The Basics of Microsoft Defender for Individuals
Microsoft Defender is a new app that Microsoft 365 subscribers can download. Anyone with a Personal or Family plan can access it for no extra cost.
According to Microsoft, there was a main driver for offering Microsoft Defender. It was to protect the digital life of small businesses and families. Small companies will often use consumer Microsoft 365 plans. This is because they are less expensive than the business plans.
This app brings many digital protections together into one dashboard. These include the following.
Online Security Visibility
Most families have several devices connected to their network. This includes computers, tablets, and smartphones. It can be hard to know which are vulnerable before a hacked device infects the others.
Microsoft Defender gives you visibility into the security status of your devices. It does this in a single place. So, you could see if that new phone of Sally’s has antivirus enabled. You can also easily add or remove devices.
Device Safeguards
The app includes extra protections from online threats. These are in the form of help from antivirus and anti-phishing protection.
You can use it to continually scan devices for threats, both new and existing. You also gain control of scanning customization. For example, you can note certain apps as safe and tell Microsoft Defender what to scan.
Real-Time Alerts & Recommendations
Hackers use automation and AI to unleash their attacks and help them spread. This means that it’s often a race against the clock to stop a breach from getting worse.
To react fast, you need to know something is wrong. Microsoft Defender helps you by giving you real-time alerts. These also come with recommended actions. So, you not only know something is wrong, but you also know what to do about it.
What Else Should You Know?
Here are a few other important things you should know about using Microsoft Defender for Individuals.
Where Can You Download It?
You can download Microsoft Defender for Individuals from Microsoft here. You need to have a Microsoft 365 subscription to either the Personal or Family plan.
What Devices Can Use It?
You can use Defender to secure and monitor the following devices:
- Windows: Windows 10 version 19041.0 and higher
- Mac: Intel Macs from Catalina 10.15 and higher, and Apple silicon-based devices from 11.2.3 and up
- iPhone: iOS 13.0 or later
- Android: Android OS 6.0 or later
How Many Devices Can You Add?
Microsoft Defender allows you to watch the security of many of your home or work devices. The M365 plan you have will dictate how many.
- If you have Microsoft 365 Personal plan, you can receive protection on up to 5 devices at the same time.
- If you have Microsoft 365 Family plan, you can receive protection on up to 30 devices at the same time. (5 devices per person, 6 people total)
What Are the Key Differences Between the Personal & Family Plans?
Both plans can access the many different Office and other Microsoft applications. The main difference is how many people and devices can use the Microsoft 365 services.
- Microsoft 365 Personal: $99.00 AU/year, 1 person, 5 devices
- Microsoft 365 Family: $129.00 AU/year, 6 people, 5 devices per person
So, if you want to sign up even 2 people, you’re saving quite a bit with the Family plan. Even more, if you have six people total using the service
What’s the Difference Between Microsoft Security on Windows & Microsoft Defender?
Most Windows users are already familiar with the Microsoft Security app. It comes pre-installed on Windows. Microsoft Defender differs from this app inseveral ways.
Microsoft Defender:
- Is not pre-installed on Windows.You must download it.
- It’s a cross-device application used on many different devices
- It includes features for online security
- It includes alerts and security tips
Learn More About Defender & Microsoft 365 Today
Are you looking to get more from your Microsoft 365 subscription? Klearnet can help! Reach out today to schedule a technology consultation with our Microsoft 365 experts.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
