TechAnnounce

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Deployment at Texas Tech University
Cybersecurity and the global threat landscape continue to evolve at a rapid rate. In response, Texas Tech University’s IT Division continuously analyzes industry best practices and invests in advanced solutions which provide enhanced protection of TTU’s critical information resources. 

As a part of our overall security enhancement strategy, the TTU IT Division will be transitioning the end-point protection solution for university-owned Windows, Mac, and *NIX (Unix) desktop and laptop workstations from Symantec Endpoint Protection to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. The change to this next-generation solution will provide many benefits:
  • Enhanced proactive protection to rapidly detect and respond to threats.
  • Additional real-time security visibility and vulnerability detection for departmental IT staff.
  • Improved utilization of local system resources.
  • Native integration with Windows and compatibility with macOS and *NIX systems.
  • Superior integration with University infrastructure and security tools.
The TTU IT Division will contact departmental IT Staff directly to schedule the change and ensure a smooth transition. Please note the following details on the transition:
  • No lapse in antivirus protection will occur during the onboarding process. 
  • No interaction is required for Windows machines. 
  • Mac users will be prompted to accept installation of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. 
  • Installed Symantec Endpoint Protection will be removed from the computer at the next system restart. 
Symantec Endpoint Protection will continue to be available for personal use until at least August 31, 2022.

Thank you for helping to protect our institutional information resources. We also would like to acknowledge the departments who have participated in our Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pilot over the past year. If you have questions, please visit www.askit.ttu.edu/antivirus or contact IT Help Central at (806) 742-4357 (HELP) or via email at ithelpcentral@ttu.edu.
Posted:
10/21/2021

Originator:
IT Help Central

Email:
ithelpcentral@ttu.edu

Department:
ITHC


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