Antivirus, Malware Protection, and Phishing

Protecting your Devices and Resolving Security issues

  • According to the university's Information Security Policies, Lehigh uses two software packages to monitor Lehigh-owned computers for malware and viruses: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and Crowdstsrike security software.  These applications are centrally managed and continuosly updated by the LTS Security team.
  • LAN File Storage servers (which house the H: and I: drives) are automatically scanned for infected files using Symantec AV, with alerts going directly to system administrators.  
  • Phishing. Google can help minimize the effect of email scams when suspicious messages are detected.  
    • To report a scam email:  With the questionable message open in Lehigh Gmail, either...
      • Select the vertical ellipsis (three dots) next to the 'Reply' button and choose 'Report Phishing'.
      • Click on the phishhook icon in the righthand column of your inbox.
  • Watch LTS security video training series for help on identifying scams, as well as a host of other security-related topics.
  • If you are a student, the Student Technology and Repair Services (STARS) team provides in-person, onsite, and walk-up help for students, including fixing problems from virus/malware infections, hardware problems, and configuration issues.

Encryption

  • Faculty and Staff computers running Windows are encrypted using Microsoft's BitLocker whole disk encryption technology.  MacOS systems use Apple's FileVault full-disk encryption (FileVault 2).
  • Keys are 'escrowed' by LTS, so that the university can retrieve data if needed.
  • If you see a message on your PC prompting for Recovery Key ID, you'll need a BitLocker recovery key to continue booting your computer.  
    • You can contact the LTS Help Desk (we can generate a key for you), 
    • or you can generate your own at via our Bitlocker self-service page
  • Note that this encryption has implications for International Travel.

About Backups

  • Regardless of steps taken to protect your device and data, backups are crucial.  Please read LTS's Overview of Backup Options.
  • Lehigh expects that work product files are stored on LAN file servers, which are backed up by LTS. 
  • If you have local files but cannot purchase software, you should at least backup important files using a free tool such as the Apple's Time Machine for macOS, Google Backup and Sync, or 'Backup and Restore' in Windows.




For immediate help, contact the LTS Help Desk (Hours)
EWFM Library | Call: 610-758-4357 (8-HELP) | Text: 610-616-5910 | Chat | helpdesk@lehigh.edu
Submit a help request (login required)