Microsoft Defender Brings Anti-virus Protection To MacOS

Microsoft has informed via a blog-post on Thursday that they would bring an anti-virus solution to Apple's MacOS for the first time. While Macs are significantly less vulnerable to malware than Windows machines, they are not exempt from internet threats. In order to create an Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) software for Apple's MacOS, the tech giant has also reconstructed its Windows Defender ATP to Microsoft Defender ATP as a result.

According to The Verge, Windows is using its AutoUpdate software, which ensures that the app is kept up-to-date and is properly connected to the cloud.

The Microsoft Defender ATP will be rolled out with the full virus and threat protection along with the usual ability to scan a quick or full session. This software allows users to customize personal settings including turning on/off real-time protection, automatic sample submission, and cloud-delivered protection. It will also support users to add their own exclusions for specific files or paths, manage notifications about threats as well as check for security updates manually.

For businesses, a limited preview would be available for trying out the anti-virus protection in environments that use both Macs and Windows PCs. Additionally, ATP is still limited to businesses and it remains uncertain if Microsoft has its plan to bring another version of the software to the Mac.