🛡️ How to Install and Use ClamAV on Ubuntu
📝 Installing and Use ClamAV to Scan Ubuntu for Malware
Keeping your Ubuntu system clean from malicious files is critical — even on Linux. In this guide, you’ll learn how to install, configure, and use ClamAV, a popular open-source antivirus tool, to scan for malware.
📦 Step 1: Install ClamAV
First, update your system and install ClamAV:
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sudo apt update && sudo apt install clamav clamav-daemon -y
This installs the command-line scanner and the background daemon for automatic updates.
🔄 Step 2: Update Virus Definitions
ClamAV uses a virus database that must be kept up to date.
Stop the ClamAV daemon temporarily:
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sudo systemctl stop clamav-freshclam
Manually update the definitions:
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sudo freshclam
Then restart the daemon:
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sudo systemctl start clamav-freshclam
💡 Tip: The daemon will now auto-update definitions in the background.
🧪 Step 3: Run a Manual Scan
To scan your home directory:
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clamscan -r /home/yourusername
To scan your entire system:
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sudo clamscan -r /
Use --bell -i to highlight infected files only:
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sudo clamscan -r --bell -i /
⚙️ Step 4: Automate with Cron
You can run ClamAV daily or weekly using a cron job.
Open your crontab with the nano editor:
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crontab -e
📝 If it’s your first time using
crontab, it may ask you to select an editor. Choosenanoif available (usually option 1).
Add this line to schedule a scan every night at 2 AM:
0 2 * * * clamscan -r /home/yourusername --bell -i >> /var/log/clamav/scan.log
In nano, press Ctrl+O to save, then Enter, and Ctrl+X to exit.
📁 Optional: Use clamdscan for Faster Scans
clamdscan uses the daemon to scan faster than clamscan:
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sudo clamdscan -r /home/yourusername
Make sure the ClamAV daemon is running:
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sudo systemctl status clamav-daemon
✅ You’re Protected
ClamAV isn’t just for servers — it’s also a smart choice for Linux desktops, file gateways, and anything that touches shared files. Stay secure, scan regularly, and automate where possible. ☁️🐧