McAfee FAQs

McAfee Frequently Asked Questions

What is McAfee Endpoint Protection?

CUNY has obtained a site license for McAfee Endpoint Protection, which includes VirusScan, File and Removable Media Protection (FRP), and Site Advisor Enterprise (SAE). This suite of software can be deployed on college-issued computers to help protect CCNY’s computing environment from cyber-threats.

CUNY maintains a site license for McAfee Enterprise for Windows, Linux and Mac. McAfee VirusScan has been deployed on CCNY Windows and Macintosh workstations and servers for over five years. Currently McAfee is providing protection on over 4,000 CCNY systems.

CUNY’s site-licensed McAfee products make it easy to protect your computer, for free.

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What is VirusScan Enterprise?

VirusScan Enterprise protects computers from viruses and other malware by automatically scanning for and remediating detectable threats. VirusScan uses behavioral analytics and virus definitions, which are updated daily, to neutralize malware threats.

VirusScan helps detect malicious software (malware/viruses/ ransomware) on computers and prevent them from spreading. Many computer vulnerabilities enable malicious attackers remote access to computers, to capture keystrokes (including passwords and other sensitive data), share information from web pages being viewed, or search computers for sensitive data. Without your awareness, they can spy on your computer use, steal your identity and bank accounts, and turn your PC into a repository for illicit materials, for which you may be held legally responsible. Detecting and preventing these infections helps reduce the risk of data breaches.

VirusScan is available for installation on Linux computers by request. Contact the Service Desk on 212-650-7878, e-mail: servi%63e%64es%6b@ccny.cuny.edu " rel="nofollow"> servicedesk@ccny.cuny.edu .

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How do I download McAfee VirusScan?

McAfee VirusScan is installed on workstations and servers by IT administrators supported by the Office of Information Technology.
If you would like to have VirusScan installed on your college-issued computer, submit a software installation request to the service desk (212) 650-7878 or servicedesk@ccny.cuny.edu .

Can I install McAfee VirusScan on my personal computer?

Yes, you can download it free from the CUNY portal by following these instructions: https://support.ccny.cuny.edu/pdf/Instructions_for_Downloading_Antivirus_Software.pdf

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Why are the version numbers different between my work computer and my personal computer?

CCNY IT administrators deploy McAfee VirusScan Enterprise Edition on college-issued computers, which is slightly different from the VirusScan personal version available on the CUNY Portal.
They are different because the college-based version is configured to work with CCNY’s McAfee server to facilitate the mass deployment updates and upgrades, threat analysis, and remediation of compromised systems. The personal version of McAfee is a standalone program.

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What is Site Advisor Enterprise (SAE)?

SAE is a free browser plugin for Windows computers that gives advice about websites before you access them. SAE adds small site rating icons, a browser button, and an optional search box to your Internet search results. Together, these alert you to potentially risky sites and help you find safer alternatives. The site ratings are based on tests conducted by McAfee Labs using multiple computers that look for all kinds of threats.

For more information contact the Information Security office: itsecurity@ccny.cuny.edu or (212) 650-6565.

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What is McAfee encryption File and Removable Media Protection (FRP)?

FRP uses encryption to protect data on local drives, network shares, and removable media devices. Encryption uses strong mathematical algorithms to encrypt (scramble) data, rendering it unreadable to anyone who does not have the key (passphrase) to decrypt (unscramble) the data. Encryption makes it difficult for unauthorized individuals to access encrypted files, folders or computers, and reduces the risk of data breaches in the event a computer is lost or stolen.

McAfee FRP offers options to:  

  • Encrypt files/folders on local drives
  • Encrypt files/folders on network shares
  • Encrypt removable media devices. This can restrict usage of encrypted removable media devices to just within the company’s environment (onsite access only) or allow encrypted devices to be read on systems without having to install the McAfee Encryption software

For more information contact the Information Security office: its%65c%75rit%79@ccny.cuny.edu " rel="nofollow"> itsecurity@ccny.cuny.edu or (212) 650-6565.

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How do I update VirusScan virus definitions?

CCNY’s VirusScan is pre-configured to perform automatic daily updates. If auto-update is failing contact the Service Desk: servicedesk@ccny.cuny.edu or (212) 650-7878.

If you need updates for the home version, you can find these at: McAfee's Security Updates website.

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What CUNY policy mandates malware protection?
The device management provision of the CUNY Information Security Policy: Information Technology Security Procedures requires that “all devices that are allowed to connect to University networks and systems that support administrative, business, and academic activities and operations must be maintained at current anti-malware/malicious code protection at all times.”

To access this CUNY policy, click this link: CUNY Information Technology Security Procedures.

For information on CUNY’s anti-malware software standard, click this link: CUNY Anti-Malware Software Standards.

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Last Updated: 04/01/2024 10:18