Microsoft is bringing its Defender security solution to platforms beyond Windows in the form of an app. The Microsoft Defender app is now available for those subscribed to the Microsoft 365 personal and family packs. And this app will work across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices as well.
Microsoft is bringing Defender for individuals free of cost linked to their existing Microsoft 365 family and personal subscriptions. So, those who already pay for the service can download the app and sign in with their personal Microsoft account to get security on the non-Windows devices as well.
Microsoft wants more people to sign up for its 365 offering, which is why there is a free 30-day trial for Defender that can help new users make the switch to the paid model.
Reports say Microsoft has been testing Defender for individuals over the past several months. The company says Defender is the one-stop hub for all security protections, and you can also view the security status of devices used by everyone in the family.
Microsoft says for iOS and iPadOS users, the Defender app does not support antivirus protection, instead, you get alerts for possible phishing attempts on your digital accounts. For Android users, the app is more effective as it includes antivirus protection, and even lets you scan the apps for any malware.
With cyber-attacks and data leaks becoming a common sight, it is possible that Microsoft felt the need for a robust solution that can monitor your devices and others in the family through a single dashboard. Microsoft says it will be adding more features to Defender in the coming months.
Defender has been the built-in security solution on Windows for many years now, and it seems the company is now ready to deploy it on other platforms as the security concerns among the digital users across the globe has heightened because of the alarming rate of digital attacks these days.
Why does Microsoft Defender sound so familiar?
In case Microsoft Defender sounds familiar, you must be a Windows user who has interacted with Defender before. However, Microsoft hasn’t just brought the Windows Defender security app to other platforms.
We’re looking at a "brand-new" security application, part of the 365 suite. Microsoft Defender is much more robust than Windows Defender ever was.
Not only that, but the built-in Windows 11 security software isn’t even called Defender anymore. As Microsoft explains, Microsoft Defender is a new cross-device app to improve safety.
How to download Microsoft Defender?
If you have a Microsoft 365 account, you can get Microsoft Defender free of charge on Android, iPhone, Mac, and PC. You’ll find links to download the app over here. Alternatively, you can look for Microsoft Defender in the app store on your devices.
Once the app is downloaded, you will have to log into the app with the same credentials you use for other Microsoft 365 apps.
The app features a new interface and different features for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. On Windows, Microsoft Defender will work with Windows Security, which is the name of the former Windows Defender Security Center. That’s where the Defender confusion comes from.
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