Protect your devices

In line with Cyber Security Awareness month, here's what you should know about anti-virus software and how ACU staff and students can get it free on personal devices.

Why should you use anti-virus?

Using an anti-virus application provides an extra layer of security to your device. It will block malware before they spread and do damage. It can also block malicious links (URLs).

To assist staff and students with staying safe, ACU provides Sophos Anti-Virus free of charge for use on up to 10 personal devices (Mac and Windows).

Note: all ACU staff computers have anti-virus installed already.

To install Sophos on your personal computers, follow Service Central knowledgebase article How can I obtain antivirus software for my personal computer?

What settings should I configure?

For best protection ensure the following default settings are turned on:

• Real-Time Protection
• Malicious Traffic Detection
• Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning)
• Exploit Mitigation
• Dynamic shellcode protection
• Risk Reduction
• Ransomware Protection
• Master Boot Record Protection
• Web Protection
• Safe Online Banking
• Download Reputation

Optional settings can also be enabled that include web filtering options to restrict which sites can be accessed on your device. Some key categories to consider setting your anti-virus to filter may include:

• gambling
• adult/explicit content
• alcohol and tobacco
• weapons
• violence
• peer to peer.

Do I need anti-virus on my mobile phone?

Mobile devices (both Apple and Android) can also be vulnerable to attack and should be protected by anti-virus software.

You can install Sophos Intercept X from the following:

SOPHOS Intercept X for Android devices
SOPHOS Intercept X for Apple devices