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How to Install ClamAV Linux Antivirus on Ubuntu Linux

Richard

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ClamAV is an open-source antivirus engine that detects and eliminates various digital threats. It can be installed on Ubuntu systems and supports multiple file formats. Instructions are provided to install ClamAV on Ubuntu 16.04, 17.10, and 18.04. Commands are also given for virus and malware scans, and for installing the GUI client, ClamTk.

This article explains how to install ClamAV Linux Antivirus on Ubuntu Linux.

ClamAV, an open-source antivirus engine for detecting and removing trojans, viruses, malware, and other threats, can easily be installed on Ubuntu to help protect your systems.

Installing ClamAV on Ubuntu Linux can help protect your system against viruses, trojans, malware, and other malicious threats that can harm your system. Although Linux is generally considered a more secure operating system than Windows, it is not immune to malware and other threats.

ClamAV is an open-source antivirus engine that can be easily installed on Ubuntu to help keep your system safe and secure. It supports multiple file formats and signature languages that most viruses use to exploit systems and performs multi-threaded scans. Additionally, it includes a command-line utility for on-demand file scanning and signature updates.

When you’re ready to install ClamAV, continue with the steps below

On the Ubuntu desktop, open your terminal by pressing your keyboard’s Ctrl — Alt — T keys. This should open the terminal.

When the terminal opens, type the commands below to install ClamAV

sudo apt install clamav clamav-daemon

Now that ClamAV is installed, you can use the command line terminal to scan for viruses and malware. Run the commands below to scan your home folder to test it out.

clamscan --infected --remove --recursive /home

You should get a summary after a successful scan.

----------- SCAN SUMMARY -----------
Known viruses: 6541075
Engine version: 0.99.4
Scanned directories: 136
Scanned files: 401
Infected files: 0
Data scanned: 63.20 MB
Data read: 43.88 MB (ratio 1.44:1)
Time: 23.938 sec (0 m 23 s)

You can run the commands below to scan for infected files and folders on the entire system.

sudo clamscan --infected --remove --recursive /

For simplicity, you can install the front-end (GUI) client on Ubuntu by running the commands below.

sudo apt install clamtk

After installing the GUI client, you can go to the Dash / Activities Overviews and search for ClamTk. Next, open the client and begin setting up ClamAV for your desktop.

ClamAV Ubuntu install

That’s it!

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Richard Avatar
Richard
Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He’s deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions. He enjoys watching football, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with his family when he’s not writing or managing Geek Rewind.

Comments

  1. moimeme Avatar
    moimeme

    le meilleur antivirus c’est linux sans rien pour l’amateur que je suis .10 ans de linux sans rien .par contre eviter “avast home linux” qui une fois installé est dur a désinstaller(fait le boulot mais ralentit le p c).le mieusx c’est clamav ou clamtk a installer avec la logithèque ou le gestionnaire de paquets synaptic.amitiés.

    Reply
  2. Mary Serum Avatar
    Mary Serum

    Where should my files be located so I can successfully install. I continue to have unsuccessfull installation.

    Reply

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