Step 1 of 2
Download and install Cortex — the anti-malware agent your company uses. It runs quietly in the background and protects against threats automatically.
cortex-mac.dmg · ~42 MB
Open the downloaded file
Locate cortex-mac.dmg in your Downloads folder and double-click to open it.
Drag to Applications
In the window that appears, drag the Cortex icon into your Applications folder.
Open Cortex and allow permissions
Open it from Applications. macOS may ask you to confirm — click Open. Then grant Full Disk Access when prompted so Cortex can scan your files.
You're protected
A Cortex icon will appear in your menu bar. Anti-malware is now active and running in the background.
Open the downloaded file
Locate cortex-setup.exe in your Downloads folder and double-click to run it.
Allow the installer to run
If Windows Defender SmartScreen appears, click More info then Run anyway. Click Yes when prompted for admin access.
Follow the setup wizard
Click through the setup wizard, accepting the default install location. The installation takes about 1 minute.
You're protected
A Cortex icon will appear in your taskbar. Anti-malware is now active and running in the background.
Download the package
Save cortex.deb (Debian/Ubuntu) or cortex.rpm (Fedora/RHEL) to your home directory.
Install via terminal
Open a terminal and run:sudo dpkg -i cortex.deb
Start the service
Run:sudo systemctl enable --now cortex
You're protected
Run cortex status to confirm the agent is active.
Open the Google Play Store
On your Android device, open the Play Store and search for Cortex by Palo Alto Networks.
Install the app
Tap Install on the Cortex listing. The app is free — your company has a business licence.
Grant permissions
Open Cortex and grant the requested permissions so the app can monitor your device for threats.
You're protected
A Cortex notification will confirm your device is now protected.
Open the App Store
On your iPhone or iPad, open the App Store and search for Cortex by Palo Alto Networks.
Install the app
Tap Get on the Cortex listing and authenticate with Face ID or your passcode.
Grant permissions
Open Cortex and approve any permission requests for the app to monitor network activity.
You're protected
A Cortex notification will confirm your device is now protected.
Cortex installation walkthrough for Mac · ~3 min
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Need help? Contact @marcus_holt on StrongKeep.