In a surprising move, users across multiple platforms will soon have access to the Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection service after Microsoft Corp. announced new partnerships to deliver the service to other operating systems.

Microsoft is teaming up with Bitdefender s.r.o, Lookout Inc. and Ziften Technologies Inc. to enable Windows Defender ATP to detect, protect and respond to security threads on macOS, Linux, iOS and Android devices. The software, which debuted with the Windows 10 Creators Edition in July 2016, is designed to detect attacks and contain them as soon as possible through a combination of software running on each device and a cloud-based service that alerts information technology departments to possible breaches.

In a blog post, Rob Lefferts, partner director of the Windows & Devices Group, said the group heard their customers wanted “protection and visibility into potential threats on all of their device platforms” and that they’ve turned to partners to help address the need.

Integration will come via Bitdefender’s GravityZone Cloud for macOS and Linux, Lookout Mobile Endpoint Security for iOS and Android, and Ziften’s Zenith systems and security operations platform for macOS and Linux. All three are paid services pitched at enterprise users with no free versions available for general consumers.

Notably, all three services link back to a core enterprise Windows Defender ATP installation, with new security events from onboarded macOS, Linux, iOS and Android devices all surfacing into the Windows Defender ATP console.

“We believe for security to be the most effective, it must be comprehensive,” Lefferts added. “As attackers continue to move quickly, the security industry must work together to provide integrated experiences and technology. The end result is the best possible protection for the customer.”

The move makes sense in terms of Microsoft powering security services available across multiple devices to give customers a one-stop shop for their security needs. Although it’s unlikely to challenge the big, dedicated players in enterprise security, for small to medium enterprises the option could be appealing.

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