UTK Malwarebytes

Overview

Malwarebytes (MBAM) is an anti-malware and anti-spyware program that runs on both Mac and Windows systems. UTK has a volume license for use on UT-owned computers using the software provided through the OIT software distribution website. The UTK-provided version of MBAM is a cloud-based software that runs a small client on the local machine with limited functionality visible for the user. The user will have the ability to start and stop the software as well as start a computer scan.

Procedures

Installing Malwarebytes on UT-Owned Computers (Mac and Windows)

1. Access the OIT software website at oit.utk.edu/software.
2. Click Log in to download software.
3. Log in with your NetID and password.
4. Choose the option for installing software on UT-Owned computers.
5. Scroll down to the section for Malwarebytes and expand the section.
6. Select the appropriate version of MBAM for both the operating system and user entity. If the entity is not listed or is unknown, use the UTK version.
7. Follow the prompts to install the software.

Running Malwarebytes Scans

• Windows: https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039024353-Manually-Scan-with-Malwarebytes-for-Windows-v3
• Mac: https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038479334-Scan-your-device-with-Malwarebytes-for-Mac

macOS: Manually grant Malwarebytes Full Disk Access 

1. Open System Preferences.
2. Click the Security & Privacy icon.
3. In the Security & Privacy window, click the Privacy tab.
4. Scroll down to find Full Disk Access and select it.
5. Click the lock icon at the bottom-left corner of the windows to make privacy changes.
6. You are prompted to enter your login password to allow changes to your Security & Privacy. Click Unlock.
7. Check the box for the following item(s):
   • Malwarebytes Endpoint Agent: Displays if you are subscribed to Malwarebytes Endpoint Detection and Response.
   • Malwarebytes Protection: Displays if you are subscribed to Malwarebytes Endpoint Detection and Response or Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection.
8. Click the lock icon at the bottom-left corner to prevent further settings changes.

The Malwarebytes Client is Blocking Legitimate Sites

OIT Desktop Support technicians are the administrators for the software. If you encounter issues with the client or the client blocking legitimate sites, submit a request to our Desktop Support team. 

Malwarebytes Client Auto-removal 

The UTK Malwarebytes client is automatically removed from any device not seen by Malwarebytes in 90 or more days from the console. This should not affect individuals that are using their computers from home, as Malwarebytes is a Cloud product now.  However, it might affect users who have been working from home and have not logged into their on-campus machines in over 90 days. 

If a computer is inactive and dropped from Malwarebytes, the client can be reinstalled from the OIT Software Download site.  If the computer is in Active Directory and is in an OU receiving OIT’s Malwarebytes policy, it will be reinstalled automatically.

This will not affect any machines in UTIA or UTSA, just within the UTK area.