Frequently Asked Question

The term malware is short for malicious software, and is a collective term that includes:

• Viruses
• Trojan horses
• Worms
• Rootkits
• Keyloggers

Virus is sometimes used to refer to other malware types. For example, we often hear of "anti-virus" software. However, many anti-virus software packages detect other malware types as well.

It is important to protect your device from malware. Any infected device may be blocked from the network without prior notice to protect other users.

If you have any queries regarding virus and malware protection you should contact the IT Servicedesk.

If your Device is Infected

We continuously monitor the activity on our network for signs of malware. Any infected device may be blocked from the network without prior notice.

Managed PCs

If we detect that your managed PC contains malware we will attempt to take the steps necessary to remove the infection. You will be contacted if there are any further actions that you need to take. In extreme cases, we may need to Re-Image your Managed Workstation. 

You should log an incident, if you suspect your managed PC is infected with malware.

Unmanaged PCs

Windows Defender Offline lets you scan your computer for malware and viruses before the whole operating system loads. It's especially handy when you've got a stubborn malware that's giving you trouble while your system is up and running. Here's how you can use Windows Defender Offline to scan for viruses:

1. Step 1: Get ready for Windows Defender Offline
   Make sure you disconnect your computer from the internet: Malware tends to spread through the internet, so it's best to disconnect to avoid any further infection during the scan.
2. Save your work and close all your open apps: The scanning process might need a restart, so it's important to save your work and close everything you've got open.
3. Get into Windows Defender Offline
   Open Windows Security:
4. Click on the Start button and select "Settings" (the gear icon).
   Then, in the Settings window, click on "Update & Security."
   From there, go to "Windows Security."
   Now it's time to access Windows Defender Offline:
5. In Windows Security, go to "Virus & Threat Protection" from the left menu.
   Under "Current threats," click on "Scan options."
   Choose "Windows Defender Offline scan" and hit "Scan now."
   Start the Offline Scan:
6. You'll be asked to save any work you have because this process will require a restart.
   Click "Scan" and your computer will restart.
   
   

While your computer restarts, Windows Defender Offline will run a scan before Windows fully loads.
The scan might take a bit of time depending on how big your hard drive is and how many files it has to go through.
After the scan is done, your computer will boot back into Windows.
Open Windows Security again and go to "Virus & Threat Protection" > "Protection history" to see the results of the scan.
If any threats were found, Windows Defender Offline will have tried to get rid of them or quarantine them.
Follow-up Actions:

If any threats were found and removed, it's a good idea to run a regular Windows Defender scan after just to make sure your system is clean.

If all fails, you will need to request a OS Re-Image, which will wipe the Hard Drive and re-install the Operating System.