Microsoft has launched its Windows Defender antivirus software for macOS today. The software company is renaming its old Windows Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) to Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP). With a dedicated Defender ATP client for Mac, the software offers full virus threat protection mixed with the old features like, “Quick” or “Full Scan”.
A limited preview will be available for the companies who have both the Windows PCs and Macs in their offices, to test out the new antivirus software. This will help the software company to analyze what further improvements are required by the Windows Defender. Microsoft is also using its AutoUpdate software on macOS to keep the clients up-to-date with the new features. This feature will soon be available for devices running macOS High Sierra, macOS Sierra, or macOS Mojave.
Windows Defender software was first launched as an anti-spyware solution for Windows XP, which later became a permanent part of Windows Vista and Windows 7. With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft developed Windows Defender into a full antivirus solution, as a replacement for Microsoft Security Essentials. Today, this software is helping to protect Windows 10 as Windows Defender Antivirus.
Microsoft decided to create ATP when they realized that every organization has different kinds of devices through which they operate and not all of them run Windows. With Windows Defender now supporting macOS, the companies can use Microsoft’s security tool without the struggle of integrating some other security software jot for their Macs.
For now, ATP is available for businesses only, and it is not yet clear whether Microsoft will launch the consumer version of this software for Mac users or not. In the meantime, if you are looking to try out the limited preview of the Microsoft Windows Defender Antivirus, you can sign up from here.
Last year, Microsoft released APPFactory (Apprenticeship Factory) in Pakistan, to develop the digital skills and coding capabilities of young ICT graduates. Also, Microsoft released the preview version of its new Chromium-based browser in Feb 2019.
