The KAUST Information Technology and Information Security departments would like to address an upcoming change to our antivirus protection software on all KAUST devices and personal devices.

During September we will be switching to CrowdStrike as the only antivirus for KAUST-provided devices. Cortex antivirus will be removed from both KAUST-managed devices and from the personal devices of anyone who has chosen to install the complimentary Cortex license from the IT website.

What do you need to do?

KAUST-managed devices: Cortex will be removed automatically, and no action is needed from you. CrowdStrike will protect these devices.

Personal devices: If you installed the complimentary Cortex antivirus from the IT website, its removal will start in groups during September 2024, targeting to be removed from all personal devices by September 30, 2024. You do not need to do anything for the removal – KAUST IT will take care of it. To stay protected, please ensure you install a new antivirus on your personal devices before September 30, 2024.

As additional features in CrowdStrike are activated on all KAUST-managed devices, you may notice a new icon appear in the taskbar area (bottom-right of your screen) of all Windows devices.

To keep up with updates on this change, visit antivirus.kaust.edu.sa

For further information or assistance, please contact the IT Service Desk on 910 or 012-8080910, or visit our walk-in-support desk during business hours. You can also log a ticket using our chatbot VITA at it.kaust.edu.sa (or vita.kaust.edu.sa if you are off campus).

Thank you for your cooperation.

KAUST IT
it.kaust.edu.sa
We make IT happen!