Antivirus is necessary for cybersecurity teams that wish to better protect their endpoints.

However, while Linux use on desktops has historically remained at relatively low levels, the inverse is true for servers. For this reason, many Linux users have long believed that the OS doesn’t need antivirus software. Linux isn’t typically a prime target for cybercriminals, as Mac and Windows are more widely adopted, and virus authors prioritize these operating systems since they are more likely to cause widespread damage. Additionally, even if security exploits were able to run under a user account, they would not be able to perform extensive system damage through tampering with the OS core. Users are free to create accounts with elevated (superuser, sudo) permissions and a root user is included with the operating system by default.īecause regular users are restricted from performing administrative functions, their ability to damage the system is reduced. This applies both to human users as well as those assigned to processes (system users). With Linux systems, users are automatically assigned restricted permissions. However, most servers, whether for internal file-sharing or external purposes, such as web servers, are likely to be running Linux. In business settings, most users are likely to be running either Windows or Mac on their computers. It’s relatively rare for Linux to be used on desktops – adoption is typically less than 2% – and it is substantially more popular on servers. While Linux is one core operating system, there are many variants called distributions (or ‘distros’ for short).

Linux is an operating system (OS), derived from UNIX, with versions for servers, desktops, and other endpoints. This article explains how this OS works and why it needs protection. For both desktop and server users, this is a myth. Many are under the impression that Linux antivirus isn’t necessary or important. Its permission-based structure, in which regular users are automatically prevented from performing administrative actions, predated many advances in Windows security. Linux has a reputation for being a safe platform. Linux has a reputation for being a safe platform, but should users be looking for an antivirus solution?

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