Microsoft Defender is a free and comprehensive security software application that helps protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other threats. The app is available on Windows, Mac, and Android platforms. Microsoft Defender was first released in 2003 and has been updated multiple times since then. The latest version, Microsoft Defender for Mac, is now available to download on the App Store and Google Play. It includes features such as virus scanning, malware removal, and protection against online scams. The app can be used to scan for viruses on your computer or phone. If you find a virus on your device, you can remove it using the app’s removal tool or by using the Microsoft Security Essentials program that comes with your device. You can also use the Microsoft Security Essentials program to scan for malware on your computer if you have not already done so. If you are not comfortable using the app’s removal tool or want to keep the malware removed on your device even if you do not have an antivirus software installed, you can also use one of the many third-party programs that offer similar functionality to Microsoft Defender.
You’re probably familiar with the Microsoft Defender included with Windows (previously known as Windows Defender), which can detect and remove many malware and virus threats on PCs. However, that’s just one component of Microsoft’s suite of Defender tools. Microsoft has also been selling cloud-based Defender features to businesses for a while, such as email phishing protection, and now Microsoft is starting to bring some of that functionality to individuals too.
Microsoft announced today that ‘Microsoft Defender for individuals’ is now available for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers, across Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. The Mac and mobile versions have the ability to scan apps and network traffic (using Defender SmartScreen) for potential dangers, while the Windows application seems to just be a dashboard, since those features are already present in the built-in Defender service.
The app probably won’t be too helpful for most people, at least in its current form, given that each supported platform already has its own built-in suite of security tools. Google Play Protect on Android already scans installed apps for dangerous code, while Apple has Gatekeeper and XProtect on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Still, it’s free to Microsoft 365 subscribers, and Microsoft hopes the dashboard view might be helpful for families to check multiple devices for potential security problems at once.
Microsoft is also planning to continue updating the Defender apps with new features. The company said in a blog post, “As we look forward, we will continue to bring more protections together under a single dashboard, including features like identity theft protection and secure online connection. Microsoft Defender is simplified online security that grows with you and your family to help keep you safe.”
Microsoft Defender is available to download now, but it requires a valid Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription.
Source: Microsoft
