Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) is a unified platform for preventative protection, post-breach detection, automated investigation, and response. While it had been on Windows for a while, Microsoft is now making Windows Defender ATP for macOS as well. However, it’s only for Enterprise, and it’s compatible with devices running macOS.
Microsoft Defender ATP for Mac
Microsoft Defender is a cross-platform protection and endpoint detection and offers response coverage, apart from all the features like attack surface reduction. Auto investigation & remediation, connected pre-breach protection, exploit protection, and behavior monitoring, it also include Threat and Vulnerability Management for macOS. It offers
- Real-time device inventory
- Visibility into software and vulnerabilities
- Application runtime context
- Configuration posture
When I first saw the announcement, I was a bit excited, thinking it was a consumer-oriented option. Sadly, it is available only for enterprises, and right now, it is request-based. You can apply with a work or company email if you wish to evaluate. The link lets you get a free trial for Microsoft Defender ATP for macOS though you can also request for a quote.
Note: Not any work email will work. You should be a real business looking for a solution.
Once your application is approved, you can visit the onboarding page in the Microsoft Defender ATP portal. Post that you can install it using multiple methods. Microsoft has listed the following ways to install Microsoft Defender ATP for macOS:
- Via the command line tool:
- Via third-party tools:
- Microsoft Intune-based deployment
- JAMF-based deployment
- Other MDM products
Once you have enabled the service, configure your network or firewall to allow outbound connections between it and your endpoints.
There are many enterprises where many use macOS. After all, Microsoft software & services are available on macOS as well, if work demands, one can use it. That’s where Microsoft Defender ATP for macOS makes sense. Enterprise can ensure that Macbooks get the same protection as other Windows machines.
