.ndb

Extension: ClamAV Extended Signature File

Developer: Sourcefire

The .ndb file extension signifies a ClamAV Extended Signature File, created by Sourcefire (now part of Cisco). These files aren’t directly usable by typical computer users; they’re essentially supplemental virus definition updates for the ClamAV antivirus engine. Think of them as specialized add-ons containing virus signatures that go beyond the standard ClamAV database. This means they can detect threats that the main database might miss, offering an extra layer of protection against newly emerging or particularly elusive malware. They’re crucial for keeping ClamAV’s virus detection capabilities up-to-date and comprehensive. It’s important to note that you won’t find a program that directly “opens” an .ndb file like you would a document or image.

Instead, these files are integrated into the ClamAV system. To utilize the virus definitions within an .ndb file, you need to have ClamAV installed and configured correctly. The process usually involves placing the .ndb file in a specific directory designated by ClamAV’s configuration. After adding the file, you’ll need to update ClamAV’s database (often using a command-line tool depending on your operating system), which incorporates the new signatures. Without a properly configured ClamAV environment, the .ndb file remains essentially inert. Therefore, interacting with .ndb files directly isn’t possible; their function is entirely within the context of the ClamAV antivirus program.