We provide virus protection software and services, as well as virus removal assistance in cases of infection. There are many avenues that viruses and other malicious software (malware) can use to infect your computer. No computer attached to a network is ever completely secure, but there are steps you can take to make your computer's security much stronger. Some of things you can do are:

•     Use good antivirus software
•     Update your operating system software regularly
•     Practice safe computing
•     Refrain from opening suspicious e-mails, especially clicking links. Phishing e-mails should be forwarded to phishing@harvard.edu

Using Effective Antivirus Software

One of the most important steps you can take is to install and regularly update antivirus software. We recommend and support ESET Antivirus, which is provided to affiliates free of charges through HUIT. For instructions on installing ESET Antivirus, please refer to the ESET Download and Installation Instructions page.

Running the updates for your operating system is another one of the most important preventative measures you can take to protect against virus infection. For Harvard owned Windows systems, these updates will be automatically installed through LANDesk.

On the Mac, click the Apple Menu and select the App Store and then the Update tab. The Software Update application walks you through the rest of the process.