Security

Windows Defender
Viruses, especially those spread through e-mail on susceptible systems, are a clear threat to electronic services at RIT.

For Windows, RIT recommends Microsoft Windows Defender, a capable anti-virus program that is built into Windows. Anti-virus software is able to help keep your computer free from infections by computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms. This software is very important - and it must be kept up to date to be effective.

It is important that students leave Windows Defender disabled if they have Norton or any other virus scanner currently on their computer. Having two virus scanners will dramatically decrease the speed of the system. Students can find help if they wish to uninstall another virus scanner by contacting ITS Resnet.

It is best to update virus definitions daily and run a virus scan weekly to ensure that your computer is protected. It only takes a second to update and a few minutes to scan the machine. Taking these simple steps could prevent a time-consuming virus infection later. For more information about using Windows Defender, RIT Students can stop by the ITS Resnet Office in Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry Hall.

Malwarebytes
Although there is a historical perception that Macs do not get viruses, this is largely inaccurate at this point. The increasing number of Apple computers in the world has increased the risk of malware and viruses associated with keeping and unsecured Mac.

For Apple computers, RIT recommends the free version of Malwarebytes, a capable anti-virus program. Anti-virus software is able to help keep your computer free from infections by computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms. This software is very important - and it must be kept up to date to be effective.

It is best to update virus definitions daily and run a virus scan weekly to ensure that your computer is protected. It only takes a second to update and a few minutes to scan the machine. Taking these simple steps could prevent a time-consuming virus infection later. For more information, RIT Students can stop by the ITS Resnet Office in Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry Hall.

Malwarebytes can be downloaded from their website:
https://www.malwarebytes.com/

Students can have their own Antivirus programs while on campus. These programs should have real time scanners and be updated frequently.

One of the most popular and effective anti-spyware solutions, and the personal edition may be downloaded free of charge. A full scan is recommended once the program is installed and updated.

Download Malwarebytes

This is another popular and very effective product, also completely free of charge. Spybot offers some other additional tools for advances users to perform additional troubleshooting, and offers an immunization option that prevents many malicious programs from being able to install. In addition to detecting spyware and adware, Spybot also detects many keylogger, backdoor, and malicious remote control programs that are often installed when a computer is compromised.

Download Spybot

Your Windows computer contains a tool called "Disk Cleanup" that can free up space on your computer's hard drive by deleting unneeded files. To run this program, find it under "All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools" in your computer's start menu. Choose the option to "Clean up system files", then on the screen that comes up select from the types of files that you do not need. For assistance using Windows Disk Cleanup, please visit the Resnet Office in Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry Hall.