Kaspersky arrives on the home Linux market: what it offers, how much it costs, and how it compares

The arrival of a home antivirus from Kaspersky on Linux desktops marks a turning point that many did not see coming: The idea that "there are no viruses in Linux" is no longer tenable With current data and the increase in threats, although GNU/Linux maintains a solid security foundation, the landscape is changing rapidly, and home users are now also in the crosshairs.

In recent years, the creation of malware for open platforms, driven by its massive adoption in servers, development and, increasingly, in personal computers. Kaspersky responds with a "home" product for Linux It provides real-time analytics, web protection, and secure banking features, seeking to close gaps where many previously relied solely on permissions and repositories.

Kaspersky arrives on Linux desktops: context and why now

According to data presented by the company, the volume of malicious families and variants targeting Linux it would have multiplied twentyfold in five yearsThis is not a minor detail, because it changes the perception of risk even for those who use "mainstream" distros like Ubuntu on a daily basis.

The attempted attack that affected the ecosystem through the xz utility was described as one of the most widespread Linux attacks ever seen. serving as a warning that the supply chain is also a target.

In this context, Kaspersky's proposal seeks to protect both the technical user and the general user who browses, shops online, and transfers files through USB. The focus is no longer just on classic malwarePhishing, fraud, and identity manipulation complete the picture of threats seen daily.

What does the new Kaspersky for home Linux bring?

The home package incorporates AI-assisted scanning, behavior analysis, and real-time system monitoring. It includes anti-phishing and payment protection to tighten online banking and shopping sessions, as well as monitoring email and web traffic to cut downloads dangerous and cloned pages.

Another important area is removable media: antivirus software. automatically checks USB drives and other media as soon as they are connected, a vector historically undervalued by Linux users but highly exploited in mixed environments.

Compatibility, formats and price

The installation is designed for 64-bit Linux systems with DEB and RPM packages. The distributions mentioned include: Ubuntu, ALT Linux, Uncom and RED OSThis covers a wide range of needs for both home and professional use. Commercially, the product is offered below the steps. Standard, Plus and PremiumIn Linux, the functions are equivalent across plans, and the Standard plan—designed to protect a single computer— It starts at $38,99/year with a 30-day trial..

It is worth noting that Kaspersky already offered utilities and managed solutions for Linux, but now it is focusing on the home desktop with a comprehensive approach. This adds the "all-in-one" real-time protection layer that many missed in consumption.

Linux remains robust, but it is not invulnerable.

The design of permissions, process segregation, and signed repositories provide an excellent foundation. However, the risk does not disappear When you share files daily, install third-party software, or connect other people's devices. portable And for tabletops, an extra layer can prevent surprises.

The increased adoption of Linux in development and cloud computing has made it more attractive to attackers. Social engineering and online fraud They work equally well on any operating system when the user trusts them too much, so browser protection and anti-phishing filtering become key components.

Antivirus options on Linux: what's really available for the home user

If you rely on generic searches and listings, it seems like there are plenty of alternatives. The reality, however, is that For personal desktops, the options are limited. And many brands apply their offer only to servers or companies.

• ClamAV + ClamTkOpen-source engine with a graphical interface; ideal for on-demand analysis. It does not have built-in real-time monitoring, but it is lightweight and very stable.
• Sophos AntivirusIn its personal version, it offered real-time and on-demand protection with a console interface; versatile and compatible with multiple distributions.
• Comodo AntivirusIt even included real-time and firewall functionality, with a GUI; however, Their official website has experienced technical difficulties. download speed, a point that reduces confidence.
• ESET for Linux: paid version for individual computers, easy to install and with backend business available for centralization if needed.
• Bitdefender: geared towards businesses through GravityZone; requires deployment and more technical knowledge.
• KVRT (Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool)Portable on-demand disinfection tool; does not replace a resident antivirus. But it's valuable as a second opinion. without installation.
• Avast, McAfee, F-Secure, AVGTheir public focus on Linux is centered on enterprise/server environments or under centralized management, without a clear home desktop line.

Recent practical tests show that ClamAV + ClamTk is a solid choice if you want something free to scan when you need it. ESET fits the profile of “paying for ease of use and real-time”And if you're looking for something extra, Kaspersky's KVRT spot scanner adds detection without running in the background.

What the comparisons say and nuances by manufacturer

Independent compilations confirmed that several brands They only offer the business version. or require management consoles (ePO, hubs, or cloud services) to function on Linux. In the case of Kaspersky, file and email scanning with unified web management was already available before the home release; The next step is to bring the complete "home" experience with real-time protection for those who are not going to set up an administration server.

