Anti-Virus Information and Recommendations

Your PCC Partner Server runs the Linux operating system. The vast majority of viruses are written for the Microsoft Windows™ operating system and the overwhelming majority of virus infections and compromised systems come from Windows machines. Viruses written for Windows can't generally be run and won't infect the operating system on your PCC Partner Server. Additionally, the Linux operating system has many security features that Windows systems do not have, or commonly do not have enabled, that make it difficult for viruses to be opened, grow, and spread across your network. No PCC Server or PCC Partner Server running the Linux operating system has ever been infected with a virus.

However, Windows files stored on your Partner server - such as in a Common Directory - can be infected by Windows machines on your network and will need to be disinfected and protected as though they were on a typical Windows system. 

Keeping computers free of malware will help ensure your system runs securely, and that you maintain HIPAA compliance by taking measures to keep your data secure. Malware–or any malicious software installed on your computer, including viruses–is a major concern for medical practices using computers with the Windows operating system. PCC is often asked to recommend anti-virus software that will help you ensure your system remains virus-free. PCC tested a number of anti-virus solutions to help you keep your workstations secure and provide you with some guidelines.

In our research of anti-virus software, we were primarily concerned with the effectiveness of the product, but we also took into consideration ease of use and compatibility with PCC software. We wanted to find a product that could both be set up easily and could be “tinkered with” depending on your level of computing confidence.  We did not consider any product that had a firewall component as the computers in your office are most likely protected by the firewall on your PCC server and often anti-virus firewall products get in the way of software you need to access Partner.

The two anti-virus clients that best met our criteria were:
Kaspersky AV 2009  and ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4.

Both of these are desktop products, meaning that they are meant to run individually on each computer in your office (except the server). PCC recommends that your practice configures your anti-virus software to do a full system scan at least once a week. Your anti-virus software also must be updated regularly to be effective. PCC has also considered centrally manageable anti-virus software, but we are not ready to make a recommendation.

For more information, you can read our Research on Anti-Virus Products that includes the various products we tested and our notes on each of them. You can also read our recently updated article, Virus Protection: Frequently Asked Questions.