Security

Malware Information

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Overview

Unfortunately, viruses, worms and trojans (commonly referred to as malware) are very prolific on the Internet, spreading world-wide in a matter of hours or days. West Virginia University uses a variety of tools and measures to detect and prevent malware from compromising computers on the University's network. In fact, these measures prevent more than 50,000 viruses, worms and trojans from entering the University's network every day. Unfortunately, these measures will not and cannot fully protect your computer. You must install an Internet security suite on your computer and keep it up-to-date.

Internet security suites employ anti-virus and anti-spyware scanners, along with intrusion prevention software and a firewall. The anti-virus scanner, intrusion prevention software and firewall will help protect you from malware.

If you purchased an Internet security suite with a new computer, use caution. In most cases, this software is a trial version which expires in 30 - 90 days. If you do not renew the subscription at the end of the trial period, the software will no longer download updated threat definition files, rendering it useless. The subscription must be renewed each year and typically costs $30 or more. Alternatively, WVU has licensed Symantec Endpoint Protection for all students, faculty, and staff.

Symantec Endpoint Protection

WVU has a site license for Symantec Endpoint Protection, available to WVU students at no charge. The University's license allows students to keep up-to-date with the latest threat definitions, without requiring a personal subscription. You are licensed to use this software on your personal PC as long as you are a WVU student and WVU maintains a valid licensing agreement with Symantec Corporation.

Important: Before installing Symantec Endpoint Protection, make sure you do not have an anti-virus program or Internet security suite already installed. Some common packages include the following:

• McAfee AntiVirus (McAfee Internet Security)
• Command AntiVirus
• Symantec Norton AntiVirus (Norton Internet Security or Norton 360)
• Trend Micro
• AVG Anti-Virus

Questions/Support

If you are having trouble installing Symantec Endpoint Protection, feel free to contact the OIT Help Desk for support.