Quick guides for Debian and derivatives: installing and using

We've provided some handy shortcuts—designed for Debian/Ubuntu and compatible with other derivatives—so you can try several options without getting lost between documents.

1) ClamAV + ClamTk (free and open source)

Installing and updating signatures from the official repository on apt systems: standard apt process without relying on external scripts.

sudo apt update
sudo apt -y install clamav clamav-daemon clamtk
sudo freshclam

To analyze a specific route recursively, you can run an on-demand scan. Remember that he is not a resident unless you combine it with additional services.

clamscan -r /ruta/a/escanear

The ClamTk graphical interface makes it more accessible to use: launch “clamtk” from the menu and terminal to configure, schedule, and scan files or directories.

If you want to maximize detection capabilities, there are advanced settings for clamd. Note: This configuration requires 16 GB of RAM

DetectPUA true
ExcludePUA PUA.Win.Packer
ExcludePUA PUA.Win.Trojan.Packed
ExcludePUA PUA.Win.Trojan.Molebox
ExcludePUA PUA.Win.Packer.Upx
ExcludePUA PUA.Doc.Packed
MaxScanTime 120000
MaxScanSize 2048M
MaxFileSize 2048M
MaxRecursion 30
MaxFiles 15000
MaxEmbeddedPE 2048M
MaxHTMLNormalize 2048M
MaxHTMLNoTags 2048M
MaxScriptNormalize 2048M
MaxZipTypeRcg 50M
PCREMaxFileSize 2048M

Expand signatures for ClamAV

Some vendors publish additional ClamAV-compatible signatures to improve zero-day detection. SecuriteInfo offers paid plans and a free personal option. (one IP). For professional use (up to 10 IPs), their offer is around €29,90 per year.

You can register and download the signatures from the provider's website: link to SecuriteInfo. Integrate the signatures following their instructions to avoid disrupting the system update flow.

2) ESET for Linux (paid, easy to deploy)

The installer for x86_64 allows an interactive mode or the extraction of packages for your distro. You will need to activate with a license. and you can manage it from your console if you wish.

chmod +x eeau_x86_64.bin
sudo ./eeau_x86_64.bin
# Alternativa: extraer .deb/.rpm y resolver dependencias
./eeau_x86_64.bin -n
sudo apt -y install ./eea-12.0.12.0-deb12.x86_64.deb

The key is managed via ESET HUB and, if you work in a small environment, You can centralize with ESET PROTECTConsult their official guide for fine compatibility details.

3) KVRT (Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool)

KVRT is a portable executable designed to clean infections: it serves as a second opinion. It does not replace a resident nor does it maintain continuous protection.

chmod +x kvrt.run
./kvrt.run --help
# Modo usuario
./kvrt.run --allowuser
# Modo root (pedirá contraseña) o con sudo
./kvrt.run
sudo ./kvrt.run

As it is a point-in-time tool, updates are obtained by downloading the latest binary. Use it when you suspect an infection or you want to validate a system after installing another solution.

Constructive criticism of the antivirus sector from a Linux perspective

Confusion of basic terms

Too many websites say "for PC and macOS", as if "PC" were a system. PC stands for “Personal Computer”, not synonymous with WindowsIt may seem minor, but it reflects a lack of precision that doesn't help anyone looking for real support in Linux.

Websites that fail precisely where they should inspire trust

Cases like Comodo's download page—with errors and inoperative downloads— undermine the credibility of the productIf the public face fails, it's reasonable for the user to hesitate before installing anything with elevated permissions.

Limited information on compatibility

Finding clear matrices of support for desktop Linux is sometimes an odyssey; Many brands only detail server editions or centralized solutions, without landing on the scenario of a laptop with Debian/Ubuntu.

Historical abandonment

Some manufacturers that once shone in Linux, like the old Panda in past stages, They ended up withdrawing versions for GNU/LinuxToday, with the rise of the Linux desktop, that absence is more noticeable than ever.

Kaspersky Security Center on Linux: Key New Features by Version

Although the new home antivirus does not require a corporate console, Kaspersky's professional ecosystem on Linux has grown considerably. Security Center (KSC) for Linux It incorporates, generation by generation, improvements that matter to anyone managing mixed fleets.

