This new tool for Linux removes malware and scans for threats, and it's completely free

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Kasperskysays it can help protect your Linux systems for free

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Kaspersky has unveiled a new Linux-specific malware scanner that can protect against known threats and keep your system clean.

The KVRT tool is completely free and works using a database of known threats to scan for all kinds of malware that could be abusing legitimate applications or hoovering your data, and securely quarantines them.

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Kaspersky KVRT

The program is built to work on a wide range of Linux distributions, including CentOS, Linux Mint, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, Debian, openSUSE and SUSE, among many more. And don’t worry if your Linux of choice isn’t on the list of supported distributions, as it is likely the programme will work anyway according to Kaspersky.

When the programme finds a harmful file, it will offer to clean it up, and quarantine a non-harmful copy in a directory located at ‘/var/opt/KVRT2024_Data/Quarantine’.

“Our application can scan system memory, startup objects, boot sectors, and all files in the operating system for known malware. It scans files of all formats — including archived ones,” Kaspersky said in its blog post announcing KVRT’s release.

The programme is recommended to be run using a root account to ensure that it can access all the nooks and crannies a harmful file could be hiding, including system memory and boot sectors. Unfortunately, there is no way to have KVRT scan on startup as the programme must be run manually each time. It also can’t monitor for attack in real time, so be sure to scan regularly to keep yourself protected.

For those not running a Linux system, you may be better off taking a look at some of the best antivirus.

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Benedict Collins
Benedict Collins
Senior Writer, Security

Benedict is a Senior Security Writer at TechRadar Pro, where he has specialized in covering the intersection of geopolitics, cyber-warfare, and business security.

Benedict provides detailed analysis on state-sponsored threat actors, APT groups, and the protection of critical national infrastructure, with his reporting bridging the gap between technical threat intelligence and B2B security strategy.

Benedict holds an MA (Distinction) in Security, Intelligence, and Diplomacy from the University of Buckingham Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS), with his specialization providing him with a robust academic framework for deconstructing complex international conflicts and intelligence operations, and the ability to translate intricate security data into actionable insights.