Eliana Willis

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Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETZDNET key takeawaysIf you share files on Linux, you should consider an AV tool.If you happen upon questionable URLs, you can scan them first.Lenspect is a free Linux tool for both of those purposes.Linux, in and of itself, doesn’t require anti-virus or anti-malware. However, if you share a lot of files with other people, you should probably consider a tool to detect if that file is malicious or not. Additionally, if you need to visit a website that could be suspect, you should have some means of testing it.With Linux, you have options. For example, there’s ClamAV, which has both a command-line and a GUI option. Of course, for some users new to Linux, ClamAV might be a bit intimidating. Fortunately, however, as good as it is, it’s not the only option. Also: Thinking about switching to Linux? 10 things you need to knowOne alternative option is the newest kid on the block, called Lenspect. It’s developed by VirusTotal, and it makes checking files for viruses and malware very easy. The only caveat is that you have to have a VirusTotal API key (which can be had for free). Let me show you how to install and use Lenspect, so you can ensure the files you share with others aren’t dangerous.Just FYI: VirusTotal is owned by Chronicle, a subsidiary of Google. It was created by the Spanish security company Hispasec Sistemas and was acquired by Google in 2012. So, if you aren’t a big fan of Google, this tool might not be for you.Installing LenspectWhat you’ll need: The only things you’ll need for this are a Linux distribution that supports Flatpak (which is most of them) and your VirusTotal API key.Installing Lenspect is very simple. Here’s how. More

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alengo / E+ / Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Clickfix attacks surged 500% in early 2025. Cybercriminals now use AI in BEC scams. AI is making phishing harder to detect. Cybercriminals are shifting their techniques to focus on the human element, with Clickfix social engineering […] More

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