AntiMalware/AntiVirus

About

Antivirus/Antimalware software is provided on all Brock University managed computers. The service provides the latest virus definitions. Students are required to provide and maintain their own antivirus protection. Students living in Residence should install an antivirus package prior to arrival.

Eligibility

Faculty

Staff

Service Hours

Please view our current support hours.

Service Expectations

The online directory is available 24/7 except during scheduled maintenance and unplanned outages.

Request

To request antivirus, please contact the ITS Help Desk.

Call Us

(905) 688-5550 x 4357

FAQs

Please scroll to the bottom of this page for all frequently asked questions about this service.

Support

The ITS Help Desk is happy to help you. Here’s how you can contact us:

Call Us

(905) 688-5550 x 4357

FAQs

Malware (short for “malicious software) is any type of software created to harm or exploit another piece of software or hardware. Some examples of malware are viruses, ransomware, trojans and spyware. Antimalware or Antivirus software helps protect your computer from outside threats.

Brock University is dedicated to maintaining a malware-free environment in all of its labs, offices, and classrooms.

All faculty and staff office computers and ITS lab computers are protected by either Windows Defender (Windows PCs) or ESET (Macs). These computers have the most up-to-date protection as updates are automatically applied as they become available.

Users will need to maintain antivirus on their personal/home computers.

Students, and faculty or staff with home or personal computers should provide and maintain their own antivirus package.

Please be aware that antivirus packages can expire and may require renewal of subscriptions to continue to receive security updates. A list of free alternatives and other security resources are available here.

  • Setup your antivirus program to update as often as possible. Some programs will provide updates weekly, while others will update daily.
  • Scan everything downloaded or emailed to your computer before opening including any compressed or attached files.
  • Scan as often as possible. If the antivirus program slows your computer when running, schedule it to run at a time your computer is not in use. Many programs will offer a quick scan feature to ensure important operating files are virus free.
  • Schedule your antivirus program to do a scan of ALL FILES on the hard drive at least once a week (nightly if you receive and download files often). If you have turned off some features of your antivirus program to be less aggressive with the system, then setting up extra scans is highly recommended.