Residential Computing

What is Be Secure?

To help you meet the campus minimum security standards, Be Secure includes the following:

• Symantec Endpoint Protection Antivirus

  This antivirus application will detect and eliminate malicious code from your computer, and UC Berkeley provides a lifetime student license so that your computer stays protected.

• Firewall Software

  A personal firewall will protect you from potentially harmful network traffic that can exploit security holes on your computer. Symantec Endpoint Protection includes a firewall for any Windows System.

• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

  This will protect your data by detecting viruses, trojans, spyware, and adware and removing it from your computer.

• Firefox Web Browser

  ResComp provides Firefox because of its enhanced and highly customizable security settings, which make it easier to avoid suspicious websites that could compromise your protected data.

• Windows Service Pack

  This will enable automatic updates for your Windows system, which will protect your computer from the newest security vulnerabilities as they are discovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional information about Be Secure, review the FAQ below.

1. What if Be Secure won't install on my computer?

   Particularly for non-English language computers, Be Secure software may not install properly because Symantec Corporation does not officially support non-English Windows systems. Also, especially low-end computers that do not meet ResComp's recommended computer specifications may find that Symantec Endpoint Protection runs too slowly. While we recommend that residents take all necessary steps to install Be Secure, we recognize that this may not always be possible.

   Please note: Even if you do not install Be Secure, your computer must meet the campus minimum security standards. This guide is designed to assist you in finding alternative software that ensures the security of your computer. Additionally, if you are having problems with installation, you can always contact an RCC to help you troubleshoot.

2. Why do I have to uninstall my current security software?

   Installing two different types of antivirus programs on the same machine will cause software conflicts. An advantage of Be Secure is that the campus license for Symantec Endpoint Protection comes with free, unlimited virus definition updates. Most new computers include only trial versions of these programs, which expire after a short time.

3. How can I make my computer comply with the minimum security standards without installing Be Secure?

   1. You must install an approved host-based firewall and an approved antivirus program. A list of approved software is available at the campus security website.
   2. You must also configure your firewall to allow scans from Berkeley network security scanners. This is to ensure your security and to protect the integrity of the Berkeley network.

      Remember that if you do not install the Be Secure software, you are still responsible for complying with the other Minimum Security Standards — such as installing up-to-date operating system patches and setting strong administrator passwords. If you do not comply with any one of these standards, your connection may be automatically disabled.

4. What if I own an Intel-core Mac?

   Mac OS X comes pre-packaged with firewall software. Please make sure this firewall is activated by following these steps:

   1. Click on the Apple menu and open System Preferences.
   2. In the Personal section, click on "Security."
   3. When the Security screen is open, click on the "Firewall" tab.
   4. Click the lock to make changes, and then click on the Start button to turn the firewall on.

   You should also make sure your system has an administrator password properly configured. To set your administrator password, follow these steps:

   1. Click on the Apple menu and open System Preferences.
   2. In the System section, click on "Accounts" and select your account from the list.

   3. Click the "Change Password" button and follow the steps to change your password. If you did not have a password before, you can leave the "Old password" field blank.

If you experience issues with Be Secure or other security software, please contact ResComp for support and an RCC can help.

Downloads

The latest Be Secure package is always available for download during online registration. If you have already registered your in-room connection but would still like to download Be Secure, select the package for your operating system below:

Windows (All Supported Versions)	Be Secure 2011 Windows
Mac OS X (Up to 10.6 Snow Leopard)	Symantic Endpoint Protection Mac

Note: Symantec Endpoint Protection does not currently support Apple's latest operating system, Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion). If your computer is running this version of Mac OS X, you can download ClamXav, a free antivirus program for Macs. This program is available at www.clamxav.com.