Scan for malware with ClamAV

ClamAV is a free malware scanner for Linux. You don't need to run it all the time. It's most useful for checking files on demand, especially ones you'll send to Windows users, who are the more common target.

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CE: Malware ProtectionEasy

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When to use it

It's an on-demand tool for a few specific situations.

You regularly share files or email attachments with people on Windows.
You've downloaded something and want to check it before opening.
You run a Linux machine that stores files for others, such as a home server.

3 steps

If none of those apply

Your trusted-sources and update habits are already doing the heavy lifting. ClamAV is a useful extra, not a must-have.

Install and scan

Four steps to install it and scan a folder.

Install it from your repositories: sudo apt install clamav on Ubuntu or Debian, or sudo dnf install clamav on Fedora.
Update its list of known malware first: sudo freshclam.
Scan a folder: clamscan -r ~/Downloads. The -r checks everything inside it.
To see only problems, add -i: clamscan -r -i ~/Downloads.

4 steps

What to do if it finds something

Don't panic. Note the file it flags, and don't open or forward it. If it's something you downloaded, delete it and get it again from a trusted source. If you're unsure, move it out of the way rather than deleting, and look up the exact name it reported.

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