freshclam
ClamAV virus database updater
TLDR
SYNOPSIS
freshclam [options]
DESCRIPTION
freshclam downloads and updates ClamAV virus signature databases. It connects to ClamAV mirrors to fetch the latest malware definitions for the clamscan and clamd scanners.The tool can run as a daemon for automatic updates or be triggered manually. Multiple mirrors provide redundancy. Downloaded databases are verified before installation.freshclam is essential for keeping ClamAV effective against new threats.
PARAMETERS
-d, --daemon
Run as background daemon.-c N, --checks N
Daily checks when running as daemon.-v, --verbose
Verbose output.--check
Check for updates without downloading.--config-file FILE
Configuration file path.-l FILE, --log FILE
Log file path.-F, --foreground
When combined with -d, stay in the foreground instead of detaching.-u USER, --user USER
When started as root, drop privileges to the given user.--datadir PATH
Override the database directory (default `/var/lib/clamav`).--stdout
Write all log output to stdout.--show-progress
Show a progress bar during downloads.--quiet
Only print error messages.--no-warnings
Suppress warning messages.--update-db NAME
Only update the named database (`main`, `daily`, `bytecode`).--on-update-execute CMD
Run CMD after a successful update.--on-error-execute CMD
Run CMD when an update fails.-V, --version
Print version information and exit.--help
Display help information.
CONFIGURATION
/etc/clamav/freshclam.conf
Main configuration file controlling database mirrors, update frequency, proxy settings, and notification options.
CAVEATS
Requires network access to mirrors. Download frequency limits apply. Large database downloads on first run.
HISTORY
freshclam is part of ClamAV, the open source antivirus engine. ClamAV was created in 2001 and acquired by Sourcefire (later Cisco), providing free virus scanning for Unix systems.
