Field Effect, a leading innovator in cybersecurity, has officially earned membership into the Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI)—a distinction reserved for security vendors that meet Microsoft’s most stringent technical and certification standards. This milestone underscores Field Effect’s leadership in advanced threat detection and its ability to deliver trusted, fully integrated protection within Windows environments.
The MVI is a global program that brings together Microsoft and leading security vendors to strengthen the resilience of the Windows ecosystem. Since its inception, the program has admitted under 100 members in 20 years, including well-known industry names such as Bitdefender, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, and Trend Micro. Field Effect is one of two Canadian companies known to be on the list in the history of the program. Gaining membership involves a rigorous approval process, including meeting strict integration criteria and passing third-party certification testing designed to validate protection, interoperability, and performance.
“Joining the Microsoft Virus Initiative aligns with our company philosophy of our technology and products being openly evaluated and continuously scrutinized,” said Matt Holland, Field Effect Founder and CEO. “Similarly to our participation in the MITRE MDR evaluation, being accepted into MVI requires a company to be open and transparent as part of the evaluation, and we relish this process.”
Enhanced integration and technical benefits
Through MVI membership, Field Effect’s upcoming Next-Generation Antivirus solution can now operate as a protected process, register as the system’s primary antivirus provider, and place Microsoft Defender into passive mode. These capabilities are essential to achieving full operational parity with established antivirus solutions, ensuring customers benefit from robust protection without conflicts or performance issues.
Certification and evaluation
Acceptance into MVI requires passing recognized third-party certification tests that evaluate detection and remediation effectiveness. Field Effect successfully met these requirements, demonstrating its product’s ability to defend against a wide range of real-world threats.
Building resilience together
The MVI program is part of Microsoft’s broader Windows Resiliency Initiative, designed to empower enterprises to build resilient, secure, and future-ready IT environments. As an MVI member, Field Effect will collaborate closely with Microsoft and other security partners to strengthen the overall security posture of Windows users worldwide.
“Field Effect is on the path to being the cybersecurity technology leader to help SME and mid-market companies,” continued Holland. “Not only do we expect being a part of the MVI to help us on this journey, but we look forward to contributing to the MVI community to help Microsoft and other companies improve their cybersecurity products.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the Microsoft Virus Initiative?
The Microsoft Virus Initiative is a global program that brings together Microsoft and a select group of cybersecurity vendors to strengthen the security and resilience of the Windows ecosystem. Membership is limited and requires vendors to meet strict technical integration and certification standards.
Why is Field Effect’s membership in the Microsoft Virus Initiative significant?
Field Effect’s acceptance into the Microsoft Virus Initiative confirms that its cybersecurity technology meets Microsoft’s highest standards for protection interoperability and performance. Fewer than 100 companies have been accepted into the program in more than 20 years making this a major industry milestone.
How many companies are members of the Microsoft Virus Initiative?
Since the program began fewer than 100 security vendors worldwide have been accepted. These include well known cybersecurity companies such as Bitdefender, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne and Trend Micro.
Is Field Effect the only Canadian company in the Microsoft Virus Initiative?
Field Effect is one of only two known Canadian companies known to have been accepted into the Microsoft Virus Initiative in the history of the program.
What does Field Effect’s Microsoft Virus Initiative membership enable technically?
Membership allows Field Effect’s Next Generation Antivirus solution to operate as a protected process, register as the system’s primary antivirus provider and place Microsoft Defender into passive mode. This ensures full compatibility with Windows and prevents performance or security conflicts.
What certifications are required to join the Microsoft Virus Initiative?
Vendors must pass recognized third-party certification tests that evaluate real world threat detection and remediation effectiveness, interoperability and performance. These tests are designed to validate that solutions provide reliable enterprise grade protection.
Has Field Effect passed third-party certification testing?
Yes. Field Effect successfully passed all required third-party certification tests demonstrating its ability to detect and remediate a wide range of real world cyber threats.
How does Microsoft Virus Initiative membership benefit customers?
Customers benefit from deeper Windows integration, stronger protection, and confidence that the solution meets Microsoft validated standards for security and performance.
How does this align with Field Effect’s approach to cybersecurity?
Field Effect prioritizes transparency rigorous evaluation and continuous improvement. Participation in programs like the Microsoft Virus Initiative and the MITRE MDR evaluation reflects the company’s commitment to openly validating its technology against the highest industry benchmarks.
What is the Windows Resiliency Initiative?
The Windows Resiliency Initiative is a broader Microsoft effort to help organizations build secure resilient and future ready IT environments. The Microsoft Virus Initiative is a key component of this program.
How will Field Effect contribute as a Microsoft Virus Initiative member?
As a member Field Effect will collaborate closely with Microsoft and other security vendors to help improve the overall security posture of Windows environments worldwide particularly for SME and mid-market organizations.
Does this membership change Field Effect’s product roadmap?
Membership supports Field Effect’s ongoing development of its Next Generation Antivirus and broader cybersecurity platform by enabling deeper system integration and closer collaboration with Microsoft on future security innovations.
