Window Defender will now be defending MacOS too

Windows Defender ATP will be called Microsoft Defender ATP on non-Windows platforms. — Microsoft

Microsoft has announced that they are bringing Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) enterprise software to non-Windows platforms under the name Microsoft Defender ATP, with MacOS as the first platform it is being brought to.

"As we bring our unified security solution to other platforms, we’re also updating our name to reflect the breadth of this expanded coverage: Microsoft Defender ATP," said the Microsoft community announcement post.

The client on MacOS is equipped with the same set of features that are available in the regular Windows version, including being able to run scans, along with virus and threat protection. The user interface for Microsoft Defender on MacOS is also very similar to the one on Windows 10.

The client also brings enterprise-focused ATP features to MacOS, which according to Microsoft allows for protection against advanced threats with features like network protection, website reputation analysis, threat isolation, and more.

The Defender ATP client is available to Mac devices running Sierra, High Sierra, and Mojave.

Currently, only ATP customers can apply for a preview of Microsoft Defender ATP, with no word on whether Microsoft Defender will be available to non-enterprise MacOS users.

It is likely that a release on Linux is also in the works, due to the inclusion of Tux, the Linux penguin mascot in the Microsoft Defender ATP announcement video.

To find out more about Microsoft Defender ATP features, check out the Microsoft ATP webpage. ATP customers can apply to take part in the preview on the Microsoft website.