• KSC 16 LinuxSupport for FreeIPA and ALD Pro domain controllers; single sign-on (SSO) via Kerberos for the Web Console; the Linux 16 administration server solo Works with Web Console 16; revamped navigation, renamed sections and option to minimize the menu; filter saving correction in vulnerability/update tables; compatibility with Kaspersky NGFW; supported systems include MosOS 15.5 Arbat, Windows 11 25H2 and CentOS 6.4/6.6. Possibility of testing Kaspersky Next XDR Optimum with secondary server and key deployment on endpoints.
• KSC 15.3–15.4 Linux: removal of klcsngtgui and recommendation of klnagchk; Network Agent extends support to Windows Server 2025 and Fedora 41; DBMS: PostgreSQL/Postgres Pro 17Selective download of modules/signatures with Kaspersky Update Utility; KSN proxy statistics; migration from KSC Windows (SQL Server) to PostgreSQL with klbackup; configurable server connection address; centralized reboot of devices; visible Linux user sessions; remote access to Linux and Windows via agent (RDP/VNC/WDS); remote upload/execution of diagnostic tools and download of results.
• KSC 15.1–15.2 Linux: administration of mobile devices from the Web Console (iOS MDM, Android, Security for iOS and Endpoint Security for Aurora); vulnerability and patch management for Windows; extended policy auditing; Cloud Discovery for monitoring cloud service usage; MDR support; inventory of hardware Improved on macOS; remote package execution; revocation of local privileges and password change; manageable root certificates; DBMS PostgreSQL/Postgres Pro 16.x supported clusters; backup/restore between Windows and Linux with klbackup (incl. MySQL/MariaDB).
• KSC 15 LinuxActive Directory and Samba scanning via server or distribution point; DBMS PostgreSQL/Postgres Pro 15.x and up to 50.000 managed devices; migration wizard from KSC Windows; support for Kaspersky industrial/virtualization solutions; remote diagnostics; category-based application control; export/import of event selections; Specific view for clusters and arrays in assets; notices about the end of support for legacy platforms.
• KSC 14/14.2 LinuxA Linux server can be the primary server in the hierarchy and manage secondary Windows or Linux servers; KSN compatibility, KSN proxy and KPSNKES for Windows administration; interface for downloading/updating packages and add-ons; automatic verification of access to Kaspersky servers with backup public DNS; AES encryption in transit between servers/agents; export/import of policies and tasks. Antispam engine with EASUS (push updates in less than a minute) and cloud reputation filtering for quarantine and re-evaluation, reducing false positives.

For those who manage an organization, the evolution of KSC on Linux allows for the integration of heterogeneous endpoints, Improve governance and visibility and migrate from Windows without losing data or policies.

Embedded Linux and the market pull

Kaspersky has integrated Linux support into Kaspersky Embedded Systems Security (KESS) And it offers it at no extra cost, geared towards ATMs, POS terminals, kiosks, and other devices. This multi-layered solution meets regulatory requirements and addresses real-world threats in the embedded environment.

Key features combine file integrity monitoring (FIM), centralized event management, and integration with third-party SIEMs. It helps to comply with frameworks such as PCI DSS, SWIFT CSCF or HIPAAproviding the auditing and traceability that regulators require.

Growth is on the rise: according to market estimates, Linux reached approximately $5.330 billion in 2021 and could approach $22.150 billion in 2029, with a growth rate close to 19,8%. More deployments imply greater interest from crime.Kaspersky recorded more than 14,5 million automated attacks against Linux-based systems in the first half of 2023 and detected 260.000 new malicious files (about 1.400 per day).

In that context, a top-tier brand bringing its expertise to the home desktop is not just marketing: The goal is to stop self-propagating infections, harden the browser and prevent credential theft, which is often the entry point these days.

Beyond antivirus: suites and services from the Kaspersky ecosystem

If you're looking for an "all-in-one" package, Kaspersky Premium It adds features to the antivirus such as VPN unlimited, password managerPC status check, identity protection, parental controls, and remote technical support. It also includes a two-way firewall and stalkerware detection. protection against crypto threatsData leak detection, password health, secure document wallet, and home network monitor.

In their support modality, specialists can eliminate existing infections and perform PC multipoint health checksFor those who don't want to struggle with the settings, this layer of help is a game-changer.

Some distributors, such as 2GO Software, stand out for their added services: installation guarantee, no automatic renewalsA 100% original license and immediate delivery after purchase. These are details that make life easier for non-technical users.

There is also Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud For those who manage multiple devices and want a simple console: 24/7 protection on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS with anti-ransomware, password manager, parental controls, leak detection and Wi-Fi monitoring, in addition to disk checking and real-time alerts if an unauthorized device appears on your network.

For those still using Security Cloud as a family, the Personal (3 or 5 devices) and Family (up to 20) editions differed in scope and parental controls, adapting to homes with multiple devices and supervision needs.

The Secure Connection VPN reinforces the trifecta of security, privacy, and freedom. preventing interceptions and allowing anonymous browsing and access to international content within legal limits.