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- IT Help Desk
- IT service status
- IT account
- IT equipment and software
- Files and storage
- The University network
- E-learning and Exeter Learning Environment
- AV, video conferencing and learning spaces
- Systems, processes and training
- Telephone services
- IT training
- Open access IT facilities
- IT regulations and policy
- Viruses and Malware
- Sustainability
- See how we are performing against SLA
Virus and Malware protection
If you do not protect your computer against viruses and malware you can lose your own work and cause major problems for yourself and for other network users.
If you connect your computer to the University network (including ResNet), you must have a working anti-virus program.
University owned staff PC's
Academic Services supplies Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) for Windows PCs and Apple Macs. There is no charge for installing this on a University-owned computer. Staff computers should have SEP installed when the computer is set up. You do not need to install other anti virus software. Symantec Endpoint Protection protects against malware such as viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware and rootkits. Updates are delivered automatically. Please contact the IT Help Desk if you have any enquiries about SEP.
Privately owned staff computers
The licence with Symantec allows University staff to install Symantec or Norton AntiVirus (as appropriate) on one privately-owned computer. The software must be removed from the computer when you cease to be a member of the University.
Privately owned student computers running Microsoft Windows
Newly purchased computers often have a trial version of AntiVirus software installed. You will usually be given the option of purchasing this software before it expires.
For privately owned computers Academic Services recommends the use of Microsoft Security Essentials. The latest version of Microsoft Security Essentials is available, as a free download for PC’s running genuine Windows, from http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
You will need an internet connection to download this software.
Before downloading and installing this software you should remove any existing AntiVirus software from your computer. This should be done even if the existing software is out of date. Failure to do this may result in Microsoft Security Essentials, or even your computer, not working correctly.
The support section on http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/ provides information on removing old software, installing Microsoft Security essentials, scanning your computer and fixing threats when detected.
Privately owned student computers running Mac OS X
The Mac is designed with built-in technologies that provide protection against malicious software and security threats right out of the box. However, since no system can be 100 percent immune from every threat, antivirus software may offer additional protection. If you run Windows on your Mac you should install Microsoft Security Essentials on the Windows drive.
General security precautions
You can reduce the risk of getting viruses and spyware by taking five simple steps to increase your PC or Mac’s security:
- Keep your operating system (‘OS’) updated – all manufacturers release regular updates to fix security problems found with their software.
- Install AntiVirus software and keep the virus definitions up to date.
- Make sure your firewall is activated – this can prevent viruses from spreading and stop spyware distributing information found on your computer.
- Manage your Windows or Mac computer correctly by using a "limited" or "standard" accounts for normal use not an "administrator" account. Ensure that all accounts are password protected.
- Manage your web browser by blocking most cookies to prevent unwanted programs from installing without your knowledge.
