Microsoft has announced an expansion of its software subscription packages to help users better protect their various devices from cyber threats.
Microsoft 365 (opens in a new tab) customers will now benefit from a service called Microsoft Defender for Individuals, dubbed “a new security app designed to keep individuals and families safer online.”
The app provides users with a way to secure and monitor all of their devices – across macOS, iOS and Android, and Windows – from one unified dashboard. It also provides tips and advice to help users further enhance protection.
The goal of the new service, Microsoft said, is to remove the complexity that arises from using multiple different security products across multiple devices and operating systems.
For example, someone might have an antivirus and ransomware protection service deployed on their Windows PC, but use a different product to block the same type of attack on their iPhone and another product on their Android tablet.
However, Microsoft claims this decentralized approach is creating a huge hole in the security armor, as full oversight is nearly impossible.
“To help protect your data privacy and device security, people often turn to multiple security products with decentralized security monitoring and device management capabilities. This fragmentation makes it harder to keep up with growing online threats, ” explained Vasu Jakkal, CVP of Security Compliance, Identity and Management. “We had to improve our security solutions to meet the unique needs of our customers in the home and work by integrating existing technology in new ways.”
While some users rely entirely on Microsoft security products, the company understands that many also opt for alternative services from companies like Norton and McAfee. Therefore, Microsoft has built support for third-party products into the Microsoft Defender for Individuals dashboard.
The service also promises to extend the default Windows malware protection to all devices, although it won’t override existing protections.
“We’re proud to take this step forward in our continued commitment to security for all,” Microsoft wrote. “The introduction of Microsoft Defender is simply to help you and your family fully protect you with technology you can trust. The beginning of digital life.”
Microsoft Defender for Individuals is now available to anyone with a Microsoft 365 Home or Personal subscription, and additional features such as identity theft protection will be incorporated at a later date.
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