One of the first things people used to do when getting a computer was to install an antivirus program. Viruses have been around for quite a while, long enough that most PC users understand the need to defend against them.
Without an application to detect and block viruses and malware there is a high likelihood of a computer being infected at some point. And an infection on one computer can easily jump to others on the same network.
In 2019, 71% of companies saw malware activity that spread from one employee device to another.
Then with the release of Windows 10, Microsoft completely revamped its native antivirus/anti-malware protection with Windows Defender. Now, users had the option to use that instead of a 3rd party program if they wanted to because their system now came with a strong antivirus built in.
But, is Windows Defender good enough for complete system protection or do you need something more to defend against a data breach?
How Strong is Windows Defender?
Microsoft calls Windows 10 “the most secure Windows ever” because of the safeguards it put in with Windows Defender Antivirus.
The program goes beyond just signature-based identification of malware, like ransomware, viruses, and spyware. Some of the features include:
- Behavior-based, real-time antivirus protection
- Cloud-delivered protection to offer “near-instant” detection
- Tamper protection
- Controlled folder access
- Ransomware protection
The capabilities are on par with other antivirus programs that continually scan your computer for malware. Advancements like the ability to protect folders to keep malicious programs from making unauthorized changes help stop fast-moving attacks like ransomware.
Antivirus Testing Results
When compared with other antivirus programs, how does Windows Defender stack up in testing? Pretty well, it turns out according to testing by AV-Test.
Testing as a Home Antivirus:
Scores as of April 2020 showed that Windows Defender performance was above industry average for protection against 0-day malware attacks. It received a perfect 100% score (industry average is 98.4%).
For detection of widespread and prevalent malware discovered over the last 4 weeks, Windows Defender matched the industry average of 100%.
Testing as a Business Antivirus:
Business antivirus scores were just as high, with Windows Defender also receiving perfect scores of 100% in each category.
Overall scores for the software when it comes to protection, performance and usability were:
- Protection: 5.5 out of 6
- Performance: 5.5 out of 6
- Usability: 6 out of 6
Overall scores show there is still some room for improvement, and it may not be enough to completely protect your PC.
What is Windows Defender Lacking?
Web Protection
One of the most important safeguards against malware and viruses is web protection – also known as DNS filtering. 88% of all phishing emails use malicious links, and not file attachments, to deliver malware. This is specifically to get past antivirus programs.
While Windows Defender offers browser safeguards for its Edge browser, a majority of people use Chrome, meaning they’ll be left out of important web protection that blocks malicious websites that do a drive-by download of malware.
Password Protection
Another weak area is password protection. Most people have multiple passwords they have to juggle, which leads them to using weak passwords (so they can remember them) and reusing the same password for multiple logins across work and personal applications.
Windows Defender does not include a password management tool to help suggest and store strong passwords.
Cloud Backup
An important protection against ransomware attacks and other infections that destroy your data is to have a cloud backup of your files that can easily be restored when needed.
This is another protective component that’s not covered with Windows Defender.
Technical Support from a Live Person
Windows Defender does a good job when it comes to automated protections against viruses and malware that may have infected your system, but you don’t have a live person to ask for help.
When a device or network is attacked, users often are unsure what to do to keep other devices on the same network from being infected. Having someone to quickly go to for help (a live technician) can make all the difference in mitigating the threat.
Ensure Complete Protection with WebGuardian
From first class security to remote support, you get a full host of benefits with WebGuardian that go beyond just virus protection. You’ll get tools that help keep your computer optimized, like monthly system clean-ups, plus a live technician on hand that can provide remote support when you need it.
Here are just a few of the features of WebGuardian:
- Proactive PC health monitoring
- Managed antivirus with continuous updates
- Web protection that blocks malicious websites
- Free virus or malware removal
- Free annual tune-up for your computer
- Password manager to keep passwords secure
- Identity theft protection
- Cloud data backup
- Remote technical support
Don’t Leave Your PC Protection Only Half Done
Windows Defender does a decent job at what it does, but it stops short of providing multiple protections that users need to stay safe. Two River Computer can help you ensure your system has the protection it needs with WebGuardian.
Contact us today to sign up or learn more. Call 732-747-0020 or reach us online.
