Endpoint Management Services provides centralized management of University desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. A big focus of Endpoint Management Services is Endpoint Protection, which means keeping University devices safe from malicious attacks.
How will Endpoint Management keep my devices safe?
To keep University endpoints protected against viruses and other malicious software, Endpoint Management Services will automatically install on your devices the antivirus software Palo Alto Cortex XDR. This software is required on all University endpoints, including desktops, laptops and servers.
What is Palo Alto Cortex XDR?
Palo Alto Cortex XDR is more advanced than a traditional antivirus solution. Cortex is an extended detection and response app that uses real-time detection to respond to malware and other sophisticated attacks while preventing malicious software from running on devices. Note that on July 1, 2020, Palo Alto Cortex XDR replaced Symantec as the University's antivirus solution for endpoint protection.
You will know that you have Cortex on your devices by the small shield icon – with a green checkmark on Windows or interlocking circles on macOS – in your desktop taskbar
If your college or department is using the centrally provided endpoint management tools, your devices should already have Cortex XDR installed. If you have not opt-ed into endpoint management, or if you are not sure your device is using the centrally provided tools, please reach out to your IT support team to discuss your options.
What do I need to do to get Cortex?
If your college or department is using the centrally provided endpoint management tools, your devices should already have Cortex XDR installed. If you have not opt-ed into endpoint management, or if you are not sure your device is using the centrally provided tools, please reach out to your IT support team to discuss your options. You may also reach out to your campus Help Desk for assistance.
Is it safe for me to have this software on my computer?
Yes. Cortex XDR is intended to protect you and the information on your devices. ITS will not collect any information about users from this software.
How can I protect my personally owned computer?
While ITS does not provide direct support for personally owned devices, it is highly recommended that all faculty, staff and students download a free, University-provided personal version of Cortex for use on home computers.
To download Cortex XDR by Palo Alto for personal devices, go to your campus' SharePoint folder. Additional installation instructions can be found below.
After installing Cortex on a personal device, you will need to connect your device to the University network every 6 months to keep the Palo Alto Cortex XDR agent active. Simply bring your laptop to campus and connect to the University's networks, or when you're at home use the virtual private network (VPN) to connect securely to NU networks.
NU ITS encourages you to always use University-owned devices to conduct University business.
