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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    1,976

    Is anti-virus needed in server?

    I am about to make my debut with a sweet linux dedicated server and since this will be some clean box, i will like to know if i need an anti-virus on the server.

    I have been using VPS for a while now and i was thinking the hosting provider may have some kind of anti-virus installed by default to protect there server (i may be wrong) so i am guessing it may be needed for me to protect the server with anti-virus.

    What do you guys think?
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    *not affiliated, just recommendation*

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    123
    If you have no real objections to the cost then I highly recommend running an anti virus product on your server. There are not that many virus for linux/unix right now but it is better to be prepared for the few that do exist.

    Generally the best thing you can have for your server is a properly configured firewall.

    Most VPS systems are appliance based software and do not have anti-virus on them, mostly because there is very little actual access to the actual appliance software. Your dedicated server will, I assume, be running a large number of services that makes for a much larger attack surface.

    Take a look at business based antivirus/anti-malware solutions. Symantec Endpoint and Kaspersky OpenSpace are to good options. You might have to buy a minimum of five licenses but the cost should not be too high. I would recommend taking a look at http://esecuritytogo.com I have bought from them before and they have a good selection of different business antivirus products.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    1,976
    Quote Originally Posted by kmonchamp View Post
    If you have no real objections to the cost then I highly recommend running an anti virus product on your server. There are not that many virus for linux/unix right now but it is better to be prepared for the few that do exist.

    Generally the best thing you can have for your server is a properly configured firewall.

    Most VPS systems are appliance based software and do not have anti-virus on them, mostly because there is very little actual access to the actual appliance software. Your dedicated server will, I assume, be running a large number of services that makes for a much larger attack surface.

    Take a look at business based antivirus/anti-malware solutions. Symantec Endpoint and Kaspersky OpenSpace are to good options. You might have to buy a minimum of five licenses but the cost should not be too high. I would recommend taking a look at http://esecuritytogo.com I have bought from them before and they have a good selection of different business antivirus products.
    Can i get a opensource/free one? that is good
    Superb Houston/Los Angeles Colocation: LAYERHOST.COM https://www.layerhost.com/colocation
    *not affiliated, just recommendation*

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    123
    I have used http://www.clamav.net/lang/en/ before and it does work rather well. For one or two servers a free antivirus solution will work fine.

    The real benefit of the paid programs is faster updates and they will probably detect more things. Also if you ever get quite a few servers then their remote management features are amazing.

    I would say if cost is an issue then go with something free. There are not that many linux virus and most of them use rather old exploits that are years old. A free solution will pick up most things. With either solution always keep your server up to date with updates as that will prevent you from having most vulnerabilities.

    Also depending on your knowledge of linux I would recommend taking a look into compiling your own versions of the software that you use. That way you will be able to have the most up to date stable versions, although that can be a bit of a pain depending on the which software you use.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    453
    Hello,

    Go for Linux Malware Detect.

    Description
    Linux Malware Detect (LMD) uses MD5 file hashes and hex pattern matches to identify malware. The goal of LMD is to provide a threat detection, alerting and quarantine tool for Linux web servers, though the MD5/hex signatures are portable to any number of detection tools.

    Current Release:
    http://www.rfxn.com/downloads/maldetect-current.tar.gz
    http://www.rfxn.com/appdocs/README.maldetect
    http://www.rfxn.com/appdocs/CHANGELOG.maldetect

    Good Luck !
    " Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it. "

    That's the mark of a true professional !

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