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Best Antivirus for Ubuntu in 2025
Updated On: May 8, 2025
Ubuntu is often praised for being secure by design. But just because it’s safer than Windows doesn’t mean it’s immune to threats. If you download files from the internet, share data between systems, or host applications, you’re still exposed to malware, phishing attacks, and system vulnerabilities.
That’s why antivirus software for Ubuntu still matters. It helps you maintain control, avoid cross-contamination, and prevent silent attacks from taking hold. This guide breaks down the best antivirus tools that actually work on Ubuntu, based on compatibility, performance, and real-world use.
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Why Ubuntu Users Still Need Antivirus Protection
It’s true that Ubuntu isn’t a major target for malware. Most viruses are designed to hit Windows machines, and Ubuntu’s built-in permission system helps limit damage. Still, Linux systems—especially Ubuntu—play key roles in:
- Web hosting
- File sharing
- Dual-boot setups
- Enterprise networks
This opens the door to potential threats, even if they don’t harm your Ubuntu system directly.
For example:
- A compromised Ubuntu mail server can pass along infected attachments
- A shared folder can carry Windows malware to other devices
- An outdated package or weak SSH credentials can invite in Linux-targeted malware
As Ubuntu grows in popularity among developers and businesses, it’s becoming more attractive to attackers. So while casual users might be safe without antivirus, anyone using Ubuntu for file handling, system administration, or hosting should take extra steps to protect their environment.
What Makes a Good Antivirus for Ubuntu?
Choosing antivirus software for Ubuntu is different from choosing one for Windows or macOS. Most major providers don’t support Linux. Some only offer command-line tools. Real-time scanning is rare. So the tools that do work need to be lightweight, reliable, and focused on core protection.
Here’s what matters most:
- Low resource use
- Frequent updates
- On-demand and scheduled scans
- Detects Linux and Windows threats
- Command-line support
- Optional graphical interface
Top Antiviruses for Ubuntu
1. Bitdefender GravityZone
If you’re managing multiple Ubuntu systems or running critical workloads, Bitdefender GravityZone offers one of the most complete security platforms for Linux. It’s built for enterprises, but individual users running home labs or server environments can also benefit.
What you get:
- Real-time file scanning
- Behavior-based threat detection
- Network attack protection
- Integration with hybrid cloud infrastructures
- Centralized management console
GravityZone works with most major Linux distributions, including Ubuntu. You can schedule scans, apply security policies, and monitor everything from a single dashboard.
It’s especially useful for DevOps teams, sysadmins, and businesses running containers or cloud services. GravityZone also supports detailed logging and compliance reporting—something other antivirus solutions don’t offer at this level.
This isn’t a beginner tool. It requires setup, configuration, and a subscription. But if you’re serious about protecting your Ubuntu environment from every angle, Bitdefender is one of the most trusted names in the business.
2. Sophos Antivirus for Linux
Sophos provides an antivirus solution for Linux that’s gained strong support from sysadmins, developers, and tech-savvy individuals.
Key features:
- Real-time protection
- Frequent virus definition updates
- On-demand and scheduled scans
- Command-line interface with customizable options
Sophos is ideal for users who want solid protection without added bloat. You can easily scan specific folders, schedule background checks, and exclude trusted files. It’s also one of the few free tools that offers real-time scanning for Linux.
Sophos shines in mixed environments. If you regularly transfer files between Windows, macOS, and Linux, this tool helps catch cross-platform threats before they spread. And because Sophos maintains active development and support for its Linux product, you won’t be left with outdated definitions or broken dependencies.
Installation is straightforward, even if you’re new to command-line tools. And because it runs quietly in the background, it won’t get in your way.
3. ClamAV
ClamAV is the most widely used open-source antivirus engine for Linux. It’s available in Ubuntu’s default repositories and has been a staple in Linux security setups for years.
What makes it stand out:
- Free and open-source
- On-demand scanning
- Email scanning and file server integration
- Support for third-party GUIs like ClamTk
ClamAV doesn’t include real-time protection out of the box, but it excels at scanning files, folders, and mail traffic. You can update definitions with a single command and set up cron jobs to run scans automatically.
For advanced users, ClamAV is flexible and easy to script. It’s also lightweight, making it perfect for low-resource systems or virtual machines. If you’re managing a server or want a basic tool that just works, ClamAV is a reliable choice.
You can also pair ClamAV with external tools to create a real-time scanning setup, although this requires manual configuration.
Installation & Setup Tips
Installing antivirus software on Ubuntu can be simple or complex, depending on the tool you choose.
General setup tips for all antivirus tools:
- Always run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade before installing anything to make sure your system is current
- Never install more than one antivirus at the same time, they can conflict
- Use a scheduler like cron if you want your antivirus to run regular scans
- Exclude system folders like /proc, /dev, and /sys from scans. They contain system data and can’t be scanned properly
Sophos Antivirus for Linux
Sophos requires downloading the installer from their website. After downloading:
- Extract the .tar archive.
- Open the extracted folder in the Terminal.
- Run the installation script using sudo ./install.sh.
The installer will walk you through the setup process.
ClamAV:
Clam AV is the easiest to get started with. You can install it right from Ubuntu’s built-in package manager.
To get started, open your Terminal and run the following commands:
- First, update your system by entering the command sudo apt update
- Then, install ClamAV by running sudo apt install clamav
- Once installed, update the virus definitions: sudo freshclam
- To run a scan on your home folder: clamscan -r /home/yourusername
You can change the folder path to scan any directory. Add “--remove” to the end of the command if you want ClamAV to automatically delete infected files during the scan.
ClamAV doesn’t come with real-time protection by default, but it’s reliable for manual and scheduled scans. For users who prefer a graphical interface, you can install ClamTk, a simple GUI frontend that makes scanning easier without the need for command-line input.
Conclusion
Ubuntu is built with strong security in mind, but relying on that alone isn’t always enough, especially if you handle shared files, run servers, or work in environments where threats can slip in quietly. While Linux-targeted malware is still relatively rare, the risks increase as Ubuntu continues to grow in popularity across industries.
The antivirus tools covered in this guide, Bitdefender GravityZone, Sophos Antivirus for Linux, and ClamAV, each serve different needs. Some offer advanced features for enterprise setups, while others provide
simple protection without much overhead. What they all have in common is their ability to close the gaps Ubuntu can’t handle on its own.