Avoid malware infection
Malware includes viruses, spyware, and other types of harmful software. It works to remain unnoticed, either by actively hiding or by simply not making its presence on a system known to the user.
Destructive malware will use popular communication tools to spread, including email, instant messages, web sites, and virus-infected files downloaded from peer-to-peer connections. Malware will also seek to exploit existing vulnerabilities on systems, making their entry quiet and easy.
What does Uni IT do?
University IT takes precautions and uses centrally managed anti-malware software across managed devices, including desktops, servers and email filtering systems, to detect and remove malicious software from infecting our systems. That said, no filtering system can catch everything.
Follow the guidance below, and always be cautious when downloading files from the Internet, opening email attachments or clicking on links.
What should you do?
Here are some simple steps that you can take to avoid malware infection on both University-owned and personal devices:
- Ensure that you always have anti-malware protection software installed on your devices.
- Keep security patches up to date on all of your devices, including updating your anti-malware software.
- Only open email attachments that come from a trusted source and that are expected.
- Scan email attachments by anti-malware software prior to opening.
- Delete all unwanted or suspicious messages without opening them.
- Do not click on web links in emails sent to you by someone you do not know.
- If a person you know is sending you strange emails, files, or web site links, do not open them as their account may have been compromised.
- Only transfer or download files from well known-sources, avoid downloading files from dodgy websites and peer-to-peer sites.
For more information on how to spot scam emails and malicious attachment, refer to email scams and phishing.
If you are using a University managed device and you suspect that it does not have anti-malware protection installed, contact the University IT Service Desk on ext. 1234 +61 8 6488 1234 or email [email protected].
University requirements and policies
As per the University IT security policy and standards, all University-owned devices connected to the University network must run current, up-to-date anti-malware protection software. Anti-malware protection software is recommended for other devices, including personal devices that connect to the University network.
For more information on relevant University IT security policies and standards, refer to Cyber security policies and guidelines.