Due to an unexpected and significant increase in licensing fees, the University of Pittsburgh adopted Microsoft Defender for Endpoint as its new enterprise antivirus solution, replacing Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) effective Friday, June 5, 2020.

Moving to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides the opportunity to deliver an excellent antivirus solution at substantial cost savings for the University,

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

Although Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is not available for all personally-owned devices used by students, faculty, or staff, we have identified several alternative antivirus solutions that provide excellent protection and can be installed at no cost. 

Take Action

We've created a website wizard to help you determine what steps you need to take for your devices.We recommend completing the steps for any personally-owned devices after you’ve updated any University-owned equipment.  

Select the type of device where you wish to install antivirus:

Frequently Asked Questions

Review answers to frequently asked questions about the antivirus transition. If you have a question that isn't answered, please contact the Technology Help Desk and let us know so that we can add it.

Guidance for IT Support Staff

Review additional details about the University's antivirus transition that may be helpful to IT staff who support faculty and staff in their departments.

Learn More About Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint helps prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats. It integrates with Microsoft 365 and combines three powerful defense technologies into one convenient solution: endpoint behavioral sensors, cloud security analytics, and threat intelligence.

Advantages of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

1. Excellent virus protection: risk management, detection, response, remediation, and investigation
2. Integrated with Microsoft: optimized for Windows 10 and Office 365 desktop/cloud apps
3. Significant university cost savings: licensing fees included as part of the University’s Microsoft Campus Agreement

Help is Always Available

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at any time if you have questions or need assistance moving to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.