How to Check Antivirus in Linux?

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How to Scan and Check Antivirus in Linux?

The Linux OS has the upper hand when it comes to the security of the system, as the malware and virus attacks targetting the Linux devices are too low when compared to the widely used Windows computers. But we cannot deny the fact that there are malware and viruses that infect the Linux devices too. Meanwhile, the systems do not come with a pre-installed antivirus application like how the Windows Operating system has the Windows Defender. You will know that even a basic URL can be a threat to the Linux OS.Most of us know that the Linux is open source, you cannot complete any piece of the application installed on your OS. For more guidelines on How to Check Antivirus in Linux,

How to Check Antivirus in Linux

So coming to the point, there is a suitable method that can help you scan for the virus in Linux.

  • Launch your Linux computer.
  • Navigate through the options and go to the Utility section.
  • You have to use the clamscan command line tool that will help you scan all the folders and directories for viruses.
  • Now open the terminal window and use a command line for checking if it is affected by viruses.
  • Open the Run application in Linux by pressing the Alt + F2 keys together.
  • When the Run application opens, type gnome-terminal and click the Run button.
  • You can also open the terminal window from the taskbar option.
  • Click Applications, select System Tools, expand the option, and select UXTERM or XTERM.

Type the following:

  • $ sudo freshclam
  • You will be prompted to enter the system password: type the password and press enter.
  • Make sure you have the product saved in the home folder.

Now enter the command: 

$ ls -l -a and press the Enter button.

The scan will show all the folders present in the Linux system along with the hidden folders.

Now to proceed with the scanning and enter the following command.

  • $ clamscan – help.
  • Press the Enter button, and it will scan everything in the home folder.

Now enter the command:

  • $ clamscan –r /home/rich. 
  • The system will take a couple of minutes to run the command.
  • It will run the command on all the files and folders present in the Linux computer.
  • You will see most of the folder scans give out the OK result at the end.
  • Once the terminal window completes the scan, you will get the scan summary that will have the following information:
  • Known Viruses
  • Engine Version
  • Scanned directories
  • Scanned files
  • Infected files
  • Data scanned
  • Data read
  • Time of scan

If the scan result gives out any virus in the folders, the terminal window will prompt you to perform the fix how to Check Antivirus in Linux immediately.

Type the $ exit command in the terminal window to exit.