When you hear about Microsoft adding security apps to M365, it’s often the business version. But the pandemic has changed the way that we see the workplace. It’s now a hybrid world. One comprises several connected “mini-offices” located in employee homes.
The outsourcing market has also contributed to the change in company networks. Freelancers are often contracted to work the same hours as employees. This means less overhead and taxes to pay. Approximately 68% of large consumer products companies outsource a part of their workforce.
What we’re getting at is that the need for home devices and network security has never been greater. Company data is now at the mercy of employee devices situated in homes across the globe.
55% of employees use their own devices and software to work from home.
Microsoft has been at the forefront of this massive shift in the work environment. Its latest release is another example of how it has positioned its products to address new needs.
The latest security offering by Microsoft is for something other than business plans. It’s for Personal and Family users of Microsoft 365. The company announced Microsoft Defender for Individuals on June 16, 2022. This is a brand-new digital home security tool.
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 primary 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 business plans.
This app brings many digital protections together into one dashboard. These include the following.
Most families have several devices connected to their network. This includes computers, tablets, and smartphones. Knowing which are vulnerable before a hacked device infects the others can be tricky.
Microsoft Defender gives you visibility into the security status of your devices. It does this in a single place. So, you could see if the new phone of Sally’s has antivirus enabled. You can also easily add or remove devices.
The app includes extra protection from online threats. These are in the form of help from antivirus and anti-phishing protection.
You can use it to scan devices for new and existing threats continually. You also gain control of scanning customisation. For example, you can note certain apps as safe and tell Microsoft Defender what to watch.
Hackers use automation and AI to unleash their attacks and help them spread. This means it’s often a race against the clock to stop a breach from worsening.
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 learn something is wrong, but you also know what to do about it.
Here are a few other essential things about using Microsoft Defender for Individuals.
You can download Microsoft Defender for Individuals from Microsoft here. It would be best to have a Microsoft 365 subscription to the Personal or Family plan.
You can use Defender to secure and monitor the following devices:
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.
Both plans can access the many different Office and other Microsoft applications. The main difference is how many people and devices can use Microsoft 365 services.
So, if you want to sign up even 2 people, you save quite a bit with the Family plan. Even more, if you have six people total using the service
Most Windows users are already familiar with the Microsoft Security app. It comes pre-installed on Windows. Microsoft Defender differs from this app in several ways.
Microsoft Defender:
Are you looking to get more from your Microsoft 365 subscription? We can help! Reach out today to schedule a technology consultation with our M365 experts.
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