Virus and malware protection

Purpose

Malicious software, including viruses, worms, trojans, and malware, can corrupt or compromise your data, steal credentials and passwords, and impact the performance of your computer systems.

Audience

FACULTY RESEARCHERS ADMIN STAFF IT STAFF STUDENTS

On this page

Initial considerations

SentinelOne Project

• SentinelOne is a cross-platform, next-generation anti-virus solution available to various units across the University.

  • https://isea.utoronto.ca/services/endpoint-protection-program/sentinelone-project/

• Please contact your local IT group to determine if you are eligible for a SentinelOne end-point protection license.

  • https://handbook.security.utoronto.ca/wiki/spaces/ISH/pages/4948958/Contact+us#Information-Technology-(IT)

What can I do?

Install antivirus and antimalware software (end-point protection).

Windows

• Microsoft Defender (included with Windows).

  • Install and/or enable Microsoft Defender.

    • https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/topic/installing-microsoft-defender-ba7d17d7-464b-444d-bb47-990b7278369d

  • Ensure that “real-time protection” is enabled.

    • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/stay-protected-with-windows-security-2ae0363d-0ada-c064-8b56-6a39afb6a963

  • Contact your local IT group for additional assistance.

    • https://handbook.security.utoronto.ca/wiki/spaces/ISH/pages/4948958/Contact+us#Information-Technology-(IT)

MacOS

• XProtect (included with MacOS).

  • Pre-installed, enabled, and updated by default.

    • https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/security/sec469d47bd8/web

  • Contact your local IT group for additional assistance.

    • https://handbook.security.utoronto.ca/wiki/spaces/ISH/pages/4948958/Contact+us#Information-Technology-(IT)

Linux

• Various options.

  • Contact your local IT group for additional assistance.

    • https://handbook.security.utoronto.ca/wiki/spaces/ISH/pages/4948958/Contact+us#Information-Technology-(IT)

  • Common solution(s) include:

    • https://www.clamav.net/

Android, iOS

• For mobile devices, it is particularly important to:

  • Install an effective ad-blocker.

    • Block malicious or invasive ads and webpage content

  • Keep your mobile operating system up to date.

    • Updates and patching

  • Do not jailbreak or root devices. Do you use pirated software or side-load software from outside of the Google Play or Apple Store.

    • https://handbook.security.utoronto.ca/wiki/spaces/ISH/pages/27197481/Baselines+and+configurations#Avoid-removing-software-restrictions-imposed-by-the-manufacturer-on-your-device.

  • Be careful when granting permissions to mobile apps.

Avoid using untrusted software.

• Do not install or use pirated software on devices with access to institutional data.

• Do not sideload software onto mobile devices which bypass the Apple or Google Play Store, as they not subject to scans which flag potential harm.