Ohio University

A flu shot for your computer: OIT chooses Sophos as new anti-virus provider

Monday, October 22, 2012
Sean O'Malley  

Flu season may be right around the corner, but the Office of Information Technology (OIT) has its sights set on a different kind of virus: the digital kind.  

OIT has signed a contract with Sophos to provide virus and malware protection for all faculty, staff, and students. Sophos will replace the university’s current McAfee Virus Scan and Virex for Mac offerings.

In an e-mail to deans, department heads, and directors, OHIO Chief Information Officer Brice Bible noted that Sophos offers strong virus and malware protection, fast performance, and many recovery options for infected machines at no increase in cost for the university.

According to OIT project lead David Alexander, a detailed rollout schedule could be available as soon as mid November. “First we have to meet with Sophos Professional Services and get a pilot up and running,” Alexander said. “After that, our goal is to get this software into people’s hands as soon as we can.”

The new Sophos license covers university-owned computers and personal, home use, so anyone associated with the university, including students, will be able to install the client at no charge.