IT Services
Security and housekeeping
There are a few simple precautions you should take to ensure that your home computer is protected from viruses and malicious software.
If you have your own Windows PC at home, it's essential to install an antivirus tool. It's also a good idea to have an anti-malware program to protect against other types of hacking software.
There are also good practices that all users can follow to reduce the risk of being caught out by internet scams or attempts to hack into their personal details.
Microsoft Security Essentials
If you have your own Windows PC which you use for work or study, we recommend that you install Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). This program protects you against viruses and other malicious software and is free for Windows users.
We are recommending MSE in place of Kaspersky which we are no longer providing for students and staff to use on their home computers.
Staff and cluster room PCs
We will also replace Kaspersky with MSE on staff and cluster room PCs in 2011 and 2012. This project will be managed centrally by IT Services. Staff do not need to update office PCs.
More information
There is a lot of useful information about using MSE on the Microsoft website including:
MSE is provided for free by Microsoft and can be installed on any computer which has a valid copy of Windows XP (service pack 3) or later.
Other programs
MSE protects you against viruses and other malicious software but you can use other software if you prefer. You may have to pay for some products.
If you are using a Windows PC to connect to Sussex networks, you should have anti-virus software installed as a minimum.
If you are not using MSE (which has the functionality built in) it's a good idea to install an anti-malware program in addition to anti-virus. Malwarebytes is a basic program which is available for free with the option to pay for a more powerful version.
Threats
Programs and files that might be harmful to your computer are collectively known as malware and include:
- viruses and worms - computer programs that multiply by making copies of themselves
- trojans - also known as "trojan horses" - these are programs that are advertised as one thing, for example a screensaver or a slide show, but once installed, perform unwelcome operations
- spyware - software that monitors activity on your computer and may be used to collect personal information
- document malware - files such as Excel documents or PDF files which contain a malicious script that can give access to to your computer
University-owned computers
The information on this page is for personally-owned computers - for University laptops or PCs please see:
See also
Information security
Policies and guidance on how information is managed at Sussex
Housekeeping
Information on how to keep your PC well-maintained
Passwords
Our guide to choosing and using passwords
Computing accounts
Frequently asked questions about computing accounts at Sussex
My ITS account
Login to change your password and set email options
Common questions
Fraud emails (phishing)
An email is asking for personal information - what should I do?
Spam
Social networking
Updated on 17 October 2011