5 Best Fedora Antivirus Software [2024 Reviewed]

From IoT to servers and workstations, Fedora is the go-to OS with a taste for innovation. Linux-based, Fedora is considered highly reliable and more secure than most of its counterparts.

With security being such a complex and often versatile concept, one is likely to believe that deploying a Linux distribution is sufficient in order to repel malware and prevent virus outbursts.

In fact, many users privilege Linux over rival operating systems, Windows included because it’s advertised as more secure and less prone to infections. But is Fedora really immune to viruses? Is it safer than Windows, Mac, or even other Linux iterations?

Is Linux safer than Windows?

Linux distros rely on a root-based infrastructure that joggles with user-level privileges in order to separate root processes from user-specific operations.

This security policy contains potential infections and prevents dangerous executables from contaminating the entire system.

Regular and fine-centered Linux security patches further contribute to its reputation as an inherently secure OS. Fedora adheres to the default security-enhanced Linux policies and it performs hardening for all its packages.

While Fedora is somewhat more stable than Windows, it is not exempt from ill intentions and the malicious coding that comes with them.

In fact, Linux and consequently, Fedora can be affected by a wide range of threats such as viruses, Trojans, ransomware, spear-phishing attacks, malware, and network exploits.

Do Windows viruses work on Linux? Indeed, there are more than just Linux-specific viruses to dread. Contrary to popular belief, Windows-written viruses can still affect Linux machines since they share common code.

What’s more, you can still contract a virus hidden in compromised files or executables from other operating systems.

Do I need antivirus with Linux Fedora?

With Linux attracting more and more newcomers, the balance is steadily shifting and major distributions such as Fedora become an increasingly attractive target for profit-prowling hackers.

Moreover, Fedora allows for additional software to be installed outside of its official repositories. This can be as much a blessing for Linux rookies looking for familiar layouts and applications as it can be a curse.

Since mayhem is no further than a repository away, your best bet to seal your machine against vicious attacks and privacy violations is to deploy an antivirus for Fedora.

Tip

Here’s how we chose the best antivirus for Linux Fedora:

➡ Streamlined installation, easy deployment, and straightforward configuration (GUI-based antivirus vs command line-based interface)
➡ Regular and automatic virus database updates to repel emergent threats
➡ Customizable scans (on-demand scanning as well as continuous real-time protection)
➡ Multi-layered protection and cross-platform compatibility to block out a wide spectrum of threats, both Linux-specific and Windows or Mac-written bugs)
➡ Effective malware detection and removal capabilities
➡ Infection prevention modules and adequate remediation tools
➡ Network exploit prevention system, built-in firewalls, and web filtering
➡ Small system footprint, low CPU consumption rates, and performance optimization tools

Which antivirus is best for Linux Fedora?

Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security

• Suitable for Linux servers and desktop clients
• In-depth security with built-in risk management for endpoints
• Combines heuristics with advanced machine learning
• Modular architecture with flexible deployment
• Perfect for hybrid IT environments

• There is no firewall available for Linux-based machines.

Free trial

Bitdefender is a security solutions provider that has managed to maintain an impeccable reputation throughout the years and its enormous popularity can be entirely attributed to its equally impeccable defense.

It makes little difference for this software if your organization relies on an exclusive Linux infrastructure or if you thrive in a hybrid IT environment housing Linux, Mac, and Windows-based machines simultaneously.

You will enjoy the same unrivaled protection for your assets, network, virtual and physical servers, and data either way thanks to a powerful combination of machine learning, malware detection, and instant reaction modules.

Its comprehensive coverage allows you to deploy airtight protection on up 100 hybrid workstations running on the most popular Linux distributions such as Debian, Ubuntu, and of course, Fedora.

Needless to say that this impressive antivirus for Fedora also qualifies as one of the best antiviruses capable of protecting Debian systems.

Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security delivers effective malware detection, instantaneous neutralization as well as risk mitigation and roll-back mechanisms while hardening your endpoints against both internal and external exploits.

