Do my Windows VMs require an AntiVirus Solution?

Discussion in 'Windows Virtual Machine' started by PantelisP, May 20, 2016.

  1. PantelisP

    PantelisP Bit poster

    Messages:
    2
    We recently purchased the latest version of Parallels Desktop for MAC for one of our developers who is running a number of different Windows VMs, ranging from XP to Windows 10. The host OS (El Capitan) has Sophos Antivirus running. Do I need to install an Antivirus solution to each of the VMs as well? Would it make a difference if the VMs are added to the domain?

    Thanks in advance for your help.
     
  2. Sasti@Parallels

    Sasti@Parallels Parallels Support

    Messages:
    272
    Hello PantelisP,
    Yes. The antivirus program on your Mac will not protect the Windows Virtual Machine's online activities such as web-browsing and downloading files. This and Windows being more vulnerable to threats than the Mac, would require you to install a separate antivirus program on your Virtual Machines. That being said, Windows has a in-build antivirus : Windows Defender, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/safety/pc-security/windows-defender.aspx , starting from Windows 8.
     

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