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ClamAV is a free, open-source antivirus toolkit for scanning files and supporting email-gateway security. It can run one-time scans, provide a scanning daemon for repeated or integrated jobs, and—on supported Linux systems—perform on-access scanning. It is not a complete endpoint-security suite, so it should not be presented as an all-in-one replacement for broader device protection.
What is ClamAV?
ClamAV is an open-source antivirus toolkit licensed under GNU General Public License version 2. The project is designed especially for scanning email on mail gateways, but its command-line tools can also scan files. The ClamAV documentation is explicit: “ClamAV is not a traditional anti-virus or endpoint security suite.” Read the official ClamAV documentation.
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That distinction matters when choosing it. ClamAV provides scanning components that administrators can configure and integrate; it does not, by itself, amount to a complete modern endpoint-protection package. Its features and supported platforms also vary by operating system and setup. Check the current platform and functionality information for the version and system you plan to use.
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Choose the right way to scan
| Option | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
clamscan |
Occasional command-line scans | Simple to invoke and intended for one-time scans; it is not a persistent process. |
clamd with clamdscan |
Repeated scans or applications that need a scanning service | clamd is a multithreaded daemon, so it requires configuration and careful control of access to its socket. |
clamonacc / on-access scanning |
Supported Linux systems that need checks as files are accessed | Platform- and configuration-dependent; it is not a universal real-time protection feature. |
For a manual check, clamscan is usually the simplest starting point. Use a daemon-based setup when a recurring workflow or another application needs to submit files for scanning. On-access scanning is a separate Linux-specific configuration, not something enabled merely by running clamscan. See the official scanning guide for tool behavior and options.
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How to install ClamAV
Installation depends on the operating system and distribution source. Available approaches include a platform package manager, ClamAV installers, official Docker images, or building from source. Package managers can simplify installation and updates, while other approaches may require more manual setup. Follow the instructions for the exact platform and source you choose rather than mixing configuration defaults from different installation methods.
- Check platform support. Review the current platform list and functionality table before installing; supported systems and versions change.
- Select an installation source. Use your operating system’s package manager, an official installer, an official Docker image, or a source build according to your deployment needs. The installation guide describes the documented routes.
- Set up the configuration and permissions required by that route. Depending on the installer and operating system, you may need to create or edit
freshclam.confandclamd.conf, configure the service user, and ensure the database directory has appropriate ownership and permissions. - Update the signature databases before scanning. ClamAV’s scanning engine requires installed virus database files. Use FreshClam as described below, then run a scan with the tool suited to your task.
The ClamAV functionality table lists versions 1.5.4 and 1.4.6 as August 2026 critical-bug-fix releases. That is a dated snapshot, not a guarantee that those are the latest versions when you install: check the live table and the version offered by your chosen package source.
How to update ClamAV virus definitions
ClamAV needs signature databases to scan. FreshClam downloads and updates the official databases; without database files, the scanning engine cannot run. The official CVD collection is maintained by Cisco Talos, and CVD files are digitally signed containers. See the signature-management guide.
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How to scan files with ClamAV
For an occasional scan, use clamscan with the file or directory you want to check. Its role is a straightforward one-time scan, not continuous monitoring. For repeated scanning, configure the clamd daemon and use a client such as clamdscan; this adds service configuration and socket-security responsibilities. The official scanning documentation covers the available commands and options.
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For scanning as files are accessed, ClamAV provides clamonacc on modern Linux systems. It is a separate, platform-specific on-access arrangement that relies on the daemon and suitable configuration. Do not infer that a one-time command-line scan—or every ClamAV installation—provides real-time checking.
Is ClamAV real-time antivirus?
Not in the broad sense of a universal, fully featured endpoint-security suite. ClamAV supports Linux on-access scanning through ClamOnAcc on modern Linux systems, but that feature is platform-specific and must be configured. clamscan itself is not a persistent process. A daemon such as clamd stays available for clients to request scans, but that is not the same as on-access scanning.
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Keep the daemon and signature setup secure
- Do not expose the
clamdTCP socket to the public Internet. The socket does not authenticate clients. Any host that can reach it can issue commands. Prefer a local Unix socket, or tightly restrict network access where a TCP connection is necessary. See the official clamd configuration guide. - Limit who can change signatures or configuration. Ensure the service account and database-directory permissions let FreshClam perform updates without granting unnecessary access.
- Be cautious with third-party bytecode signatures. The project warns that bytecode signatures function like executable plugins and have less sandboxing than WebAssembly. ClamAV does not run unsigned bytecode by default; do not enable third-party bytecode casually. See the bytecode-signature guidance.
ClamAV can be a useful, configurable scanning component for file checks and mail-gateway workflows. Its command-line scanner, daemon, and Linux on-access option serve different purposes; matching the setup to the job—and keeping databases current and service access restricted—is essential.
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