Information Technology

Anti-Virus

Protecting Your Computer

Anti-virus software is one of the most important tools for safe-guarding your computer, vital information, and personal data from the daily onslaught of viruses, malware, intrusions, and worms. Without anti-virus protection, your computer may be left completely defenseless against these attacks. Anti-Virus software is available from both commercial and free sources. (All NKU-managed computers have anti-virus software installed, and regular scans are scheduled - see below).

Your virus protection is only as effective as its last update. All Anti-Virus software makes use of the latest virus definitions. These definitions allow anti-virus software to recognize known viruses and other forms of intrusions. Since new viruses and virus variants are released almost daily, it is important to keep your virus definitions updated regularly. Most software programs allow you to schedule updates on a daily basis, which we recommend.

Regular scans

NKU-supported Windows PC's (faculty, staff, labs) are set to automatically scan on the 15th of every month at midnight, if using Symantec.  If you are using Forefront, the scan default is set to scan daily at 2 am.  We recommend that you keep this setting unless instructed otherwise.  If your PC is not powered on at that time, the scan will occur upon the next start up.  While the scan is running, you should not see a difference in performance, but if it encounters a threat, a pop up window may appear, requesting that you remove the threat.  Please assist in helping to protect our network  by allowing the scans to run and removing any viruses found.

If your computer is not managed by NKU (e.g. home computers), most anti-virus software will allow you to schedule daily, weekly or monthly scans, which can greatly reduce threats. By scheduling scans at frequent intervals, you can better protect yourself from new viruses.  If the anti-virus software detects an issue, you will be notified of the infection and can take the appropriate steps to restore your system. 

Where to get FREE Anti-Virus software

NKU offers Microsoft Forefront Antivirus software free of charge to students currently enrolled in courses.  (This is intended for Windows-based computers, not Mac or Linux).  In order to download this product, you must have your NKU username and password, and should not have other antivirus software installed on your computer.  Please see these instructions for downloading Forefront Antivirus software.

To download Microsoft Forefront Antivirus click here and accept the conditions and terms of agreement.  Each student will be permitted one copy of the software.  If you need further assistance, please call the Service Center at (859)572-6911 or visit the service center on the web at http://it.nku.edu/itsc/index.php.

There are also additional anti-virus companies that will provide free anti-virus software for non-commercial use. Examples of this include:

While NKU does not necessary endorse or support any of these companies, you should be aware of your options for free virus protection if you do not wish to purchase anti-virus software.

 Signs that your system might be infected or compromised

  • Your system shuts down spontaneously and frequently, even if you don't use it.
  • Your Internet connection slows to a crawl even while you are not doing anything significant.
  • Your virus scanner crashes and cannot be started again.
  • You are no longer able to visit anti-virus sites.
  • Your hard disk fills up and you can't find the files that use up all the disk space.
  • Your computer seems to have an inability to start (boot up) or is taking longer than normal.
  • Your computer is exhibiting unpredictable program behavior.
  • Strange graphics appear on your screen.

What to do when your system has been compromised

  • Complete full anti-virus scans of the system to verify that there are no vulnerabilities remaining.T
  • Sometimes, the virus may be so embedded into your system, it may need to be reimaged (yes, a complete re-install!)  Sorry to say, but some of the most destructive intrusions may be too deep for just a swipe of your anti-virus.
  • Change passwords on any computer you use, and if you suspect anything was intruded upon, change banking, health care, and other sensitive passwords you may have as well.
  • if you need assistance, call the IT service center at 572-6911 or visit us on the web at http://it.nku.edu/itsc.
  • Security questions and assistance can also be directed to itsecurity@nku.edu
  • See www.staysafeonline.org for further tips and information.
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