Microsoft Defender can keep your Mac safe too – or can it?

Microsoft antivirus software is coming to Apple, but is only available to business customers for now.

Malware is not just a PC problem any more

Microsoft brought their virus protection software to Mac a week or so ago, giving it a more inclusive name to ditch the Windows only moniker

Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (business antivirus) is now known as Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), and along with that comes compatibility with Apple’s MacOS, it revealed in a Microsoft Tech Community post.

The Mac ATP client can be installed on devices running macOS Mojave, macOS High Sierra or macOS Sierra. It offers the usual virus and threat protection along with quick and full-system scans.

There are two key parts for cross-platform support for Microsoft Defender ATP on Mac:

• A new user interface on Mac clients called Microsoft Defender ATP. The user interface brings a similar experience to what customers have today on Windows 10 devices.
• Reporting for Mac devices on the Microsoft Defender ATP portal.

On devices running macOS Mojave, macOS High Sierra, or macOS Sierra that you want to manage and protect, Microsoft Defender ATP can be installed.