Pitt Information Technology is pleased to announce that the University is adopting Microsoft Defender ATP as its new enterprise antivirus solution, replacing Symantec Endpoint Protection effective Friday, June 5. Antivirus is an important part of protecting both PittNet (the network that provides access to University computing resources, the internet and external research networks) and your personal data against cyberthreats. Defender provides excellent risk management, detection, response, and remediation that is integrated with Windows 10 and optimized for Office 365 desktop/cloud apps.

Because Symantec will stop providing virus definitions and security updates after the University’s license expires on June 13—and other antivirus software may not function properly with Symantec installed—it should be removed and replaced whenever possible on all University-owned workstations, as well as your personal devices.

Please visit our website for step-by-step instructions for updating University-owned and personal devices.

Pitt IT is implementing this change due to an unexpected and significant increase in Symantec licensing fees. Regardless, we consider Defender to be an excellent product that provides protection equal to or greater than the protection afforded by Symantec’s software, at substantial cost savings, as part of the University’s Microsoft Campus Agreement.

Thank you for your support during this transition. Should you need additional assistance, please contact the Technology Help Desk at 412-624-HELP (4357).