Anti-malware software is an important part of protecting devices used for University Business. MBIM IT follows UBC guidance for malware protection and endpoint security so departmental devices remain compliant, up to date, and better protected against common cyber threats.
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Why malware protection is necessary
Malware protection software helps reduce the risk of cyberattacks and unauthorized intrusion. UBC’s Information Security Standard #07 requires computing devices used for University Business to have current anti-malware software installed and configured to update at least once per day.
Anti-malware software does not prevent every kind of attack, but it is an essential baseline control for faculty, staff, students, researchers, and departmental support teams.
University Business means activities in support of the administrative, academic, and research mandates of the University.
Employees
UBC-owned computers supported by MBIM IT or other UBC IT groups
If you use a UBC-owned laptop or desktop that is supported by MBIM IT, a faculty IT unit, or another departmental/research IT group, you typically do not need to install anything yourself.
UBC-owned computers are generally deployed with Cisco Secure Client (formerly Cisco AMP for Endpoints) and updated automatically.
This applies to faculty, staff, researchers, student employees, and contractors using centrally managed or departmentally managed UBC-owned devices.
UBC executive security requirements may supersede older local guidance. Review the UBC notice on required security software and remote-work protections if you are unsure what applies to your device.
Personally owned devices used for University Business
If you use a personally owned computer for University Business, or you have a UBC-owned device that you support and manage yourself, you are responsible for ensuring that current anti-malware protection is installed.
UBC’s preferred option is Cisco Secure Client, available through the UBC Software Downloads site.
- Faculty, staff, researchers, student employees, and contractors using personal devices for University Business should install approved anti-malware software.
- Personally managed UBC-owned computers should also have anti-malware protection confirmed and kept current.
- If you prefer, you may choose another reputable anti-malware product instead of Cisco Secure Client.
Students and personal devices
Students, non-employee UBC affiliates, and community members using personally owned computers must install their own anti-malware software if they want malware protection on those systems.
This also applies to UBC employees using a personal computer that is not used for University Business.
If your personal device is used for University Business, the stricter UBC anti-malware requirements still apply.
Popular no-cost anti-malware options
The original MSL guidance included the following commonly used no-cost anti-malware options as reference examples. This list is not exhaustive, and UBC IT does not generally provide support for third-party free products.
Preferred alternatives
Other popular free programs
Required software features
If you install your own anti-malware product, make sure it is obtained from a reputable source and that the following features are enabled:
- Regular updates with new signature files
- Scanning for all files
- Real-time protection
- Scheduled system scans
- Alerting
Help and support
If you need help choosing software, confirming whether your device is used for University Business, or checking whether your UBC-owned device is already managed, contact the appropriate support team.
- UBC IT Service Centre for general UBC-licensed software help
- Cisco Secure Client installation instructions (CWL login required)
- MBIM IT Support for departmental guidance on supported devices and local expectations