Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) is the University's supported anti-virus application. When properly installed on your laptop, desktop, or server, it can protect your computer against harmful applications and computer applications that have security holes. Below is information on how to download, install, and update Symantec Endpoint Protection for these operating systems: Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Eligibility and Usage
This software is provided free to current faculty, students, and staff of the University and must not be distributed to anyone who does not have a direct affiliation with the University. When your affiliation with the University ceases, you must remove the software from your computer(s) and purchase a copy from an external vendor.
Download the Client Software
If you are eligible user, download a version(s) that meets your need from the list below. Your CNetID and password is required. You can find system-specific information including system requirements in the Symantec release notes.
Windows
Symantec Endpoint Protection 14 is compatible Windows 7 through Windows 10.
- Symantec Endpoint Protection 14.2.1 MP2 64-bit Windows
- Symantec Endpoint Protection 14.2.1 MP2 32-bit Windows
Note for IT Administrators: As part of the University's site license with Symantec, larger downloads that provide both generic client installers (without defaults or customizations) along with server-based management consoles, are available upon request. These console applications allow you to easily install, configure, and maintain large numbers of endpoints. For more information, contact licensing@uchicago.edu.
Mac OS X
Symantec Endpoint Protection 14 is the newest version and it's compatible with Mac OS 10.10 through 10.14 (Mojave).
Linux
Symantec Endpoint Protection is compatible with various Linux distributions. Refer to the README file, included in the download, before installing the application.
Install the Client Software
Note: If you are running a previous version of Symantec Endpoint Protection, you may be prompted to uninstall it before completing the new installation. If this happens, there is an uninstaller included in the Zip package of the new installer (Symantec Uninstaller) that you can use to remove the existing version. Also note, you may have to use an administrator account to perform the installations.
To install the software on a Mac:
- Download the file .zip to your Download folder.
- Click on the .zip file. It will extract a .dmg file.
- Click on the .dmg file and follow instructions on your screen.
If you are running Windows, you can right-click on setup.exe and then select Run as administrator.
Update the Virus Definitions
When you install SEP, be sure to update the Virus Definitions. The installer app will prompt you if an updated is required. After the initial installation, you must continue to update the Virus Definitions regularly in order for your computer to be properly protected. New definitions are released frequently, and sometimes daily. Be sure to setup auto updates through your SEP preferences.
Plan to Upgrade the Client
New versions of the desktop application, distinct from the virus definitions, are not released on a regular basis. Please stay current and download upgrades as they become available. You can be alerted of the upgrades if you subscribe to the Symantec Antivirus Client Upgrade Alert mailing list.