Antivirus

Use an Anti-Virus to Secure Your Computer

Any computer that connects to Plaza College’s network without protection poses a potential entry point for cyber criminals. This threat not only affects the security of your own computer but also jeopardizes the devices of your Plaza College colleagues, the integrity of Plaza College’s network, and the safety of university data.

Once you’ve confirmed there are no significant vulnerabilities in your machine’s defenses, it’s important to be proactive against any potential malicious threats that could penetrate them.

Why You Should Use an Anti-Virus

Viruses or worms can take advantage of undisclosed security vulnerabilities to infiltrate your computer, using it to launch attacks on other systems. This malicious software, known as “malware,” is frequently developed for financial motives. Computers can be infected with malware through the download and execution of infected applications by unsuspecting users, compromised websites, or network worms.

While specifics can differ among software packages, antivirus software scans files and your computer’s memory for specific patterns that suggest the presence of malicious software (malware). This software, sometimes referred to broadly as anti-malware, identifies these patterns based on known malware signatures or definitions. Antivirus vendors regularly update their databases to include new and evolving threats, underscoring the importance of keeping your software up to date.

After installing antivirus software, it’s crucial to perform regular scans of your entire computer.

Automatic scans – Most anti-virus software can be configured to automatically scan specific files or directories in real time and prompt you at set intervals to perform complete scans.

Manual scans – If your anti-virus software does not automatically scan new files, you should manually scan files and media you receive from an outside source before opening them

Which Software Should You Use?

Numerous vendors offer antivirus software, making the selection process potentially daunting. While these programs generally perform similar functions, your choice may hinge on recommendations, specific features, availability, or pricing. Regardless of your decision, installing an antivirus software will enhance your overall protection.