Malware and Virus Prevention
Overview of malware and viruses
Modern malware and viruses don't always interfere with use of your computer, but silently steal University and personal information or resources.
How to prevent a Virus or Malware from stealing data and resources from your computer or mobile
Surprisingly, security updates are even more effective than anti-virus. Researchers update anti-virus once a virus has been caught infecting computers and has been analyzed. Security updates close the flaws that virus creators need to make malware work. Updates are prevention; Anti-virus is reaction. You still benefit from anti-virus, but you benefit more from updates.
Do this:
- Set your computer's operating system and apps to automatically update.
- University computers should update with Windows Software Update Service (WSUS) and Device Management.
- Personal computers use browsercheck.pepperdine.edu to find missing updates.
- Maintain an up-to-date anti-virus software on your device.
- Learn more about device updates and anti-virus with the Information Security Office's quick reference guides.
What systems should have Anti-virus software?
- University owned systems MUST have ENTERPRISE Sophos Intercept X Advanced.
- Pepperdine anti-virus is installed via Device Management.
- If you don't see the Sophos S-shield icon in your Mac menu bar or Windows system tray, contact Tech Central.
- For personal Windows & Macintosh computers ISO recommends FREE Sophos anti-virus.
- For personal Android mobiles ISO recommends install Sophos Mobile Security.