Chkrootkit as a Linux alternative to Malwarebytes
Updated
Our verdict
Chkrootkit can serve as a basic rootkit detector for Linux users who need on‑demand scans of local files and external media. It is suitable for system administrators or power users who prefer a lightweight command‑line tool and are comfortable with manual removal of suspicious files. It does not replace Malwarebytes for Windows users who rely on a full‑featured, GUI‑based anti‑malware suite with real‑time protection and automatic updates.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.59
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both detect rootkits and hidden malware components
- Both perform on‑demand scans of local file systems
- Both provide a log of findings
- Both are available for free
What is different
- Chkrootkit lacks a GUI and real‑time protection
- It does not scan for viruses, spyware, or PUPs beyond rootkits
- No automatic updates of signatures
- No integration with Windows‑style file‑integrity monitoring
- No support for Windows‑specific malware formats
Opening your Malwarebytes files
Chkrootkit cannot open or interpret Malwarebytes database or report files. Users would need to export findings from Malwarebytes to a plain text or CSV format and then manually compare them with Chkrootkit output.
Switching from Malwarebytes to Chkrootkit, step by step
- Install Chkrootkit via your distro’s package manager (e.g., apt install chkrootkit).
- Run "chkrootkit" from a terminal to perform a full system scan.
- Review the output log for any flagged files or hidden processes.
- Manually delete or quarantine any malicious files identified. If needed, use a tool like rkhunter for additional checks.
- Schedule periodic scans with cron for ongoing monitoring.
- Keep the system and kernel updated to reduce rootkit risk.
Key features of Chkrootkit
- Command‑line interface
- Signature‑based rootkit detection
- Checks for hidden processes and files
- Scans kernel modules
- Detects known backdoors
- Provides a log of findings
- Supports multiple Linux distributions
How to install Chkrootkit on Linux
sudo apt install chkrootkitsudo apt install chkrootkitsudo dnf install chkrootkitFrequently asked questions
Does Chkrootkit detect all malware types?
No. It focuses on rootkits, hidden processes, kernel modules, and known backdoors. It does not detect general viruses, spyware, or PUPs. Use additional tools for comprehensive protection.
Can Chkrootkit run in the background?
It is a command‑line tool and does not provide a background daemon. You can schedule scans with cron, but it will not monitor the system in real time.
Is Chkrootkit suitable for everyday users?
It is best for users comfortable with the terminal and who need a lightweight rootkit check. For users seeking a GUI and real‑time protection, a different Linux anti‑virus solution may be preferable.