# Does Moodle scan files for viruses on upload?

To avoid the risk that an uploaded file in a Moodle site might have a virus which could spread to the computer of a student who downloaded and ran it (e.g. a Microsoft Word file with a virus) many learning management systems at <span class="caps">UCLA</span> (Engineering and Social Sciences and others?) currently scan uploaded files for viruses.

According to this Moodle Forum posting by Martin Dougiamas (moodle chief architect), Moodle does as well:

“Moodle 1.5 works together with ClamAV (an open source anti-virus program for Linux) to scan all incoming files (at the time they are uploaded) for known viruses (this includes assignments, attachments, etc etc)” – [http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=14903](http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=14903) (Registration required)

This doesn’t happen automatically on a simple Moodle install though. You need to both install Clam AV [http://www.clamav.net/](http://www.clamav.net/) and configure Moodle to use it.

1. Site Administration
2. Security
3. Anti-virus
4. Then answer these questions: 
    - Use clam AV on uploaded files (checkbox)
    - clam AV path
    - Quarantine directory
    - On clam AV failure – choose one 
        - Treat Files As OK
        - Treat Files As Viruses