I remember when I got my first PC. There was so much talk about viruses that I thought it was completely protected. Of all the antivirus programs I used, the one I liked best was... KasperskyAlthough I didn't particularly like the sound the pig made when it detected something. In Linux, we tend to think we're completely virus-free, but we couldn't be more wrong. And, taking advantage of a moment when several Linux projects have been compromised, Kaspersky has decided to release a version for Linux.
At release note He says that, «If you thought Linux was immune to cyberattacks, it's time to reconsider that viewpoint."All according to the Russian company, although it seems to be entirely true, the number of malicious programs that target and operating system The kernel, or systems based on it, have grown significantly in the last five years. They don't miss an opportunity to point out problems such as the one from the XZ tool, used in all popular distributions and which became operational without many of us noticing.
Kaspersky for Linux also protects others
Furthermore, we are also exposed to PhishingMalicious websites, password theft… well, this text is mostly promotional and not so much about anything else. But it's true that we're not immune. Furthermore, interest in Linux is growing, and malicious users have targeted us. So Kaspersky has released a Linux version with features such as:
- Monitoring of the system, devices, and individual files to detect and remove malware.
- Scanning removable devices connected to the PC, including USBs and hard drives, for threats.
- Malware detection through analysis of device behavior, offering proactive defense.
- Protection against internet malware.
- Notifies the user when they try to follow a link Phishing.
However, Kaskerspy for Linux, like the other versions, is a paid program, although a trial version is available. Once subscribed, you can access DEB and RPM packages.
Is it necessary in Linux?
Well, I haven't used antivirus software on Linux for many years, but I'm also someone who doesn't need antivirus on my Windows installations. Most headaches can be avoided with common sense and by only using official sources, but the danger is always there.
What is certain is that Windows is the operating system that dominates the desktop market. The vast majority of cybercriminals create their software to run on Windows, and a meme I come across several times a year online would fit well here:
The meme says:
- "When you accidentally download a virus, but you're on Linux."
- "You have no power here!"
alluding to the fact that it's more than likely we've downloaded a virus that only affects Windows. Another 15% of computers are Macs, and we usually account for around 4%. But that doesn't mean we're always safe.
If you need an antivirus that runs in real time, this one from Kaspersky might be a good option. For the average user, like myself, it's not.
If you want to share files with Windows or macOS users, avoid sharing executable files downloaded from the internet. If you must, it's worth saving them beforehand. ClamAV, so that we can be sure that the EXE file is not infected.
In any system, common sense
As we've already explained, the best approach is common sense. If we visit a website claiming we've won a prize, we simply close it. If someone wants to download a torrent, they can check the reviews, and if it's warned of containing malware, they can move on to another one. It can also be a good idea to use a virtual machine for testing.
In any case, if none of the above is enough, Kaspersky for Linux is already available for €66 for the first year.