security

Before using your laptop or computer to connect to the UCT network you must install an up-to-date anti-virus application. For UCT-owned machines, Trellix (formerly known as McAfee) anti-virus (Endpont Security) software comes automatically installed.  For your own machine, you are entitled to a free site-licensed copy of Trellix, which you can get from our . Remember to uninstall any other anti-virus programs before installing Trellix. Trellix will update automatically when you are connected to the UCT network. ICTS has anti-virus and malware specialists who continuously optimise the Trellix anti-virus software and configuration for you. If you are running your own anti-virus program, keeping the software updated and optimised is your responsibility.

Should your machine be infected to a point where it compromises the UCT network, the machine could be restricted from connecting to the UCT network until it is cleaned and complies with the .

UCT-owned computers

UCT-owned computers are installed with Trellix Endpoint Security. The system provides users with two critical security modules:

  • Threat Prevention: Checks for viruses, spyware, unwanted programs, and other threats by scanning items - automatically when users access them or on demand at any time.
  • Web Control: Displays safety ratings and reports for websites during online browsing and searching. Web Control enables the site administrator to block access to websites based on safety rating or content.

The University of Cape Town has a license agreement with Intel Security to allow us to use the following Trellix anti-virus products for the Operating Systems (OS) outlined below:

Operating System (OS) Trellix product Who can use this product? How to get it

Windows 7 or later

Endpoint Security  Staff - for UCT & home use
Students - for UCT & home use
See installation instructions
Apple Mac Endpoint Security Staff - for UCT & home use See installation instructions
Linux LinuxShield Staff - for UCT & home use Download from the ICTS website while on campus (staff only)

Regular updates of the software ensures that your computer is always protected from the latest threats.

Installation instructions:

Installing and updating Trellix for Mac and Windows

UCT provides anti-virus software and virus-definition updates free of charge for all University-owned Windows computers and for all computers owned by UCT faculties, staff and students. If you're using a UCT-owned Windows machine, Endpoint Security will be installed by default.

However, if you need to install it manually on your computer, follow these instructions:

  1. Remove all other agents and virus scan packages from your machine.
  2. Log on to the Downloads section > select your operating system.
  3. Select Antivirus > Trellix ePO Agent and Trellix EndPoint Security.
  4. Download the Trellix ePO Agent and Trellix EndPoint Security installation package.
  5. By default the package will be placed in the Downloads folder.
  6. Browse to the Downloads folder and run the installation.
Keep it updated

Trellix releases new virus definition files every day and it is your responsibility to ensure that your installation remains updated.

On campus:

If you are connected to the UCT network, Trellix will automatically update - as long as the Trellix Agent is running.

At home:

Open the Endpoint Security client and click Update Now.

If you don’t have internet access at home, you will need to download the virus definition updates while on campus and install them later manually. You will need to manually update your SuperDAT (sdat) file on a daily basis. While still on campus, or from any other location where you have internet access, copy the file from the ICTS Downloads page to a removable device and then install it at home.

Download the SuperDAT file from the ICTS website

  1. Go to the Downloads section, log on and select the operating system you use.
  2. Under the Antivirus heading, click Trellix EndPoint Security Update (standalone).
  3. Click Save and choose a convenient location for the file, e.g. Flashdrive or CD.
  4. Install the sdat file from the flash drive or CD onto your home computer.

Install the SuperDAT file

  1. Navigate to where you saved the sdat.exe and double-click the file.
  2. The installation will begin copying files to your hard drive.
  3. A message appears confirming that the files were copied successfully, click Finish.

Installing Trellix for Mac and Windows at home

If you have internet access at home
  1. Log on to the Downloads section > select your operating system.
  2. Select Antivirus >  Trellix Endpoint Protection for Mac - Home (for Mac) or Trellix EndPoint Security for Windows for Home (for Windows).
  3. Click Save and choose where you want to save the file, e.g. your Desktop.
  4. Follow the instructions for Mac (available from the Downloads page) and Windows (below) to install the software.

Install the ENS home software for Windows

  1. Navigate to where you saved the ENShome.exe file.
  2. Double-click the ENShome.exe file to begin installation.
  3. Once the dialog box confirms successful installation, click OK.
  4. Trellix Endpoint Security starts and the icon appears in the system tray.
If you don't have internet access at home

While you are still on campus, you need to copy the installation file to a removable storage device e.g. flash drive:

  1. Go to the Downloads section, log on and select the operating system you use.
  2. Under the Antivirus heading, click Trellix Endpoint Protection for Mac - Home (for Mac) or Trellix EndPoint Security for Windows - home (?)(for Windows)
  3. Click Save and choose a convenient location for the enshome file, e.g. Flashdrive or CD.

Install the ENS home software for Windows

  1. Navigate to where you saved the ENShome.exe file.
  2. Double-click the ENShome.exe file to begin installation.
  3. Once the dialog box confirms successful installation, click OK.
  4. Trellix Endpoint Security starts and the icon appears in the system tray.

Installing Trellix for Linux (Linuxshield)

  1. Uninstall all other anti-virus applications from your machine.
  2. Navigate to the Downloads section, log on and select Linux.
  3. Select Antivirus and download the version of LinuxShield appropriate to the version you are running - Red Hat or Ubuntu.
  4. Next, select the Trellix VirusScan for Linux (Home version) Installation Guide and download it.
  5. Navigate to the location where you saved the files and extract the contents of the installer package.
  6. Install the program by following the installation guide that you downloaded in step 3 above.

Virus protection for mobile devices

UCT does not offer an anti-virus solution for mobile devices such as smart phones, tablets and other handheld devices. Customers making use of these devices need to make their own arrangements for anti-virus protection.