The process of transitioning University-owned devices to Microsoft Defender ATP is not automatic, but it can be automated with enterprise management tools used by Pitt IT or departmental IT support staff. Computers that are transitioned to Microsoft Defender ATP become centrally managed in order to take advantage of the features provided by this solution. Microsoft Defender ATP also provides antivirus services to macOS-based Apple devices when deployed with our installation package. It also includes ATP, which is a cloud-based enterprise security solution that builds on Defender’s antivirus features and enhances its capabilities for managed computers.

It includes Windows Defender, Microsoft’s antivirus solution that is included with recent versions of the Windows operating system. Microsoft Defender ATP is actually two products in one.

Important: Because Symantec will stop providing virus definitions and security updates after the license expires on June 13-and other antivirus software may not function properly with Symantec installed-it is important that Symantec Endpoint Protection be removed from all devices.

We are committed to working with you to ensure the transition proceeds as smoothly as possible. While moving to Microsoft Defender ATP provides the opportunity to deliver an excellent antivirus solution at substantial cost savings for the University, Pitt IT recognizes the compressed timeline of this conversion. Due to an unexpected and significant increase in Symantec licensing fees, the University of Pittsburgh is adopting Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) as its new enterprise antivirus solution, replacing Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) effective Friday, June 5, 2020.

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