Sophos has announced the new version of Sophos Anti-Virus for Linux, which now includes on-access scanning for Linux platforms.
SAV for Linux version 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, Sophos claims high-speed scans. It includes support for new kernels released by more than 20 distributions of Linux, including the main versions of Red Hat, Suse and TurboLinux, catering for customers who use standard Linux distributor-supplied kernels as well as users that customise their Linux kernels.
“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,” says Brett Myroff, CEO of South African Sophos distributor, Netxactics.
All entry points into an organisation’s network need to be protected against attacks, says Myroff. Without protection, threats designed for other operating systems such as Windows can reside on Linux machines.
“Quality protection, including on-access scanning at each Linux server, will block all known threats — whether they come from e-mail, internet, instant messaging or other vectors.”
Administration, configuration and detailed logging are available through the command-line interface or a browser interface. Virus identity files are automatically updated, while the software can be kept automatically up to date or version controlled.
Sophos offers options to update SAV directly over the internet, or via Windows or Linux servers. E-mail and desktop alerting ensures administrators are kept up to date with any virus related incidences.
“Anti-virus software is the prime component in effectively protecting computers against viruses and spyware. Network administrators and users should also strengthen their technological defences by adopting other sensible measures, such as safe computing,” Myroff adds. — Tectonic