At K-State, the security of our devices and data remains a top priority. As technology evolves, so do the measures we take to ensure the safety of our digital environment.
For University-owned devices, we are pleased to inform you that K-State provides Microsoft Defender as the primary antivirus solution. Microsoft Defender is a comprehensive security solution that offers real-time protection against a wide range of threats, ensuring that our university devices remain secure and up to date. Windows machines joined to K-State’s network should already have this software installed. If you are using a macOS device, you may need to install the software manually if your department is not deploying it via a device management tool. If you are unsure whether Defender is installed, look for this icon in your menu bar.
For those using personally owned devices, it is essential to run your own antivirus software. In the past, we recommended Sophos for personal macOS devices due to its robust protection capabilities and the availability of a free version. Unfortunately, Sophos no longer offers a free version for individual users.
Given this change, we strongly advise all K-State community members with personal devices to explore other reputable antivirus solutions. While there are numerous options available, it is important to note that K-State has not performed rigorous testing on any of them. As such, users should conduct their own research and make the most appropriate decision based on their individual needs. Two websites that may be useful when making comparisons are:
Additionally, see the Malwarebytes to be blocked from campus article explaining why it is not accessible from the K-State network and is therefore not a viable option for personal devices. In 2021, Malwarebytes informed K-State that unlicensed versions of their software were installed on K-State-owned systems, leading to significant costs for the university. As a result, starting from August 1, 2021, Malwarebytes has been blocked on university networks.
We appreciate your continued understanding and cooperation in protecting your digital environment and our shared community. Security is a shared responsibility, and we thank you for doing your part.
Stay safe and secure online!
