Microsoft Defender for individuals launches on Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS
Microsoft Defender for individuals brings your various forms of security into a single dashboard.
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What you need to know
Today, Microsoft announced a new security product that aims to help simplify personal device security. It’s called Microsoft Defender for individuals, and it brings together various security elements into a single dashboard. For example, the tool can show the protections of some of thebest antivirus software, including Norton and MacAfee. Importantly, it’s able to protect a wide range of devices, not just PCs running Windows.
Apps for it are available starting today on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Microsoft Defender is included with Microsoft 365 Family or Personal plans.
Vasu Jakkal, CVP Microsoft Security, Compliance, Identity & Privacy, highlighted that since people use a variety of devices that security efforts can be split. “To help keep your data private and devices secure, people often turn to multiple security products, with scattered security monitoring and device management. This fragmentation makes keeping up with increasing online threats even harder.”
Microsoft Defender for individuals protects devices and offers security tips to shore up any security gaps. It also includes continuous anti-virus and anti-phishing protection for data and devices.
Microsoft highlighted four ways that Microsoft Defender for individuals provides protection:
Microsoft plans to bring more forms of protection to the tool in the future, including “features like identity theft protection and secure online connection.”
Microsoft 365
A subscription to Microsoft 365 provides access to a long list of applications, including the Office suite. It now includes protection through Microsoft Defender for individuals as well.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
