Hey everyone! I'm new to Linux and recently booted into Linux Mint. I'm wondering if I need to get an antivirus for it. I feel a bit uneasy about this. Does Linux really require an antivirus, and if so, which one should I consider?
2 Answers
While Linux isn't highly targeted by viruses, I personally use ClamAV as a precaution on my Debian setup. It hasn't found anything yet, but it’s good for checking files, especially if I share them with Windows users.
You generally don't need antivirus on Linux. Just keep your system updated, use something like uBlock for ad blocking, and avoid sketchy websites. Remember, if you run unverified scripts or programs, it can still lead to issues despite Linux being considered secure.
ClamAV is great for Windows file sharing, but honestly, I've used Linux for over 25 years without encountering a virus on a desktop. It's really rare.