Sophos for Linux

Sophos for Linux

There are different Sophos Anti-Virus types that you can use with Linux depending on your management console. By scanning your computer and files, Sophos Anti-Virus Linux identifies and deals with viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, spyware, and potentially unsafe applications. The software can also detect both Linux viruses and non-Linux viruses. Sophos supports Linux version 9 and many Linux Kernels including the 64-bit version.

Written by Ria du Plessis - Web Developer

Updated on September 22 , 2021

Why Choose Sophos for Linux?

As virus defense software, Sophos recurrently scans your documents or computer as a whole and notifies you of any threats, giving you the chance to act fast. 

Not only does it update regularly, but it also deals with detected threats and prevents harmful software from gaining access to your files and applications. Over the years, with the use of AI, Sophos has become increasingly useful in dealing with advanced threats such as ransomware.

Sophos for Linux provides the following scans:

  • On-access
  • On-demand
  • Scheduled 

Through the Sophos Linux Commands system, the antivirus delivers effective and reliable performance when used on Linux products.

Pros

  • Updates itself regularly with the latest protection, and continuously detects and alerts you of threats.
  • In non-Windows software, it cleans Windows viruses.
  • Using Behavioral Genotype Protection blocks unknown threats from doing damage.
  • Through automatic recompilations, customized Linux versions and kernels are supported.
  • Reliable and effective scanning performance is ensured through using a uniquely designed kernel interface.

Cons

  • In the free edition, full scans might take longer.
  • More advanced features are gained from upgrades.
  • Below-average phishing protection.
  • Free support can’t be compared to customized or upgraded support.

Check out the Offer of Sophos for Linux

Software
Features
Price
  • AI technology for scanning and data protection
$45 Yearly/m

Features

Sophos for Linux has features that are designed to provide a more user-friendly and advanced intelligence antivirus system.

General features

  • Security 
    Via SophosLabs, Sophos Anti-Virus Linux uses Live Protection to run through suspicious and unknown files in real-time. Not only does it identify them, but it cleanses potentially damaging viruses and malware.
  • Excellent performance
    Sophos Anti-Virus Linux continuously delivers outstanding performance. It installs easily, performs quietly, and supports various Linux files. It also aids customized distributions and kernels.  

The software runs without slowing down the system and doesn’t cause network strain on your Linux machines.

Live Protection

Threat Protection

The Sophos anti-virus can detect threats by scanning any file you access. If there’s an issue, it’ll be stopped or action will be taken against it.

Protection is available for all distributors as well as 64-bits. 

There are various types of threat protection such as web and social media blockers, and spyware detection.

The Sophos virus threat detection engine detects and deals with spyware, viruses, worms, and Trojans.

Scanning

  • On-access scanning - This is the primary method of protecting your computer. On-access scanning works by granting access to files when you save, rename, open, and copy them. To do this, authorization is given after scanning a file for system safety. You can scan a single file or the entire computer.
    Every file is reviewed, reducing the chances of unknown viruses taking action.
  • On-demand scanning - On-demand scanning can be scheduled or run manually whenever you want it to. Unlike on-access scanning, it’s a scan you initiate to read (with permission) any file or the entire computer. It doesn’t happen automatically unless set to do so.

Platforms supported

Performance and Protection

Malware Protection

Malicious software applications or programs can cause huge damage and loss of data (personal/other) once they gain access to your computer.

They can connect through USB drives, hard drives, and other files or downloads found on the web. It’s harder dealing with the attacks and aftermath than actually avoiding it from the beginning.

Sophos Antivirus software stops malware with:

  • Sophos Home Linux
  • On-demand scanning
  • Malware scan and clean

Ransomware Detection

Many companies have unfortunately suffered ransomware attacks.

Sophos Intercept X is considered the best ransomware protection yet. It works by using behavioral analysis to prevent unnoticed ransomware along with boot record attacks.

Crytoboard technology secures servers and endpoints to prevent unauthorized file encryption done by malicious software.

Sophos Antivirus Linux software prevents ransomware attacks with:

  • EDR Protection
  • Exploit Prevention
  • Ransomware Protection

Phishing Detection

As a cybersecurity product, Sophos phishing solution increases resilience against cybercriminals and phishing attacks.

Most phishing sites are hard to detect as they masquerade as secure and safe sites. Once you enter your information, it’s given to unknown fraudsters.

