Personal computer veterans may recall the release of the colorful ZoneAlarm firewall, practically the first successful program marketed as a PC firewall. More than 20 years ago, the company faced the unpleasant task of educating the general public on what a firewall is and why they needed to get one. Windows 98, which was in vogue at the time, wasn’t much help. However, the personal firewall period did not last.
Just some years later, Windows XP debuted with the first steps toward a real firewall, and firewall protection in Windows has only improved since then. When it comes to defending against outside attacks, third-party firewalls often perform no better than built-in ones. This is due to the function – they differ in areas such as exploit defense and program control. However, practically all security suites and even a few supposedly standalone antivirus products include a firewall – Windows 11 has the most robust security so far.
Nowadays, hackers are getting sophisticated, with diverse ways of getting into your home and small business systems. The cybersecurity landscape is ever-changing as new threats keep emerging and transforming network security methods. And these attacks just keep coming.
Why would you need a composite PC firewall and antivirus?
Aside from SMEs and large businesses, attacks on individuals are on the rise. According to research, 921 password attacks occur per second. This emphasizes the need to strengthen personal defenses.
As a result, Microsoft has released Microsoft Defender for Individuals, a top, cross-platform consumer protection solution for Windows, iOS, Linux, Android, and Mac, and it is generally available.
This new security service from Microsoft is available for paid Microsoft 365 Family and Personal accounts and is the next step in the company’s drive to extend security features to all Microsoft users. Building on the success of the Windows Security app, Microsoft Defender for Individuals will merge all existing defenses into a solitary online dashboard.
A Brief Foray into The New Release
Microsoft Defender designed for individuals originally became available in preview in the United States in February of this year. It provides a unified dashboard that parents can use to control and monitor security safeguards for all family members. Users may also examine their existing third-party antivirus software (such as Norton and Avast) on this dashboard.
With this dashboard, users can get recommendations and suggestions on improving their device’s security. And, if something goes wrong on one of your devices, you’ll receive instant warnings, resolution techniques, and expert guidance on keeping your data safe on all platforms.
Microsoft Defender for Individuals is based on the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint technology, a tech that is already being used to protect millions of organizations and enterprises throughout the world against the most recent cyber dangers.
A statement from Vasu Jakkal, CVP of Microsoft Security, Compliance, Identity, and Privacy, asserted that Microsoft launched this new security solution because “we must adapt our security solutions to fit the individual demands of our customers at home and work by combining current technology in novel ways.”
Microsoft Defender for Individuals provides real-time security alerts, cross-platform malware defense, repair methods, and security advice. The security advice function, however, is only available on Windows and macOS devices. According to Microsoft, these features can assist users in ensuring the security of their critical information and devices.
Also, Microsoft has specified a few restrictions for the iOS version. The iOS app currently does not enable malware protection, and users will not be able to browse third-party antivirus products within the dashboard.
What are the Offerings?
There are two offerings available – Microsoft 365 Personal and Family. Below are the features available for each offering:
Personal
At $7 per month, you get Microsoft Office features, security tips, real-time alerts, antivirus protection, and online protection for one user with five devices simultaneously (one user).
Family
At $10 per month, you get Microsoft Office features, security tips, real-time alerts, antivirus protection, and online protection for six users for five devices each simultaneously. This offering, however, provides some advanced features in the Family Safety mobile app.
What the Future Holds
Microsoft is preparing new capabilities for Microsoft Defender for people in the future. Microsoft asserts that two other features are already in the works: identity theft protection and safe online connections.
Also, it has been in preview for a few months, with comments from early beta testers helping to shape the final version.
Learn More About Protecting Your Home PC
Microsoft Defender is the name of Microsoft’s built-in antivirus on Windows and an all-in-one security solution for business clients. It’s encouraging to see Microsoft broadening its security portfolio with Microsoft Defender for Individuals, which will help safeguard users’ sensitive data and devices.
Two River Computer is an IT service delivery firm offering IT support services for homes and small businesses in Fair Haven, New Jersey. Contact us for more information on how to get the best out of Microsoft Defender for Individuals, 732-747-0020.
