Another tip in a series provided by the Offices of Information Systems & Computing and Audit, Compliance & Privacy.

While there have been many notable new tools introduced on campus to help safeguard your computing environment, there is still one evergreen tool you should always have: antivirus software. 

Here is a brief list of antivirus tips to help optimize your protection this year and every year:

• Make sure you have Penn’s recommended antivirus software installed on all the computers you use to handle Penn data. Your Local Support Provider (LSP) can help ensure antivirus software is properly installed and configured for your particular local environment. For more information, visit the Supported Products list at https://www.isc.upenn.edu/how-to/current-supported-computing-products

• Keep your virus definitions up-to-date. Antivirus software is only as good as its ability to identify and block specific threats, a list that grows with each passing day. It is recommended that you set your antivirus software to update its virus definitions on a daily basis.

• Beware of virus warnings from sources other than antivirus software that you installed on your device. The Internet is awash in fake virus warnings, many of which are the result of, or actually used to distribute, viruses and other malicious software. These are often seen as pop-up windows in web browsers, and can also take other forms. Question the legitimacy of any antivirus warning whose appearance is unfamiliar to you; contact your LSP if you have questions about unfamiliar alerts, or wish to confirm the health status of your computing setup.

• Bonus tip: Back up your data regularly and frequently. In the event that your computer is compromised by a virus or some other threat, having a recent (and preferably offsite) backup of your data will save your work, and permit you to resume your routine with as little disruption as possible. Check with your LSP to develop the proper backup plan for your needs.

Find your LSP at:https://www.isc.upenn.edu/get-it-help

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For additional tips, see the One Step Ahead link on the Information Security website: www.upenn.edu/computing/security/