Antivirus software
Published on: 16th February 2021 | Updated on: 13th January 2026
Antivirus software helps protect your computer or device by finding and removing harmful programs such as viruses, malware and ransomware. Many devices already include basic protection when first set up.
The Data Security and Protection Toolkit includes questions about antivirus software, so it is important that your system is protected and regularly updated.
Malicious software is created to harm devices or the data stored on them. Antivirus software helps protect against this by detecting threats before they cause damage.
Harmful software is often downloaded by accident – for example, through an unsafe email attachment or by visiting a risky website.
How it works
Pharmacy owners should use up‑to‑date antivirus software on all devices. In many cases this protection is provided and maintained by IT support teams or the IT system supplier.
Antivirus software can help by:
- scanning emails for attachments that contain viruses;
- checking that files opened on the device are safe;
- carrying out automatic regular scans of files; and
- scanning files on demand when a pharmacy team member requests it.
Note: Some email platforms, such as NHS.net Connect, include built‑in antivirus protection for the platform itself.
You can check which antivirus software is installed on your system by:
- opening the antivirus program on your device; or
- checking with the IG lead or IT support team.
Many antivirus apps have dashboards showing recent alerts. These alerts vary in importance.
For example, a background alert may simply indicate that the software has automatically blocked a threat encountered when someone visited a particular webpage.
Pharmacy owners may wish to download, adapt and use:
DSPTK Template 6: Asset register (see DS templates webpage).
This template helps you record which antivirus software is used across your devices.
Further information
For more information on this topic please email it@cpe.org.uk