In other words, it not only secures your network against outside intruders but also tackles conflictual settings and internal software misconfigurations by keeping a close eye on running processes and native security options.

Its modular architecture translates into highly customizable scanning options and intuitive, user-friendly commands that share Windows functionalities to simplify security to the max.

What we appreciated the most is the fact that it does not focus its protection on Linux-specific viruses only. It also covers Windows-written malicious code in order to completely sanitize your environment.

It’s the unique and perfectly-balanced technology blend that allows it to be as effective against infected files coming from external software repositories as it is against common digital threats such as browser-targeted attacks.

Avast Business Antivirus for Linux

• Dedicated distribution packages and repositories
• Automatic updates (script + Cloud-based)
• Easy-to-digest scan results
• Samba and NFS-compatible file server protection
• Comprehensive technical documentation available for various operations

• It does not include a free trial (money-back guarantee only).

Check price

Avast is not a newcomer to the security industry and its solutions successfully passed the test of time, gathering more and more subscribers across various operating systems.

With the Linux server antivirus addition, Avast has comfortably secured its position among global cybersecurity leaders.

As one would expect, it is fully compatible with all major Linux distributions and it incorporates numerous technologies and algorithms that make it the best antivirus for Fedora that money can buy.

Now, we must clarify that it’s not just a manner of saying. You will have to buy the product in order to see if it’s a good match for your needs as there is no free trial available.

But don’t let this stand in your way! You still get a convenient 30-day money-back guarantee that entitles you to a full refund if, for whatever reason, you are not satisfied with this antivirus for Fedora.

However, we’re pretty sure you won’t be claiming it as the product is worth every single dime.

And here’s why! From installation to daily operations, everything is carefully laid out for you, from comprehensive documentation to built-in tools that will simplify administration, setup, and more.

From the beginning, you will experience a streamlined installation process thanks to its dedicated software packages and repositories that are directly available via the terminal.

Simply add the Avast repository to your Fedora system, extract the RPM packages, and install the Avast public key. It really is as easy as a breeze.

We were delighted to observe that straightforwardness is a constant, from deployment to scan options and results.

Avast will present virus scan results in individual lines in order to increase visibility and make output formats as comprehensible as possible.

Updates are also conceived to be as innovative as possible and rely on scripts or directly on the Cloud to get the latest installations pumped straight into your Fedora machine.

F-Secure

• Smart firewall included
• Intrusion detection system
• Advanced malware-blocking capabilities
• Offers both CLI and GUI editions
• Provides protection for Linux desktop and servers

• Command line-based edition does not support real-time protection.

Free trial

Linux may not be spoiled for choice when it comes to antiviruses but the few available ones strive to impress.

Such is the case with F-Secure Linux Security, a top-rated antivirus for Fedora that caters to most major Linux distributions.

From the most complex to the newer, more user-friendly iterations such as Zorin, this versatile security tool support them all.

Speaking about compatibility, you will also find it useful as an antivirus for Zorin OS, not just for Fedora.

Now, Linux’s reputation as an operating system that mostly addresses tech-savvy, seasoned users with an above-average understanding of informatics has created a niche for security solutions.

Thus, they tend to privilege more seasoned users that are comfortable with command line-based manipulation via a terminal.

F-Secure puts an end to this elitist approach by catering to all types of Linux users, from the most experienced to newcomers.

And it does so through a versatile architecture, by providing both a GUI and CLI-based interface.

We must confess that we simply cannot get enough of this inclusive approach that does not imply being detrimental towards a particular type of user.

Nevertheless, there are some differences between the two of them. For instance, real-time protection is impossible to enable if you go for the command line-based version.

If you prefer a more visually-centered approach, then the GUI edition is probably best for you.

Within the interface, there are numerous security tools available no further than a click (or a string of commands) away for you to tweak until you get the boosted protection you always wanted for your Fedora-running machine.

You can rely on a full-scale intrusion detection system and a smart firewall that will keep your network safe. Robust malware protection and simplified controls are implicit.

If you’re anything like us, you will definitely enjoy the comprehensive dashboard that allows for unified management across all terminals protected by F-Secure’s security agent.

