Download Symantec AntiVirus
- Login to Secure Access SSL VPN with your NinerNET account.
- Download the Symantec Antivirus version for your operating system. If you're using Windows Vista, be sure to select the correct version for your installation - most will be standard 32-bit.
(You may need to install WinZip.)
Protect Yourself
Although an overwhelming majority of viruses and security threats target Windows computers, Mac users could also be vulnerable to these types of attacks.
How Did I Get Infected?
A virus spreads very quickly and antivirus software can only be a reactive solution against a newly spawned virus. The best way to avoid a virus is use caution and follow the steps to avoid infection.
| Common Threats |
|
Solution |
Malware: Viruses, Worms and
Trojan Horses
Infected email attachments disguised as pictures, screen savers or even Word documents. |
Download Symnatec AntiVirus and follow the steps below to avoid infection. |
Spyware/Adware
Covertly gathers information through your Internet
connection without your knowledge - usually for advertising purposes. |
Install Spybot Search and Destroy, a freeware application that searches and removes spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software. |
Zombies
Infected email or IM message makes your computer a robot that communicates with other infected computers to participate in a DoS (Denial of Service) attack on a network or an Internet domain - without your knowledge.
ResNet users in particular should be aware of this threat, since broadband connected computers are often a target. |
Download Symantec AntiVirus and follow the steps below to avoid infection. |
Virus Hoaxes
Be especially wary of email messages warning you that you may have been sent a virus, advising you to delete a file, and/or asking you to contact others about the virus. These are almost always hoaxes. |
Check the latest virus hoax warnings. |
Avoiding Infection
- Install Symantec AntiVirus and set it to auto-update your virus definition files.
UNC Charlotte provides students with Symnantec AntiVirus which can be configured to auto-update with the latest virus definitions. A virus protection program is only as effective as its last update. If you update your virus definitions today, and a virus is released next week, you will not be protected unless you download new definition files.
- Install the latest security updates for your operating system.
You can download the latest security updates for
Windows and Mac operating systems. These updates plug security holes targeted by hackers.
- Be cautious of email attachments, even when you know the sender.
If you're not expecting to receive an attachment from someone or if the nature of the message seems strange, then don't open the attachment
until you have confirmed that it is legitimate. Be very suspicious of any email attachment from an unknown source. The safest action is to delete this attachment upon receipt.
- Scan all email attachments for viruses
before opening.
Pay special attention to attachments with .vbs, .pif, .scr, .bat and .exe extensions and all files with a double extension suffix (e.g., .bat.exe).
- Scan software for viruses before installation.
Software downloaded from the Internet should always be scanned for viruses. Also, scan any disks you use in public computers or have shared with other users before using them in your computer.
- Turn off file sharing.
File sharing programs (i.e., Kazaa, Audio Galaxy and Limewire) make your computer more vulnerable to various kinds of intrusion over the network, including virus infection. More important, using file sharing programs to download copyrighted material violates University policy and federal law regarding copyright violations.
- Never accept unsolicited files or links over IM.
Downloading files from a friend who's been infected or simply visiting a compromised web site sent via an Instant Messaging link can cause infection. Minimize the risk by configuring your IM software not to automatically accept and/or run files.
Guilt-Free Computing
Virus protection is just one way to safeguard your digital life. Check out our guide to
guilt-free computing and learn what not to share, how to
protect yourself from identity theft and find out about
good email habits. Don't forget to read the
University policies on computing.
Get Help
Students get technical assistance from the
Student Computing Help Center. Visit the Help Center in Barnard, call 704-687-6400 or submit your problem to the HelpDesk Online and a Technical Assistant will help.
Check the ITS Message Center for system alerts and the scheduled outages for additional information.
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