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All computers used for University Business, regardless of ownership, must use anti-virus or anti-malware software to prevent infection from malware.
The University provides anti-malware and security software for most University-owned computers. Contact your department's tier 1 support or the UCO Service Desk for information about the current University-provided anti-virus products that are appropriate for a University-owned computer. Personally-owned anti-virus/anti-malware software should not be loaded onto University-owned computers, as these products may interfere with University-managed security solutions.
For personally-owned computers, an up-to-date, supported operating system (e.g., Windows, Mac OS) ships with built-in security software that is rarely rivaled by off-the-shelf security/anti-malware solutions. However, if another layer of security is desired, owners should consider one of the many free or paid anti-virus and anti-malware tools available for your particular operating system.
Links to some of the available solutions are provided below. Please review vendor documentation and consult with your device manufacturer for compatibility. All installed software, especially the underlying operating system, should be updated frequently to address security issues. Virus/malware scans should be scheduled on a regular basis to catch anything that may have evaded initial scans.
MacOS
See Apple security information
Some third-party software is also available:
Windows OS
See the Windows Security app information
Windows offers an always-on defense with Microsoft Defender. No need to download - Microsoft Defender comes standard on Windows 11 as part of Windows Security, protecting your data and devices in real time with a full suite of advanced safeguards.
Some third-party software is also available:
In addition to these applications, a good anti-malware solution like SuperAntiSpyware is offered for the PC and MalwareBytes is offered for the Mac.
Note: You can only use one (1) anti-virus application at a time (remove the current application before installing a new one). However, you can have an anti-virus plus an anti-malware application installed together. These two will work in concert to offer you better protection for your system.
Whichever application you choose, understand that none of them can completely safeguard your data. It’s up to you to keep your system protected by being wary of any suspicious emails or downloads. Also, routinely backup your data!