Users on Apple’s macOS are getting a new update for Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP). With this new release, Microsoft is bumping its anti-virus tool to version with new Network Protection features.
It is worth noting the latest version of Microsoft Defender ATP is only available to users running macOS 10.15.4 or newer. Another notable detail is that the new feature will not begin rolling out to the platform until next month.
In terms of the new Network Protection tools, Microsoft says users will now have added mitigation against attacks. Specifically, the new feature will reduce attack surfaces when internet-based hacks occur.
You can check out exactly what Network Protection in Microsoft Defender ATP does via Microsoft’s official changelog below:
- “Network protection helps reduce the attack surface of your devices from Internet-based events. It prevents employees from using any application to access dangerous domains that may host phishing scams, exploits, and other malicious content on the Internet.
- Network protection expands the scope of Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to block all outbound HTTP(s) traffic that attempts to connect to low-reputation sources (based on the domain or hostname).”
Evolving Defender
Windows Defender ATP debuted in 2016 and is mostly for enterprise customers on Windows 10. The service provides an early barrier against cyberattacks, detecting and dealing with incoming threats on enterprise networks.
The wider Windows Defender suite, including ATP, was rebranded as Microsoft Defender in May. As for ATP, it will eventually be rebranded as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, with the name change coming in 2021.
