About
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) is an endpoint security platform designed to help enterprise networks prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats. It accomplishes this through several smaller components that work together to aid the University of Oregon detect attacks on endpoint computers before they can spread. The unmanaged version of Microsoft Defender is installed by default on any Windows operating system, UO is leveraging the managed version of MDE to extend its capabilities.
Licensing and Restrictions
Staff and faculty who are eligible for Microsoft 365 A5 are also allowed to install and use Defender for Endpoint on their UO-owned and managed Windows devices. If you're not sure if you're eligible for Microsoft 365 A5, you can find your affiliation in the UO Affiliation and Microsoft Licensing page to see which license level you are eligible for.
Installing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
MDE will be installed automatically on all UO-owned and managed macOS and Windows devices.
If you believe that your machine does not have MDE and should, please contact your local IT department for assistance in enrolling your device.
Is Microsoft Defender Installed?
macOS
A Defender icon will display in the toolbar in the upper-right section of your screen. The Defender icon is a shield with a check mark.
Windows
You can tell it is managed by checking Windows Security > Virus and Threat Protection > Virus and threat protection settings > Manage Settings. While in this view, the settings should read This setting is managed by your administrator.