Antivirus

Every computer should be running antivirus software that automatically updates virus definitions and scans the computer on a regular basis.

Students
All machines connecting to the University network should be running antivirus software. For Windows users, Windows 10 has the built-in Microsoft Defender antivirus that provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and spyware. As for macOS, there are antivirus companies that will provide free antivirus software for non-commercial use listed below. While Loyola University Chicago does not endorse or support any of these companies, you should be aware of your options for free virus protection if you do not wish to purchase antivirus software.

Faculty and Staff
All Loyola computers should be running CrowdStrike antivirus.

For your home computer, if you are on Windows 10, the built-in Microsoft Defender antivirus provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and spyware. You can check the status by visiting the Checking Windows Defender Settings page.

If you are on macOS, you may be able to use one of the free packages listed below. Alternatively, you may prefer to purchase antivirus software.

Updating virus definitions
All antivirus software makes use of virus definitions, which allow the software to recognize the latest viruses. Since new viruses and virus variants are released constantly, it is important to regularly update your virus definitions. Most software programs allow you to schedule updates on a regular basis, which we recommend.

Regular scans
Most antivirus software will allow you to schedule weekly or monthly scans. By scheduling scans at regular intervals, you better protect yourself from new viruses. If you receive a file containing a new virus before the virus definitions for your antivirus software are updated, then you may become infected by that virus. However, if you scan on a weekly basis, you will be notified of the infection and can take the appropriate steps to restore your system.

Antivirus for macOS
Mac invulnerability to malware is a myth. It's time to begin installing antivirus software on our Macs. Malware attacks these days are becoming more and more sophisticated. In the case of Mac Flashback, the infection was spread via hijacked WordPress sites due to a vulnerability in the blog software. This means that trusted blogs visited by Mac users could have been used to spread the infection, reinforcing the disturbing truth that infections don't only happen as a result of visiting shady websites or opening unidentified files. If you worry about the possibility that your own favorite sites could transmit something questionable to your machine through an unpatched vulnerability, adding an extra layer of protection between you and the internet is worth considering.

Example third-party antivirus products