Antivirus

Endpoint Protection

This site gives access to one of the Johns Hopkins enterprise anti-malware products (Microsoft Defender for Endpoint) listed on the downloads page. Johns Hopkins suggests options for personally owned computers that are free of charge and are consistent with software used and supported throughout the Johns Hopkins enterprise.

Step 1. Uninstall competitor anti-malware product. Having two different vendors’ anti-malware products installed is as risky as having NO product installed.

Step 2. Download the appropriate anti-malware software for your device as recommended below.

For Johns Hopkins-owned or Johns Hopkins student-owned computers

Windows: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint – This is only available through Enterprise SCCM – no download – Windows 10 has Defender enabled by default

Mac: Microsoft Defender for MAC Installation Guide

Linux: Microsoft Defender for Linux Installation Guide

For Personally owned computers (not owned by Johns Hopkins students or institution)

Windows: Windows 7: Microsoft Security Essentials

Windows 8/10: Microsoft Defender (Windows Defender Antivirus)

Mac: Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition

Linux: Clam AV or AVG Free

For All Mobile Device users with a JHED ID

iOS: Microsoft Defender ATP Install Instructions

Android: Microsoft Defender ATP Install Instructions

On behalf of the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine, IT@JH offers Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. For Windows, Defender is installed by default on Windows 8.1 and above and Defender for Endpoint is available to managed computers via Enterprise SCCM. The software is freely available for your use, but only on Johns Hopkins-owned computers. For personally-owned computers Windows 8.1 and newer, Microsoft Defender (also known as Windows Defender) is a built in antivirus and real-time threat protection software integrated to the operating system. For Windows 7 systems, the Endpoint Protection Downloads page offers a link to Microsoft Security Essentials, though it is important to note that Windows 7 is End of Life as of January 14, 2020.

Johns Hopkins faculty, staff, and students may use Microsoft Defender at no cost on computers owned by the University or Health System as long as they remain part of the Johns Hopkins community. Use of the software must cease when a student leaves the University or Health System.

Download access is restricted to those with a valid JHED LID (Johns Hopkins Enterprise Directory Login ID) and password. You will be prompted for credentials upon downloading.

For more information about Microsoft Defender Advance Threat Protection that you cannot find here, please refer to Microsoft’s website.

Malware Information and Advice

Malicious software includes viruses, worms, trojans, adware, spyware and similar threats. “Malware” can slow down your computer or network access, steal private information, or be used by hackers to attack other machines. It can be spread by opening e-mail attachments, visiting websites, using infected USB flash drives, CDs, or DVDs, by installing disguised video players, playing infected media files, or even by using purported anti-malware programs. Even careful and conscientious users can have malware on their computers.

If you suspect that you have installed malware or need more information, please visit our malware information and advice page.

More Computer Security Information