Sophos watches network traffic and helps detect these sites. You’ll receive a pop-up message, and the malicious content will be blocked.

Spyware Detection

Without users’ knowledge, spyware can be installed on their computers. It’s usually done to track, watch, and listen in, quietly. Having their information leaked out to a third party without their knowledge is a huge risk to most businesses and individuals.

Sophos Home Linux uses artificial intelligence to watch behavior patterns in programs. It can identify suspiciously acting spyware through:

  • Web and social media blockers
  • Windows and Mac scans
  • On-demand scanning
  • Award-winning malware protection

Firewall Protection

Sophos Firewall protection offers a variety of affordable VPN solutions. These are ideal for work-from-home arrangements. 

The Sophos Firewall integrates and works along with Sophos Ecosystems to produce more protection, visibility, and response benefits. This way, less effort is put into managing security as the systems get more and more advanced.

Randsomware ProtectionAnti-spywareXtreme Protection

Privacy and Security

The Sophos virus download comes in handy considering that it offers protection on different features on your Linux. 

The virus can be detected before it can cause harm. There are available features like web and social media blockers, Sophos home Linux, and exploit prevention.

Web Protection

Web Protection 2

Pricing Plans

The Sophos Anti-Virus Linux and its updates are free, which makes it accessible to almost anyone. If you’d like additional services, you can purchase other versions of the software.

Ease of Use and Interface

Compared to most antivirus software, Sophos for Linux is relatively easy to use, from the installation process to running your scans. 

After installing it, all documents that you open, copy, rename, and save are scanned through on-access scanning. No time is wasted as the scans happen quickly and quietly and don’t cause any slowdowns to your systems. 

If a threat is detected, it’s stopped and a pop-up appears.

On-demand scanning can be rescheduled to run after a set period.
These software are all made to be understandable and easy for the user through the use of advanced technology. It also helps that support is readily available for any challenge you might face.

Sophos Anit-Virus Linux and Sophos Home Linux effectively tackle the collection and misuse of data before it’s too late. This is achieved through the use of programs like:

  • Ransomware detection
  • Spyware detection
  • Firewall protection

Walkthrough

How to Set it Up and Uninstall

Installing the Sophos Anti-Virus Linux is one of the easiest and quickest steps to acquiring your Sophos protection. Below are steps to follow:

  • Before you start your installation process, ensure that you meet the system requirements, which can be found on the Sophos Anti-Virus Linux System Requirements page.
  • Access your Licensing Portal using your Sophos ID.
  • Select “Endpoint / Server Protection.”
  • Add your product credentials by providing your Product License username and password.
  • Select “Download Software.”
  • On Standalone Installers, you can either select “Endpoint and Server for Linux” or “Endpoint and Server for UNIX.”
  • After downloading the relevant tarball for the platform, copy to a temporary directory.
    For example:   /tmp
  • Change to a temporary directory. Once complete, untar the bar.
    Example: cd /tmp then tar -xzvf tarball
  • Load the install script/sophos-av/install.sh.
  • On-screen instructions will appear and you will need to follow and complete them.
  • Select the automatic update type you require, which in this case is Sophos.
  • Fill in your username and password ( Found in your Sophos License Schedule PDF.)
  • Once the installation is complete, run the command below to ensure that on access demand is working.
    /opt/sophos-av/bin/savdstatus

UNINSTALL:

  • On the computer you want to uninstall your Sophos for Linux, run the /opt/sophos-av/uninstall.sh.

Uninstalling the script will delete:

  • All system startups and entries in association with Sophos for Linux Download.
  • Sophos Antivirus for Linux man pages.
  • On demand Savscan scanning in /usr/local/bin.
  • /opt/sophos-av and all its contents.

Installing
Uninstalling

Is Sophos the Right Choice for Linux 100?

Without a doubt, Sophos is a great choice for Linux. 

Although it might not suit everyone, it has a lot to offer to Linux users. Various features accommodate the main aspects of what is expected of the software.

It’s relatively easy to navigate, and it delivers services that help prevent virus attacks from different security features such as Malware Protection, Spyware Detection, Ransomware Detection, and many more.

Make sure system requirements are met before you consider installing your Sophos antivirus on your Linux. Find out if the installations are compatible, and if Sophos' services will fulfill your demands.