Drexel distributes Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to protect University owned systems. For personal computers running Microsoft Windows, Drexel recommends Microsoft Defender Antivirus or Sophos Home. For personal computers running macOS, Drexel recommends Sophos Home.

Ensuring all computers that access Drexel resources have endpoint protection software, whether University or personally owned, helps protect the University as well as all who use University resources.

Defender for Endpoint offers the following functionality:

• Blocks sophisticated threats and malware including ransomware
• Automatically updated to protect against the latest threats
• Real time on-access scanning
• Detection of vulnerabilities and misconfigurations

For faculty and staff, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is installed on all Drexel owned computers by IT prior to system delivery. To confirm the application is installed and functioning, do the following:

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint – Windows

• Right click the Start button and select "Computer Management."
• In the left-hand pane, click "Services and Applications”, followed by "Services."
• In the list of services, look for "Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection Service."
• Confirm the service’s status is "Running" and the "Startup Type" is "Automatic."

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint – macOS

• Locate the shield in the upper right-hand corner of your screen.
• Click it to show Defender's status. Note the last option in this menu is "Open Microsoft Defender." Click this to open Defender and show additional information.
• Confirm green check marks are shown.

For personal or non-Drexel owned systems, please refer to the links below.

• Microsoft Defender Antivirus
• Installing Sophos Home on Windows
• Installing Sophos Home on macOS

Having an issue with Defender?

Contact the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@drexel.edu.

Having an issue with spam?

See more information on the Spam/Phishing page.

If you responded or clicked on any links and entered your password, contact the IT Help Desk immediately at 215.895.2020 or helpdesk@drexel.edu.

IT will disable any account and block access from any device to Drexel resources that is the source of or cause of proliferation of abuse, including but not limited to spamming, malware, and network scanning.