Microsoft is expanding its wings and planning to
take macOS under its supervision with the launch of Windows Defender Antivirus for Mac, named as Microsoft Defender
Advanced Threat Protection (ATP). Although Mac users believe that there is no
malware that can sneak into the high-end operating system, this notion is not
entirely true. A few years back, a malware outbreak occurred on various macOS
and a number of Mac owners found themselves wondering if they needed a
third-party antivirus software to keep their devices safe. The cunningly
designed malware was called Mac Defender Malware. A pop-up window appeared when
the user visited any website and displayed a virus warning. It then seeked
user’s permission to run a virus scan through the Apple Security Center and the
virus was downloaded into the system.
Windows Defender
Antivirus for Mac is one such third-party antivirus
software that Apple users can trust to keep their macOS safe from such devious
malware and credit scam. Apple is slowly responding to such threats but in the
meantime, users need the support of an efficient antivirus software to keep
their devices safe from any such cyber-attacks in the near future. Therefore,
it is time that Mac users bit the bullet and bought a third-party antivirus
software to keep their important data and credentials safe from ransomware,
spyware, and other malicious software that sneak into the system under
camouflage along with legitimate apps and programs.
Initially, Microsoft came up with a Preview Program
of Windows Defender Antivirus for Mac
for businesses so that users could gain an insight as to how the antivirus
software will keep their macOS devices protected. After the latest announcement
of the public preview, Microsoft has been working proactively towards making
the antivirus software better. It is taking into consideration each and every
customer feedback and adding various management features for enhanced user
experience. The company has also added several controls for data collection and
fixed bugs that various users were coming across on their Mac operating
systems.
Since the idea of installing an antivirus is new for
most of the Mac owners, here are a few pointers to help them guide through the
process for a smooth experience-
System Requirements for Windows Defender Antivirus for Mac:
The antivirus software is compatible with
macOS versions 10.12(Sierra), 10.13(High Sierra), and 10.14(Mojave);
The minimum disk space required for its
installation is 650 MB;
Users also need to configure their
firewall or network settings to allow the required URLs to connect to the
network;
Installing the antivirus software:
There are various deployment tools and methods that one can use to install the
antivirus software conveniently. The general steps to follow are-
Making sure that the user has a Microsoft
Defender Advanced Threat Protection subscription and also has the required
access to the ATP portal by Microsoft Defender;
Install the Defender ATP for Mac using
one of the following methods-
Command-line tools or manual
installation;
Management tools from third-parties like
JAMF, Microsoft in-tune deployment, etc.
Updating and Configuring Windows Defender Antivirus for Mac:
Microsoft comes up with regular software updates to help make the product
better, enhance performance, and improve security. Users can keep their
software up-to-date with the help of the Microsoft AutoUpdate program (MAU).
