ve never had a virus issue since I started using Linux. I do know that different services run with different accounts and different permission settings and access rights.
Also, you may want to read Joe Barr’s article here: http://www.linux.com/feature/6.....0208 (He explains the issue in more detail).
Hi There,
i really like your blog, very informative and useful.
I also installed an AV program on my ubuntu laptop, for the same reason you mentioned, to serve and protect windows users.
It is nice to know that inferior OS users are protected by superior OS users
just stumbled across wanting to find out some answers regarding this topic. i am an average user or maybe more so a pc/win/os enthusiast new to linux for a little over a week. boy it opened up a whole new realm. got introduced by my local pc vendor as a random purchase copy on a cd for $1. after giving me a demonstration added it to the ram and an old video card purchase. had an extra system to use. i’ve heard stories but had no idea how refinde this os was. i now find myself going back and forth talking to everyone about it and asking people if i could install it on their machines.
@t.tim -
I had much the same experience. I had no idea how much variety and freedom there was in a Linux environment. Nice to hear someone else has similar experiences.
Hi, its a great great discussion. And is definitely going to help in taking the decision to install/not install AV in Ubuntu. But I have a similar kind of question like in Post#25 by Mr. Tony “So the only other thing to consider is anti-spyware. Is there any spyware problems for Linux users (key loggers, malicious websites etc)”. Kindly put some light on Spywares Issue in Linux as well. Thanks
@Param - There may be spyware for Linux, however I don’t see how it can possibly get installed on the computer.
Having said this, the only way I can envision spyware getting installed is if a person routinely surfs the web while logged into their Linux install as ‘root’. In other words, don’t use the root account to go web surfing.
If you surf the web as a ‘normal’ user (non-root), using Firefox, have your firewall activated. You should be okay.
Here is one firewall example:
http://ubuntulinuxhelp.com/the.....ntu-linux/
There may be spyware for Linux, however I don’t see how it can possibly get installed on the computer.
Having said this, the only way I can envision spyware getting installed is if a person routinely surfs the web while logged into their Linux install as ‘root’. In other words, don’t use the root account to go web surfing.
If you surf the web as a ‘normal’ user (non-root), using Firefox, have your firewall activated. You should be okay.
@Arind - Right!
(I learned this the hard way). I used to always be logged in as root and messed up my PC twice because of this.
[...] Originally Posted by Cow_160483 Hay guys does Lynux have/need antivirus software ?? Well there are claims it doesn’t but basically it is still just an OS not magic beans Does Ubuntu Linux Really Need Antivirus Software? | Ubuntu Linux Help [...]
[...] 1 Does Ubuntu Linux Really Need Antivirus Software? [...]
I have a question about a Dell Mini 9 lap top that will be mine at the end of the month. I need an answer pretty quick though and it is about the OPS, mine is coming with Obuntu Linux instead of Windows XP and that is all I am used to! I do not enjoy fooling around with operating systems and stuff. I just like to send emails and do word processing. This was ordered for me as a gift and I think I want Windows XP, what do you think I should do?
@Richard - If you are only familiar wit WinXP and do not enjoy, in your own words “…fooling around with operating systems…”
Then in my opinion, there is nothing wrong with having WinXP on it - Until you are ready or feel that you want to explore new OS’s.
Hope this opinion is helpful in some way!
Thanks for the advice, I called Dell and changed the order and got what I am familiar with. XP, I am just an email freek anyway so I will be a happy camper. Adios Linux fans and thanks
@Richard - Thanks and good wishes! You’re always welcome to return if you ever want to tinker and learn a bit more. The door is open. - Cheers!
I would like to make the switch over to Linux, if someone could clarify how to pronounce it.
@tourist - Do you mean really how to pronounce “Linux”? If so the video “Linux Pronunciation”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....IfHm6R5le0 will help you.
