Student working in class on their laptop.

CylancePROTECT

Advanced Threat Protection

CylancePROTECT

Advanced Threat Protection

Microsoft Defender Has Replaced CylancePROTECT

Please Note: CylancePROTECT is no longer available for University-owned computers. Microsoft Defender is now the standard anti-virus solution for campus.

This page is provided for archival information only.

logoCylancePROTECT is an advanced threat protection program that utilizes machine learning and artificial intelligence to categorize files and running processes.  Files deemed ‘unsafe’ or ‘abnormal’ are quarantined, while memory exploit attempts are blocked.

CylancePROTECT, unlike most antivirus solutions, is not reliant on daily virus definition updates or weekly system scans; so it is less CPU, memory, and hard drive intensive which should provide end user’s a better user experience.

When CylancePROTECT detects an issue with connectivity to the cloud-based management console, a yellow indicator will appear over the Cylance icon.  When Cylance detects an unsafe or abnormal file that has yet to be remediated a red indicator will appear over the Cylance icon.

How to obtain CylancePROTECT

Faculty and staff office computers should have CylancePROTECT installed as part of the standard load. Once installed the following icon CylancePROTECT should be displayed in your system tray or menu bar.

If you encounter an issue downloading, installing, or running a program, please follow the steps below:

  1. Open the CylancePROTECT client by double-clicking the CylancePROTECT icon in the system tray, the following window should appear:

    CylancePROTECT Window
  2. Click each of the tabs in the window to see if any Threats, Exploits, Events, or Scripts appear.
    • If you do not see anything listed, then it’s not likely a CylancePROTECT issue.
    • If you do see one or more legitimate work-related files listed in one of the tabs, contact the Help Desk at 214-768-HELP. Please be sure to provide your computer name and the file(s) detected.

Licensing

It is covered for all faculty and staff University-owned computers through our campus license agreement. For home and personal use, CylancePROTECT: Home Edition is available. Please see the Home Use section below for more information.

Cylance for Home Use

To help you safeguard your family's personal devices from malware, ransomware, and other cyberattacks, SMU OIT has partnered with Cylance to offer employees exclusive access to the same caliber of anti-malware protection that SMU computers receive for up to 10 of your family's devices at a promotional price. Visit to get started with Cylance Smart Antivirus.

Please Note: Windows 8/10 systems come pre-packaged with Windows Defender for antivirus.