Antivirus - Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP)
What is Antivirus Software?
Antivirus software is used on University Systems to help prevent and protect from viruses, spyware, and Malware. Keeping Up-to-date antivirus software is an important step in this process.
Currently, the University of Alaska uses Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP).
Why this program?
Symantec Endpoint Protection provides a number of beneficial features that meet the University's needs, including:
- Symantec is a global leader in anti-virus software and definition updates.
- Symantec provides centralized reporting, allowing for quicker responses to threats..
- Scheduled scan, along with real-time protection.
- Expert vendor support!
How do I get Antivirus Software?
Symantec Endpoint Protection is managed by NTS on Windows computers in the UA Domain; Mac computers are managed by users using Casper.
NTS also has an unmanaged installation of Symantec Endpoint Protection available for Faculty, Staff, and Students to use on personally owned computers.
What should Antivirus users expect?
Computers will be scheduled to perform virus scans after hours. If your computer has been off, or unable to scan. The scan may start the next day, when you are using it. If this happens, you will have the option to pause the scan, so you may continue working. NTS Desktop support recommends you let your computer scan after hours.
How can I tell if my Antivirus is working and up to date?
You can tell if your antivirus is functioning properly and up to date several ways:
For Symantec Endpoint Protection, you can look at your system tray and see the Symantec Shield. It should have a green dot on the lower right corner of the shield. That indicates that there are current virus definitions loaded, and the client is successfully talking to our server.
You can also right click on the the Shield and choose "Open Symantec Endpoint Protection". From there you get a more detailed view of the components of Symantec, as well as what the date of the definitions.