Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and Applications, 3rd Edition

Antivirus Options for Linux Systems

Loosely defined, antivirus systems include systems that can detect all types of malware. Although not all malware affects an operating system, it can be transmitted by email and carried by files with common formats. This section covers some of the available malware systems for Linux.

On any computer system, malware falls into several categories:

• Rootkit—A rootkit is malware that can help an attacker gain administrative control over a computer system.

• Spyware—Malware that collects user information is called spyware. This may include keystroke loggers.

• Trojan horse—A Trojan horse is a type of malware that hides as a desirable program but facilitates unauthorized access.

• Virus—Strictly speaking, a virus is a ...