One of the most important things you can do to protect your computer from viruses and various forms of malware is to install some version of endpoint protection.
ITS equips all College-owned computers with a managed version of endpoint protection software. Malwarebytes EDR is an advanced antimalware program that provides detection and remediation against ransomware, malware, trojans, rootkits, backdoors, viruses, brute force attacks, and “zero-day” unknown threats. It uses advance AI to detect potential threats based on behavior and provides automatic detection and remediation.
On my College-owned device
Antivirus software is installed on all College-owned Windows and macOS devices by default, and you do not need to install additional software.
On my personal device
Both Windows and macOS have built-in virus protection in the form of Windows Defender (on Windows) and XProtect and Malicious Software Removal Tool (on macOS). These tools are sufficient for most forms of attack.
There are a number of additional options available including Malwarebytes, Sophos Home, Avast, and AVG.
Why Malwarebyes vs built-in endpoint protection?
Malwarebytes includes advanced Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) technology. It is an advanced AI antimalware protection that provides detection and remediation against ransomware, malware, trojans, rootkits, backdoors, viruses, brute force attacks, and “zero-day” unknown threats. Malwarebytes allows for a universal user experience and protection on Windows and macOS devices. It provides a level of protection required in multiple institutional security audits and provides the most current level of protection.
Run a threat scan on my College-owned device
For Windows devices, look for the Malwarebytes icon that looks like an ‘M’ in the bottom right corner of the task bar and right click on the icon. Select ‘Start Threat Scan’. The icon may be hidden if you have the taskbar collapsed.
For macOS devices, look for the Malwarebytes icon that looks like an ‘M’ in the top right side of the menu bar and click on the icon. Select ‘Start Threat Scan’.