Malware - A catch-all term for any type of malicious software on a device.
Viruses - A specific type of malware that self-replicates its code spread within a device by attaching itself to files and programs to exploit and/or take data.
There are may names use to refer to malware and viruses. You may have heard them referred to as spyware, adware, or malshare. Regardless of what it is called or which one you have on your machine, the intention behind them are to give malicious actors unauthorized access to your computer resources and data.
It is important to make sure to check regularly for operating system (OS) and anti-virus software updates on your computer. The goal is to have the latest security patches installed on your computer to keep you secure.
Additionally, most antivirus software packages give you the option to automatically check for updates and download them. If you have this option turned on, you won't have to worry about remembering to look for the most recent version of your antivirus software to stay up to date.
Information Technology (IT) is strongly committed to providing all University students, faculty, and staff with a safe, stable, virus-free computing environment. Campus computers are automatically updated through scheduled roll-outs with patches and security updates using the Microsoft Windows Defender program.
Visit the IT Comms blog to know when new updates roll out for campus computers>>