Microsoft has introduced Microsoft Defender for Individuals, a new app to help users stay informed about their security across different devices. Microsoft Defender is part of a Microsoft 365 consumer subscription, available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Microsoft Defender is supposed to be the center of all the security protections Microsoft can offer on your device. It lets you see information about the security status of each of your devices, and since it’s linked to your Microsoft account, you can see all your devices on the same app, so it’s easier to manage them all in one place. The app can also provide instant security alerts and tips to help you stay safe on each of your devices.
Of course, it’s more than just a dashboard, and Microsoft Defender also includes its own anti-malware engine. This does not apply to platforms that have this protection built in, such as Windows itself (Windows Security includes malware protection) and iOS. Although, on Android and macOS, the added layer of protection may be useful. And if you already have a third-party anti-malware solution, Microsoft Defender can learn about it too, so it won’t necessarily push you to use a Microsoft service if you already have something you prefer.
Microsoft Defender has already been listed in the app stores for a while, so this isn’t entirely a surprising announcement. Microsoft says it decided to launch this product because of the overwhelming amount of feedback it’s received from families, so it’s now offering the same kind of protection it’s offering businesses to consumers.
More features will be made available to Microsoft Defender for individuals in the future as well. Microsoft says it’s adding identity theft protection and “secure online communication” to the feature set, making the app even more useful. If you have a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription, you can download Microsoft Defender starting today from your device’s App Store.
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