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Trend Micro antivirus updates to be released Nov. 10

Two important updates for Trend Micro security software are scheduled for deployment at K-State starting Tuesday, Nov. 10.

  1. For Windows platforms, OfficeScan 10 (TMOS 10) will be pushed to all computers that use the central Trend Micro servers.
  2. For Macs, Trend Micro Security for Macs 1.5 (TMSM 1.5) will be available from K-State’s antivirus website for manual installation.

Users of the central Trend Micro services, which includes all students in the residence halls, will be upgraded to TMOS 10 automatically. Once the software is installed, users will be prompted to reboot their computer. After that, about the only difference people may notice is a slightly different icon in the task bar system tray.TM-icon-SS

Installation of TMSM 1.5 is not automatic. Users must remove Symantec Antivirus (SAV) or any other antivirus software on the Mac, such as ClamXav, before installing TMSM 1.5. The TMSM 1.5 installation file along with instructions for removing SAV will be available from K-State’s antivirus website starting Nov. 10.

TMSM 1.5 for Macs is important for several reasons:

  • It replaces Symantec AntiVirus for Macs (SAV) at no additional cost, which is important because K-State’s Symantec license expired Oct. 27 and it would be expensive to renew support for SAV
  • Support for Mac OS X 10.6 (aka Snow Leopard)
  • TMSM 1.5 is a managed antivirus product rather than standalone like SAV. This allows system administrators to control security configurations and distribute updates quickly in response to malware outbreaks
  • It adds features not available in SAV, like Web Reputation Services

TMOS 10 for Windows has several advantages over OfficeScan 8:

  • Support for Windows 7
  • More frequent pattern-file updates using “SmartScan” technology that will stop malware outbreaks sooner. Updates will occur hourly rather than once or twice a day
  • Smaller footprint of the OfficeScan client (i.e., it uses less memory, disk space, and network bandwidth)
  • More options for rescheduling missed, scheduled scans
  • Ability to prevent automatic execution of malware spread by USB flash drives

With the deployment of these two products, K-State will finally have a single vendor for both Mac and Windows computers and a single support contract. Furthermore, both are managed from the same OfficeScan server, which simplifies management for system administrators.

Harvard Townsend, chief information security officer, will facilitate an IT security roundtable discussion on these new versions of Trend Micro security software 9-10:30 a.m. this Friday, Nov. 6, in Union 213. Come to this session to learn more about the new features and what to expect during the deployment.

As always, you should check with your local IT support person for guidance on how to upgrade, since some colleges and departments run their own Trend Micro servers.

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About Harvard Townsend (harv@ksu.edu)

Chief Information Security Officer