Since the College’s switch from Symantec to Sophos anti-virus software, other anti-spyware/malware products should no longer be installed on computers as they can conflict with Sophos and cause performance issues. In the past, LIS recommended the use of products such as Malwarebytes, Spybot and Ad-Aware; this is no longer the case. Why this change? Newer anti-virus/anti-spyware products typically include a feature called “on-access” scanning that watches all changes to files on your computer’s hard drive. Sophos performs on-access monitoring so the use of additional programs such as Malwarebytes can slow down your computer or cause it to crash due to conflicts between the competing scans.
If you have additional av/malware software installed and need assistance with their removal — or aren’t sure and have questions — please contact the Technology HelpDesk at 802-443-2200. For security resources, Sophos FAQs, virus alerts and more, visit go/infosec.