The University of Sheffield
Corporate Information and Computing Services

Protecting yourself and your computer

The advice on this page outlines how you can protect both yourself and your computer from viruses and other malicious software.

We strongly recommend that you also read our introductory guide to safer computing as this covers a whole range of threats, not just viruses.

Advice on Safe Computing

Always back up your data so that if your hard disk or other storage device is damaged, you can retrieve your work from the back up copy. Further information is available on our web pages.

Saving your work

Reducing the threat

Install antivirus software; this will check files against any known threats. We provide all staff and students with antivirus software free of charge.

Download and install antivirus software

Only ever install software from trusted sources and be very wary of opening any unsolicited email attachments.

What to do if you have a virus

If you believe your computer or a file you are working with may be infected by a virus please follow our instructions on scanning for and removing viruses.

Scanning for and removing viruses