Do I need antivirus for Linux?

Asked By hedda beeson 10 points N/A Posted on - 03/07/2012

Hi guys. I use Ubuntu 2 years now and I never had a problem with virus, malware, trojans and stuff. I used to think that there's no need to have antivirus for Linux but I realized there are several antivirus programs for Linux. So, do I need to install antivirus? I don't use Windows at all. Are there any chances I get a virus in Ubuntu? Thanks for your answers.

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Answered By Sollis Parallag 45 points N/A #103682

Do I need antivirus for Linux?

 

Short answer is yes. Even though most viruses target the more popular OS such as Windows and Mac OS, there are viruses out there targeted for Linux as well.  

Check out this link for a list of the known malware targeted at Linux: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_malware

Besides, even if Linux is not directly affected by a virus that was written for Windows, your computer could act as a carrier such as when you inadvertently forward an e-mail containing a virus-infected attachment. Having an antivirus on your Linux system will warn you of any potential threats and prevent you from spreading viruses that can eventually affect Windows or Mac OS users.

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• Posted on - 03/10/2012
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Answered By khokho 10 points N/A #103683

Do I need antivirus for Linux?

of course yes, yet you can prevent your box from viruses and also other boxes infected from your box as virus carrier. and also recent anti virus can also remove spams, spyware, trojans, bots any kind of disturbing programs.

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• Posted on - 03/11/2012
• Question Category: Ubuntu Linux