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Guidelines for Using Security Software

Updated: April 21, 2026

 
The university currently does not provide a campus-wide license for antivirus software (i.e., centrally distributed by the university).
Therefore, users are responsible for configuring and managing security measures on their own devices in accordance with the guidelines below.

 

1. Basic Policy：Use Built-in OS Features

Windows and macOS come with high-performance security features by default.Unless there is a specific reason otherwise, you are encouraged to use the following:

  • For Windows
    　Microsoft Defender (built-in)
  • For macOS
    　XProtect / Gatekeeper (built-in)

These features are tightly integrated with the operating system, making them lightweight and less likely to cause compatibility issues with campus systems (e.g., course registration systems, on-demand printing systems).

 

2. When Using Third-Party Software (Commercial Antivirus)

If you choose to use commercial antivirus software such as Virus Buster, Norton, ESET, or Kaspersky, you must agree to the following and manage it at your own responsibility:

  • License Management
    　Expired software cannot protect against new threats and may even disable the OS’s built-in defenses, creating serious security risks.Always maintain a valid license.
  • Impact on Campus Services
    　Firewall features in security software may block access to systems such as course registration, on-demand printing, or the campus VPN (Global Protect).If issues occur, temporarily disable the software and check functionality.

 

3. 【Faculty Only】Advanced Security (Defender for Endpoint)

For faculty members handling highly sensitive data in laboratories or research environments, the university offers Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE).

  • Benefits
    　In addition to standard malware detection, it can detect suspicious behavior from unknown threats (EDR functionality) and assess application vulnerabilities.
  • Privacy
    　To analyze security threats, certain data is sent to Microsoft’s cloud.
    　　・Collected
    　　　　Logs for security analysis (e.g., file names, running processes).
    　　・Not collected
    　　　　File contents, personal email content, private browsing history.
  • Eligibility
    　Limited to full-time faculty devices(up to 5 devices)。
    　※Devices owned by laboratories but used by students are  NOT eligible.

Application is required. For details, please refer to the URL below:
　https://web.sic.shibaura-it.ac.jp/MDE

 

4. Feature Comparison

Options target  reasons for recommendation, and points to note
OS Built-in Features Recommended (all users) Free, no setup required, high compatibility with campus systems.
Commercial Software Optional (all users) Beware of license expiration; users must resolve communication blocks themselves (no support provided).
University-provided MDE Faculty only（School-funded devices, etc.） Very strong protection; requires agreement to the privacy policy; limited to faculty devices (up to 5).

Important Notes

If you still have antivirus software installed from the university’s previous license program, uninstall it immediately.uninstall it immediately.Outdated software without updated definitions poses a significant security risk.

 

Contact Address：

　Information Innovation Division
　　Faculty goiken@sic.shibaura-it.ac.jp
　　Students oshiete@sic.shibaura-it.ac.jp