Simplifying Deployment of Microsoft Defender ATP for macOS using Microsoft Endpoint Manager
The modern enterprise is tackling a range of digital transformation challenges and opportunities, from the need to securely enable remote work to the emergence of cloud-native and hybrid cloud architectures. As organizations strive for new levels of agility and cost savings, they often turn to the cloud for solutions. However, the challenge of managing and securing these cloud-centric environments remains a challenge.
Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM) is designed to help organizations streamline their management and security of endpoints and applications, while helping to reduce costs and complexity. In this article, we will explore how MEM can be used to simplify the deployment of Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) for macOS.
What is Microsoft Endpoint Manager?
Microsoft Endpoint Manager is a cloud-based unified endpoint management (UEM) and security solution. It integrates Microsoft Intune, Configuration Manager, and Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) into a single console, enabling organizations to manage and secure Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices from a single pane of glass. It also provides a range of features for managing applications, data, threats, and identity.
What is Microsoft Defender ATP for macOS?
Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) for macOS is a security solution that provides organizations with advanced threat protection for their macOS devices. It helps prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to threats from advanced persistent threats, zero-day attacks, and malicious software.
How Does Microsoft Endpoint Manager Simplify Deployment of Microsoft Defender ATP for macOS?
Microsoft Endpoint Manager simplifies the deployment of Microsoft Defender ATP for macOS by providing an integrated solution for device management and security. The MEM console enables administrators to quickly deploy and configure Defender ATP for macOS on managed devices.
First, administrators can use the MEM console to deploy the Defender ATP for macOS client to devices. The deployment process is simple and streamlined, and can be completed in a few clicks.
Once the Defender ATP for macOS client is installed on a device, administrators can use the MEM console to configure the security settings for the client. This includes setting up policies for malware scan frequency, scan scheduling, and other security-related settings.
In addition, the MEM console also enables administrators to monitor and manage the Defender ATP for macOS client on a managed device. This includes the ability to view threat alerts, scan results, and other security-related information.
PowerShell Script Example
The following PowerShell script can be used to deploy the Defender ATP for macOS client on managed devices:
$sourcePath = “C:\Software\Microsoft Defender ATP for Mac.pkg”$sourceLocation = New-Object -TypeName System.Management.Automation.PSCredential `
-ArgumentList “domain\username”, (ConvertTo-SecureString “password” -AsPlainText -Force)
$destinationPath = “\server\share\Microsoft Defender ATP for Mac.pkg”
Copy-Item -Path $sourcePath -Destination $destinationPath -Credential $sourceLocation
$DefenderATPForMacOSPackage = Get-CimInstance -ClassName CCM_SoftwareDistributionPackage -Filter “LocalPath LIKE ‘%Microsoft Defender ATP for Mac.pkg'”
$DefenderATPForMacOSPackageID = $DefenderATPForMacOSPackage.PackageID
$DefenderATPForMacOSDeploymentType = Get-CimInstance -ClassName CCM_SoftwareDistributionDeploymentType `
-Filter “PackageID = ‘$DefenderATPForMacOSPackageID'”
$DefenderATPForMacOSDeploymentTypeID = $DefenderATPForMacOSDeploymentType.DeploymentTypeID
$DefenderATPForMacOSDeployment = New-CimInstance -ClassName CCM_SoftwareDistribution -Property @{
PackageID = $DefenderATPForMacOSPackageID;
DeploymentTypeID = $DefenderATPForMacOSDeploymentTypeID;
Action = “Install”
}
Set-CimInstance -InputObject $DefenderATPForMacOSDeployment
Conclusion
Microsoft Endpoint Manager simplifies the deployment and management of Microsoft Defender ATP for macOS. It provides administrators with a unified console to quickly deploy and configure the Defender ATP for macOS client on managed devices. In addition, administrators can use the MEM console to monitor and manage the client, as well as view threat alerts and scan results. With MEM, organizations can streamline their management and security of macOS devices, helping to reduce costs and complexity.
Using PowerShell scripts, administrators can automate the deployment of the Defender ATP for macOS client on managed devices. This can greatly simplify the deployment process and reduce the time and effort required to deploy the client.
