Following CrowdStrike’s faulty update only affecting Microsoft Windows systems (because the update was specific to the Windows operating system), it’s been reported that Microsoft claims that an agreement with the EU means it’s not allowed to protect its operating system (OS) in the same way as Apple. The agreement with the EU relates to Microsoft not being able to give its own security software an unfair advantage over third-party apps.
Following a complaint (antitrust) to the European Commission in 2009, Microsoft says it agreed to give security software makers the same level of access to Windows that Microsoft itself gets. This, says Microsoft, contrasts with Apple’s situation.
Although Apple doesn’t allow security apps to have the same deep-level access to its OS, the macOS does the same type of monitoring as CrowdStrike for itself.
However, critics may say that CrowdStrike’s tools can’t operate at the same depth on a Mac as they can on Windows because Apple’s Endpoint Security Framework prevents it from doing so. Microsoft could have taken the same approach. Also, it could be argued by some, that Microsoft may only have itself to blame to an extent having only been made to make agreements following the outcome of antitrust cases and investigations relating to unfair advantages as judged by the EC.
