Sophos updates antivirus for Linux

Sophos updates antivirus for Linux


Latest offering includes on-access scanning for Linux platforms

Antivirus firm Sophos has unveiled the latest version of Sophos Anti-Virus for Linux, which now includes on-access scanning for Linux platforms.

SAV for Linux 5.0 detects and disinfects viruses, Trojans, worms and spyware targeting Linux, Windows and other platforms whenever files are accessed on a Linux computer.

Designed for enterprise environments, the application scans at high speeds to minimise the impact on Linux servers.

John Shaw, senior product manager at Sophos, maintained that protecting Linux servers is now just as vital as protecting Windows PCs, since Linux systems are increasingly used to serve information in formats such as files or web pages to Windows clients.

"Although the majority of threats target Windows, threats can use insufficiently protected Linux machines as a vector into an organisation's network, allowing cyber-criminals to gain access and steal information or cause further damage," he said.

The latest version of SAV for Linux supports more than 20 distributions of the open source operating system, including the main versions of Red Hat, SuSE and TurboLinux.

Administration, configuration and detailed logging can be achieved through the command-line interface or through a secure web browser interface.

Virus identity files are automatically updated, while the software can be kept automatically up-to-date or version controlled.

Email and desktop alerting ensures that administrators are kept up to date with any virus related incidences in real time, the company said.