KAUST Information Technology is committed to providing secure and reliable protection for all KAUST-managed devices. As part of our unified endpoint security approach, CrowdStrike is the standard antivirus solution used across all KAUST-managed devices.
Antivirus software is a critical component of cybersecurity. It protects devices from malware, ransomware, phishing, spyware, and other malicious threats. Without proper antivirus protection, both institutional and personal data are at risk of exposure, damage, or theft. Keeping your devices protected is a shared responsibility and a key part of maintaining KAUST's security posture.
KAUST-managed devices: All KAUST computers are automatically protected by CrowdStrike. You do not need to take any action — CrowdStrike runs silently in the background and ensures ongoing security and threat detection.
Personal devices: Support for Cortex XDR on personal devices has ended. If you previously installed the complimentary version of Cortex from the IT website, we recommend uninstalling it and choosing a trusted antivirus solution to continue protecting your personal devices.
KAUST IT previously supported both Cortex XDR and CrowdStrike for endpoint protection. To simplify management and ensure consistent security standards, CrowdStrike is now the sole enterprise antivirus solution deployed on KAUST-managed devices. It provides advanced threat detection, real-time protection, and low impact on system performance.
While KAUST no longer provides antivirus software for personal use, we strongly encourage all community members to install and maintain an up-to-date antivirus application on personal devices used for academic or professional work. Please select a trusted antivirus solution that meets your needs and ensure it stays regularly updated.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the IT Service Desk:
