Information Technology has plans underway to replace Maricopa’s existing antivirus software (from Kaspersky) with new endpoint protection software from Sophos on all Maricopa-issued computers.
There are several advantages for Maricopa related to this change:
- Sophos offers a more robust set of industry-standard security tools to help reduce external threats to our organization.
- A single tool protects Windows and Apple computers - currently, Maricopa pays for separate tools to protect each operating system.
Answers to popular questions about the system-wide rollout of Sophos antivirus software are below. If there are additional questions, employees should contact their local help desk for assistance.
Click any question below to expand the answer.
Getting Sophos for Home Use
The free offer, available to current Maricopa students, faculty, and staff, includes Sophos Home Commercial Edition. This offer does not include other Sophos antivirus products.
Visit this dedicated download site, Maricopa Sophos Home Commercial Edition, to get started.
Getting Started with Sophos at Work
After installation, the Sophos software will display status messages on your computer on occasion.
On Microsoft Windows 10-based computers, you will see the Sophos icon in the notification area - bottom right hand area of your screen.
On Apple Mac OS computers, you will see the Sophos icon in the upper right-hand corner. Please note that where you may find this notification may vary by the Mac operating system.
Just as with other technology used at Maricopa and at your college, please submit a help desk ticket or contact your college/District support team. A contact list is available.
Getting Started with Virtual Private Networking
​While most of Maricopa's applications and services can be accessed remotely and from anywhere, some applications, services and functions are restricted to the Maricopa network.
VPN access will be required in these cases. VPN is a technology that enables secure, encrypted connection​ between your computer and resources on the Maricopa network.
Note: VPN access and instructions may vary by location. Please contact your local help desk for assistance.
Each college is coordinating their site guidelines and instructions. Please watch for college instructions for more specific information or contact your college help desk.
- Some remote devices may need to connect over VPN.
- Others, including onsite devices, will receive updates automatically.
Yes. Firstly, you must be granted VPN access to use this service. To request VPN access, please submit a help desk ticket at your location. If you have questions, please contact your local help desk for assistance.
Installing the VPN software on your work computer
Please note that VPN client installation instructions may vary by location. For employees located at the District Office (District Office, Emerald Point, Wood Street, Maricopa Public Safety) that have been granted VPN access, use these instructions​ to setup your VPN client.
Using the VPN software to connect to the Maricopa network
If the VPN software is on your Windows computer, view this material, How-to Guide for Virtual Private Networking (Windows) for quick instructions on how to use the software on your Maricopa-issued Windows computer.
If you have questions, please contact the District Information Technologies Services help desk, 480-731-8632 or helpdesk@domail.maricopa.edu.