Overview

Anti-virus software protects your computer and Northwestern's networks from viruses, spyware, ransomware and other malicious software. Anti-virus software scans your computer's applications, programs, and files to known viruses, worms, and other types of malware. New viruses and malware are constantly being created so your anti-virus software requires constant virus definition updates. Your anti-virus software on your computer should have auto-updates turned on by default.

Students Responsibilities

• You are responsible for the behavior of any personally-owned computer that will be connected to the campus network (wired or Wi-Fi). 
• You must take all reasonable precautions, including running antivirus software on your computer and keeping your virus definitions up to date.
  

Don't have an Anti-virus?

If you do not have computer anti-virus protection, the IT Service Desk recommends using one of the following programs:

Windows Computers: 

• Windows Security (free, built into Windows 10/11)
• Bitdefender (free/paid)
• Kaspersky (paid)

Apple Computers: 

• Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition (free)
• Bitdefender (free/paid)
• Kaspersky (paid)