Antivirus Software

Students and faculty are responsible for installing and maintaining antivirus software on their home computers. It is a mandatory requirement for both students and faculty that they have antivirus software installed on their home computers, and that they keep their virus definitions up to date. 

Many security programs now also include additional anti-malware features, such as the scanning and removal of anti-spyware. It is recommended that you make sure your security software offers a wide range of anti-malware detection and removal.

Many security software vendors offer free versions of their anti-malware software. These include Microsoft Security Essentials, AVG Free Edition, and Avast! Free Antivirus.

Sophos Antivirus through SJSU

SJSU offers Sophos Antivirus to students and faculty at no cost. Please see the information on the SJSU Antivirus-Sophos page.

To obtain the software, click on the “Antivirus Download” button and enter your @sjsu.edu email to receive a license code.  Check your email and “Create Account” from link in email. When you install the software you can use your personal email as you create your account. (The software is being installed on your personal device.) Be sure to select the “Home” edition, as that edition will connect directly to the central Sophos update servers. (The “Office” edition is connected to the SJSU Sophos update servers and is not suitable for home use).

Anti-Spyware Software

Most current security programs (including Microsoft Security Essentials) also include anti-spyware scanning features. Consequently, you may not need to install a separate anti-spyware scanner. Check your current security software to verify whether it includes anti-spyware capabilities. If not, then you may want to consider switching to a security program that includes anti-spyware scanning, or install a separate anti-spyware scanner.

Some security professionals recommend using multiple anti-spyware scanners, as inevitably no single scanner will identify all spyware/adware. However, running multiple anti-malware packages can sometimes lead to unexpected complications and system slowdowns. Users choosing to run multiple security programs simultaneously should do so with caution.