Sophos Home

• Highly customizable scanning options
• Sandbox feature to safely execute suspicious apps
• Advanced heuristics and cross-platform malware detection
• Low impact on CPU and lightweight infrastructure

• It lacks a Graphical User Interface and runs exclusively on command lines.

Free trial

Sophos Home is another strong contender that we simply cannot ignore. All the security solutions included in this selection provide solid protection against Linux-specific threats as well as cross-platform viruses.

But here’s the twist! While most focus on enterprise environments and corporate security, Sophos is the one that does not forsake home users.

In fact, its dedication to individual Linux users goes to such an extent that it is available completely free for one device. Nevertheless, its protection remains impeccable.

By cleverly combining advanced heuristics with extensive defensive algorithms, this best antivirus for Fedora can detect and neutralize all kinds of digital threats from Trojans, to malware, viruses, and more.

One particularly appealing feature is the sandbox module that allows for secure testing of potentially dangerous or harmful programs, websites, links, and scripts.

The isolated environment enables you to execute suspicious apps without risking a widespread infection.

Scanning options are just as versatile and you get to enjoy a plethora of configurations that you can tweak and bend according to your needs.

While the real-time protection makes sure you will only be able to access a repository as long as it is safe, on-demand scans take it one step further.

Thus, you can enroll specific file types for scanning, set up exemption rules, select archives, boot sectors, and even remote computers.

If you’re wondering about resource consumption rates, you will be pleased to know that the best antivirus for Linux Fedora boasts a lightweight infrastructure with smooth updates that claim no more than a few KB, and discreet scans.

Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business

• Centralized cybersecurity management (via console)
• Sandbox and endpoint hardening
• Advanced remediation engine
• Impeccable ransomware protection
• Versatile architecture that can be deployed on numerous assets

• Suitable for large-scale, enterprise or corporate usage only.

Free trial

With our last, but certainly not least recommendation, the focus shifts once again from personal use to corporate security.

And Kaspersky’s Endpoint Security for Business easily outshines its rivals when it comes to securing heterogeneous digital fleets.

In fact, this antivirus for Fedora is built to support large-scale organizations and it thrives in hybrid IT environments with extensive support for mixed infrastructures made of workstations running on Linux, Windows, iOS, and macOS, servers, Cloud infrastructures, endpoints, terminals, network and so on.

Its adaptability is only matched by its ease of use and Kaspersky excels in this area thanks to a centralized console that allows for flexible management and easy deployment.

And wait until you hear about its defensive mechanisms! This best antivirus for Linux Fedora is propelled by a unique combination of heuristics-based exploit prevention, vulnerability assessment, and effective ransomware protection that covers cybersecurity at a large scale.

You can also rely on a remediation engine that blends with multiple layers of protection to seal all your assets against attacks.

Needless to say that all these security-focused enhancements would not be as impressive if it weren’t for the countless performance optimization tools included in this digital protection suite.

How do I install antivirus on Linux?

The leading Red Hat Linux distribution, Fedora relies on an RPM package management system, and an external dependency resolver-based package manager called DNF.

If you choose to deploy an antivirus for Fedora, here’s what you can expect as far as the installation process goes. Like other official Linux distros, Fedora integrates scanning packages that allow you to set up gateways with antivirus properties. Such is the case with ClamAV.

With the help of the DNF package manager, you can install additional AV software that is already available in the software repositories.

But that does not mean you cannot install proprietary antivirus software in the Fedora system. If the antivirus for Fedora of your choice is not preinstalled via the terminal, you can always add extra repositories.

All you need to do is make sure that the third-party repositories use RPM packages. Some antiviruses such as Avast for Linux distribute standard RPM software packages along with dedicated repositories in order to facilitate your task.

Once you added the desired repository to the Fedora system repositories, all that is left for you to do is to extract the packages.

Did you manage to find the best antivirus for Linux Fedora? We encourage you to put those free trials to good use and test each software recommended here in order to pick out the program that best suits your needs.