Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, the latest step in Microsoft’s efforts to protect its enterprise customers on Windows 10 is no longer exclusive to the company’s desktop operating system. Indeed, the Redmond giant has just announced new strategic partnerships with other security vendors to extend Windows Defender ATP to macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.
“We’ve heard from our customers that they want protection and visibility into potential threats on all of their device platforms and we’ve turned to partners to help address this need,” explained Rob Lefferts, Partner Director for Microsoft’s Windows & Devices Group. For now, Microsoft is teaming up with security companies Bitdefender, Lookout and Ziften, and hoping to add more vendors in the future.
“We have been working closely with our partners to ensure the integration of their solutions with Windows Defender ATP is simple and easy to implement with only a few clicks,” explained Lefferts. “There are no requirements for any additional infrastructure, and once the integration is set, new events from on boarded macOS, Linux, iOS and Android devices will start surfacing into the Windows Defender ATP console.”
BitDefender’s integration with Windows Defender ATP is now available in public preview, and you can learn how to register for a trial version on this FAQ. Lookout and Ziften will soon join Microsoft’s Public Preview program, and you can get more information about their plans on their respective websites.
Overall, this is pretty big news for companies using Windows Defender ATP, as they will soon be able to extend the service to their entire install base. “We believe for security to be the most effective, it must be comprehensive,” shared Lefferts. “As attackers continue to move quickly, the security industry must work together to provide integrated experiences and technology.”
