Microsoft Defender now also protects on Android & iOS/macOS

Since 2012, Microsoft’s Defender has become a full-fledged antivirus program that warns users about viruses and other malware. Meanwhile, the free Windows Defender does well in various tests with the established competition and offers respectable protection. As we reported in January, Microsoft is working on a new version. Now there is Microsoft Defender as an app for Android, iOS and macOS. With this app, the Defender integrated directly into Windows on the PC is supplemented with an administration interface and brought to mobile devices as protection software.

Microsoft Defender can only be used with a Microsoft 365 subscription

Although the official app for Microsoft Defender has existed for some time, the application could only be used with business accounts so far. Since June 16, the app can also be used with private Microsoft accounts. However, a subscription to Microsoft 365 remains a prerequisite. The range of functions differs depending on the operating system. On Android devices and Apple Macs, Microsoft Defender for Individuals offers a virus scanner and a check of website links and files. There are also real-time alerts on security status changes and protection against malicious software, phishing and malware. If you use the Defender app on an iPhone, you have to do without protection against malware.

The Defender app can be used to manage multiple end devices and view their security status. Those who have subscribed to Microsoft 365 Family for 99 euros per year can also use the Family Safety app, which is also included, to make security settings for child accounts, for example. For example, you can create a list of blocked websites, prevent purchases in the Microsoft Store and set computer times. In addition, each of the six family members receives one terabyte of storage space on Onedrive and can use the desktop programs Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and Onenote at no extra cost. The license is checked about every 30 days, during which the Office programs briefly connect to the Microsoft servers. Otherwise, the Office apps can be used completely offline, without an Internet connection.

With Microsoft 365 Family, five devices per user account can use the Office programs at the same time, but the Office apps can be installed on any number of PCs, laptops and smartphones. The respective administrator determines which other five users are allowed to use the Office subscription. If you want, you can alternatively subscribe to Microsoft 365 Single for 69 euros per year and use the Office programs on up to three different devices at the same time with your user account. In addition, a terabyte of cloud storage and the Microsoft Editor are included, which should ensure a better writing style. On the other hand, anyone who buys an Office package individually, such as Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Student, cannot – according to the current status – use Microsoft Defender on Android & Co. In addition, Office 2021 may only be activated on one PC at a time.

Also worth reading: Microsoft Outlook: New app is launched as a preview

Collection for the new Microsoft Defender for Android, iOS & macOS:

• Microsoft has officially released the Microsoft Defender app for private users, which has been available for some time. So far, only corporate customers could use the app for Android and iOS.
• On Android devices and Apple Macs, Microsoft Defender for Individuals offers a virus scanner, protection against malware, phishing and malware, as well as checking website links and files.
• On iPhones, on the other hand, you have to do without protection against malware.
• A subscription to Microsoft 365 is required to use the Microsoft Defender app. In return, the security status of different devices linked to the same Microsoft account can be checked.
• The Defender app is also available on the PC, but under Windows it only supplements the Windows Defender integrated in the operating system.

Source: Microsoft