Checking Files and Folders for Viruses and Malware

• 4. Population of 'Shell Dataverse & Dataset'

Pre-Uploading Activity

• • Checking Files and Folders for Viruses and Malware
  • Zipping and Encrypting Files and Folders
    • Instructions on how to Zip and Encrypt a file or folder
  • Uploading Data Files and Supporting Documentation

Prior to ingesting to the ‘Shell Dataset(s)’, the ADA recommends that all files and folders be scanned for Viruses and Malware. Remember, even the use of free anti-virus and malware protections are better than none at all.

ANU affiliated depositors

The ANU as part of its Information Technology Security uses the Sophos Intercept X anti-virus software. For all ANU based depositors this software should already be loaded onto your computer and should be used to scan your files and/or folders prior to ingest. For Malware, although the ANU doesn't recommend a specific malware product, it does provide details of some suitable third-party products that can be used to check your files and/or folders with. Additional details for both the anti-virus and malware solutions is provided below. ANU Staff can contact the ANU IT Services for more information regarding the downloading of suitable malware protection, of the transfer of their assets to the new Sophos Interceptor X software.

Non-ANU affiliated depositors

For Data Owners that are not affiliated to the ANU or indeed do not have their own, or an organisational provided anti-virus and/or malware protection solution, there are a number of free software options available to you. An anti-virus comparison tool is available to assist you in selecting an appropriate software solution.

There is also the basic Microsoft Windows Defender Security Centre that all Windows based applications have access to. It is therefore recommended that one of these be downloaded and used to scan all files and/or folders prior to ingest. The negative aspects of using a free version of the software are the lack of support when issues are discovered and on some versions the reduced functionality when compared to the paid version (i.e. lack of live system tracking), or limited time that the free version is made available for. In all cases however, the use of any anti-virus protection is better than none.

Sophos Intercept X Anti-Virus Software

The ANU Information Technology Security webpage provides information about maintaining a secure online presence including anti-virus software. The ANU is transitioning to the Sophos Intercept X anti-virus software. This should be available on all Information Commons PCs at the ANU. ANU Staff can contact the ANU IT Services for more information regarding the transfer of their assets.

Note: ANU staff and students can no longer download Sophos anti-virus software-available for Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS and Linux/Unix-free of charge for their personal computers, including home computers. It does highlight that a number of anti-virus products, both free and paid, are generally available, and users are encouraged to select and install a suitable product for their needs. An anti-virus comparison tool is also available.

Malware protection Software

Although the ANU doesn't recommend a specific malware product, it does provide guidance on how to remove malware. Within this guidance it provides links to four third-party malware removal tools that can be used to scan files and/or folders for malware. It is recommended by the ADA that one of these services be used to scan your files and/or folders prior to uploading to the Dataverse DEPOSIT site. ANU Staff may need to contact ANU IT Services to request the malware protection software.