Windows Defender Antivirus For Mac

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).