Install & Use McAfee Endpoint Security for University-Owned Computers (Windows) [1]
Note: Under a new university-wide contract, Sophos Intercept X Advanced [2] is replacing McAfee endpoint protection at UMass Amherst. More information will follow.
For questions, contact the IT professional in your department as applicable, or IT User Services [3].
McAfee Endpoint Security for University-owned computers is a centrally-connected program you can use to protect your files, programs, and email from malware and malicious software on your University-owned devices. By connecting to a central console, this version of Endpoint Security provides you with the latest virus definitions and software updates, and enables your department's IT Administrator (if applicable) and UMass Amherst IT to locate and respond to security threats more effectively.
McAfee Endpoint Security for University-owned computers is available to faculty and staff at no cost.
- If computers in your department are centrally managed, check with your IT Administrator, as Endpoint Security may already be installed on your computer. You may be responsible for installing this software on your other University-owned devices (e.g., laptop).
- Student employees are encouraged to check with their supervisor before installing software on University-owned computers.
- For personal computers, UMass Amherst IT offers a different version of McAfee Endpoint Security [4] at no charge.
Use these instructions to install Endpoint Security on University-owned devices. If applicable, consult with your department's IT Administrator before installing software on your primary University-owned computer.
Use Only One Anti-virus Application
Running more than one anti-virus program is never a good idea. Your computer will slow down as two or more programs consume more of your computer's resources. Some anti-virus programs may attempt to disable other antivirus programs; if both have this feature, your computer will be left unprotected.
Before downloading and installing Endpoint Security, make sure you uninstall any other anti-virus software (e.g., Norton AntiVirus, Sophos) you may have on your University-owned computer. Earlier versions of Endpoint Security will be replaced by the new version you are installing.
Download & Install Endpoint Security
- On our McAfee Endpoint Security for Faculty & Staff (Windows) page [5], click McAfee Endpoint Security for Windows.
Note: You will be prompted for your IT Account NetID and password. - Save the installation file McAfee-UMass.exe to your computer.
- After the download is complete, double-click McAfee-UMass.exe to begin the installation process.
- Follow the instructions in the installation wizard. Once the installation is complete, Endpoint Security will automatically update its Virus Definitions. within the next hour.
Note: After the initial installation and Virus Definitions update, Endpoint Security will check with the central console every hour for new updates and install them automatically.
Run an On-Demand Scan
Endpoint Security automatically scans your computer's memory for malware every three hours. Use these instructions to initiate manual scans.
Notes:
- UMass Amherst IT recommends that you run an On-Demand Scan of your main hard drive at least once a month, but more frequent scans may be required by your department. Check with your supervisor for your department's scanning schedule.
- If computers in your department that are centrally-manged, your IT Administrator may schedule periodic scans for your computer(s).
- On your desktop, in the Windows system tray (bottom right), right-click the Endpoint Security icon.
- From the menu, select On-Demand Scan.
- In the On-Demand Scan Properties window, on the Scan Locations tab, check that All local drives are included in the Scan Locations to ensure your main hard drive will be scanned.
- Click Start (at right) to begin the scan. The On-Demand Scan Progress window will open and display the current progress of the scan.
Note: A full scan may take up to an hour or more (make sure not to leave your computer unattended if you are in a public place). - When the scan is complete, click Close to close the On-Demand Scan Progress window.
- To close the On-Demand Scan Properties window, click the red X (top right). When prompted to save the scan settings, click No.
Automatic On-Access Scanning
Endpoint Security is configured to automatically scan your computer files in real-time, as it accesses them. If you have any questions about the on-access scanning settings, contact your department IT Administrator, if applicable, or the IT Help Center [6].
Virus Found!
If Endpoint Security detects a virus on your University-owned device, do not attempt to back up your data or shut down your computer. Because this may constitute a data security incident, we recommend that you contact your department's IT Administrator (if applicable) or the IT Help Center [6] immediately.
We also recommend that you install and run Malwarebytes [7] as an additional measure of protection against malware.
About McAfee Site Advisor
Unlike other versions of Endpoint Security, McAfee Endpoint Security for University-owned computers comes with McAfee Site Advisor, a free browser plug-in for Internet Explorer and Firefox (version 3.x and earlier) that provides safety advice about Web sites before accessing them. With Site Advisor installed, your browser(s) will have a Site Advisor browser button and an optional search box. Small site rating icons are also added to your search results.
For more information, visit the McAfee Site Advisor Web site [8].