Microsoft Defender, which company security program, is now available to any individual who has a subscription to Microsoft 365, the online productivity suite that includes Word, Excel and more. Unlike the previously released Microsoft Defender software that is built into Windows computers exclusively, this version is available on Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS devices.
Owners of Windows computers without Microsoft 365 do not have to sweat; Microsoft is still preinstalling software on Windows to protect against viruses and other malware. That software is now simply branded as Windows security. Aside from accessing a security control screen where all your connected devices are visible, there is not much extra incentive for Windows owners to download the new Microsoft Defender application.
Microsoft is extending protection options to Mac and smartphone owners using Microsoft 365. However, not all devices receive the same protection. For example, on the Mac, Microsoft Defender provides malware protection, while Web protection does not.
On the other hand, iPhones and Android devices can use Microsoft Defender web protection. The web protection manages a virtual private network on your smartphone in the background and tries to intervene if any dangerous hyperlinks appear. Microsoft claims that your browsing history data is stored on the device and is not shared with the company. Learn more about VPNs and promoting your digital privacy with WIRED senior author and reviewer Scott Gilbertson’s guide to the best VPNs. In addition to web protection, Microsoft Defender’s anti-malware protection for Android phones is supported.
The new Microsoft Defender application is designed to be used specifically by consumers — as in families and individuals. Although the names are similar, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a separate security suite for businesses. Microsoft has guidance on its website to help you understand the Endpoint version and how to switch between accounts.
If you are not a Microsoft 365 subscriber but want to get Microsoft Defender, a personal plan costs $ 70 per year, and a family plan for up to six people costs $ 100 per year. With a subscription to Microsoft 365, you get access to OneDrive cloud storage, in addition to both online and downloadable versions of popular software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint. (Check out this article by WIRED contributor David Nield if you’re looking for a free version of Microsoft Word.)
So who will benefit from the new Microsoft Defender? The features offered are slim at the moment, and they may not be as engaging as software from Norton or McAfee, but that might be a good thing, since Defender is lighter than either of these options. Keeping that in mind, the sheer amount of devices tracked from a single dashboard can be a boon for family leaders trying to keep an eye on the entire crew’s security across multiple devices.
Subscribers to the Microsoft 365 individual plan can get Microsoft Defender to protect five devices at once. For those on the family plan, you can protect up to 30 devices simultaneously. The suite will send you alerts when Grandma (again) downloads malware on her computer or the teens click on a malicious link on their smartphones.
Looking for even more strategies to improve your digital security? WIRED has helpful advice on everything from password protection of your files to keeping those spicy photos private. You will not unlock your front door while shopping, and with so many of our lives online, taking protective measures on your computer and smartphone makes just as much sense.