Thanks! Right after I posted that, I googled around and found I’m not the only one…so then I went ahead and installed Kubuntu ‘Line-x’ (all with ‘lynics’ ‘linex’ ‘leenuks’ bumping in my mind lol!) and found that there is NOTHING in that OS that I can pronounce AT ALL! But ok, so I suppose that is part of getting away from corporate america, is to learn new languages and peoples and stuff. I will -grep?- my way around… As of the Conficker outbreak, I have also learned that Linux is certainly not malware-proof, but enjoys something of a natural resistance.
Anyway, it will take some time, because I must use MS Excel with many years of homemade VBA macros, and as long as there is an IRS I am right now strapped to Intuit Quickbooks which has been a nightmare long term sentence, however, I see release on the horizon; I am gradually closing the Windoze and opening the doors.
The Linux/Ubuntu community immediately draws a sense of affection.
And I really enjoyed what George posted above, on March 16, this is on my fridge for a weekly funny.
@tourist - Nice to read that you’re trying “lynics” I also find it interesting that as a brand new user you’re trying the KDE version of Ubuntu, I find most stick with the Gnome version.
I’m not sure but didn’t Intuit release a Linux version? I thought I saw some blurb go by about that a while back? No?
Also, I run a copy of windows in a virtual environment (with Ubuntu 8.04 as the host), that way I get to enjoy some of the Windows apps as well:
Part I: http://ubuntulinuxhelp.com/bro.....rt-1-of-2/
Part II: http://ubuntulinuxhelp.com/bro.....rt-2-of-2/
Yeah, I loaded Ubuntu Portable once and couldn’t find anything - it seemed way to simplistic for my nature. I have an insatiable appetite for system internals but not a lot of time, and a quick search suggested Kubuntu might be more up my alley. So far ok. I’m intrigued to observe other converts and it kind of feels like coming home.
I believe only the Enterprise (aka big corp $3-$4-$5000 !!!) version of Quickbooks was ported to Linux. Anyway it is a horrible, horrible program.
‘Lynics’ still doesn’t feel right to me, a native english speaker who doubles in french & spanish, with a hint of latvian. Like, if I say ‘lynics’, then I must also say ‘vihris’, and then I just feel like a foreigner speaking english as a second language.
I guess we have gone off topic here. Thank you for the chat!
i love linux for all the above reason
also to add to the virri issue try this
unix = grandad
possix/minnix = son/dad
bsd = 2nd son
linux = great son with prospects & idea’s also has fingers in many pie’s (networking)
windows = son/black sheep/b*st*rd/spawn of satan who masquerades as the big cheese!
with the above knowledge ask yourself again why windows has so many virii targeted at it
(note to geek: yes i know list is missing enteries but i had limited space & those mentioned are valid to this blog!!!)
I’m sure that if Ubuntu (which I use) needed anti-virus software, the developers would include it as part of the distro. After all there is a whole bundle of software included with it.
Hello all.
I’m a long time windows user and recent Linux convert.
My view on running an AV… People *should* be responsible for securing their own systems. I’ve always run a good AV and firewall applications, I don’t expect other people to protect me.
However… I have the knowledge to look after my self
There are Windows users out there that are ignorant. Which is defined as “Unaware or uninformed“, they may not possess the knowledge to secure themselves or the confidence to learn on their own. The may also be unable or not possess the capacity to learn this level of technical knowledge (my mum springs to mind).
So I do run an AV as I know people like my mum, who can only start Word from a shortcut on the desktop need as much help as they can get. Luckily for her I set up her system, however not everyone has access to resources like that.
just ordered a dell mini 10v with ubuntu. never used ubuntu before but saw a dell linux spokesperson on youtube showing their updated ubuntu 8.04 video.
the desktop looks very cool and user friendly. i’ll be using this netbook for web surfing, IMing, some presentation stuff, word processing, listening to streaming audio.
should i expect any major difficulties in using ubuntu 8.04 and from what i’m reading in this discussion–i won’t need AV software since i won’t be switching to a windows based os. is that correct?
@john - No you shouldn’t need it. I’ve been using Linux for at least 3-4 years now and have NEVER had any concern about a virus. I currently use Ubuntu Linux 8.04 and have no issues at all. The only times I had difficulties was when I made changes or tweaks to the system without backing up first - In other words, problems I created for myself.