Modern computing devices have great capability, but functions, features and bugs can be exploited by malicious actors to infect your machine with malware that spies on you, steals your data, uses your computer in a botnet or holds your data for ransom. Antivirus software is designed to help protect your computer from these threats. All managed Windows 10/11 and macOS computers are already protected by Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. No additional antivirus software should be installed on these computers. However, computers that are running Windows 10/11 or macOS or older unsupported versions of Windows, are not fully protected.
- Windows 10 or 11 managed (i.e., you log in using your UWindsor email address):
Already protected
If you are running Microsoft Windows 10 or 11, you do not need separate anti-virus. Windows 10 and 11 comes with built-in anti-virus called Microsoft Defender Antivirus which provides basic protection. Additionally, your device is protected by the advanced Microsoft Defender for Endpoint which is centrally managed by IT Services. You do not need any additional anti-virus software installed and IT Services does not recommend that you install a separate anti-virus solution on your machine.
- Windows 10 or 11 un-managed:
Already protected, but it can be better protected.
If you are running Microsoft Windows 10, you do not need separate anti-virus. Windows 10 and 11 comes with built-in anti-virus called Microsoft Defender Antivirus. This is a capable anti-virus solution for Windows 10 and 11 and IT Services feels it is sufficient protection for most users. However, if your machine is not managed by IT Services, you are missing out on protection such as secure configuration and data backup. Please consider having IT Services join your machine to device management.
(To see if Microsoft Defender Antivirus is setup and operating correctly on your computer, run the "Windows Security" app.)
- Windows 8/8.1 or 7:
You should install anti-virus
If you are running an older version of Windows, you need an anti-virus . This is for people running Windows 8/8.1 or Windows 7, IT Services does not recommend Windows Defender on these older and unsupported versions of Windows. See below for anti-virus installation.
IT Services strongly encourages you to get a new computer and does not provide support for these versions of Windows.
- Apple Macintosh managed:
Already protected
If you are using an Apple Mac computer that was enrolled in Intue device management, you do not need ay additional anti-virus package since Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is installed automatically on every managed Mac.
- Apple Macintosh un-managed:
You should install anti-virus
If you are using an Apple Mac computer that was not yet enrolled in Intune device management, you need an anti-virus package. While Macs have a reputation for security, they are increasingly targeted by hackers and the macOS operating system does not come with anti-virus built in.