Microsoft recently announced that it will be bringing its popular Windows Defender security software to the Mac platform. Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) for Mac is a standalone antivirus solution designed specifically for macOS devices.

The new software is currently in limited preview and is targeted at businesses that run both Windows and Mac software environments. To complete this deployment, you'll need an active Threat Detection and Response subscription with Host Sensor licenses. Additionally, you'll need to exclude certain folders from Microsoft Defender ATP on your Mac device.

These exclusions include the `/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Defender/` folder. You'll also need to add exclusions in TDR for Microsoft Defender ATP. It's worth noting that Microsoft hasn't indicated whether it will eventually make Defender ATP available to consumer Macs, but it wouldn't be surprising if they rolled out more widely.

The Windows Defender ATP for Mac features a new interface that resembles its appearance on Windows devices, but with a slightly more macOS look and feel. The antivirus software is built directly into Windows devices, but the company has created a special standalone Mac version to cater to the needs of Mac users.

With Windows Defender ATP for Mac, you'll have access to advanced threat detection and response capabilities. You can review and configure anti-malware protection settings, including full, quick, and custom path scans. If threats are detected, you can quarantine them, remove, or allow them as needed.

Reporting for Mac devices is available through the general Microsoft Defender ATP Portal. Administrators will be able to surface alerts and detections in the portal, which includes rich context and alert process trees. The service also includes Microsoft AutoUpdate, ensuring that Windows Defender ATP stays up-to-date with the latest definitions.

Overall, Windows Defender ATP for Mac is a powerful security solution designed specifically for businesses that rely on both Windows and Mac devices. If you're interested in learning more about this new software or want to get involved in the limited preview program, be sure to check out Microsoft's official website for more information.

Windows defender for mac