Microsoft has announced an expansion of its software subscription package that should help users better protect their various devices from cyber threats.
As described in a new blog post (opens in new tab), Microsoft 365 (opens in new tab) Customers will now benefit from a service called Microsoft Defender for Individuals, billed as “a new safety app designed to keep individuals and families safer online.”
The app gives users a way to secure and monitor all their devices – on macOS, iOS and Android as well as Windows – from a single, unified dashboard. It also offers tips and suggestions to help users further strengthen their protections.
Microsoft Defender for Individuals
The purpose of the new service, says Microsoft, is to eliminate the complexities that arise as a result of using many different security products on various devices and operating systems.
For example, one might deploy a antivirus and ransomware protection service on their Windows PC, but use a different product to protect against the same types of attacks on their iphoneand yet another in your android tablet.
However, Microsoft claims that this dispersed approach is creating holes in the security armor, making complete oversight nearly impossible.
“To help keep their data private and devices secure, people often turn to multiple security products, with security monitoring and management of dispersed devices. This fragmentation makes it even more difficult to keep up with the increase in online threats,” explained Vasu Jakkal, CVP of Security, Identity and Management Compliance.
“We must evolve our security solutions to meet the unique needs of customers at home and at work, bringing together existing technologies in a new way.”
While some users rely exclusively on Microsoft security products, the company understands that many also choose to opt for alternative services from companies such as Norton and McAfee. As such, Microsoft has built support for third-party products in the Microsoft Defender for Individuals dashboard.
The service also promises to extend standard Windows malware protections on all devices, although it does not replace existing protections where they exist.
“We are proud to take this step forward in our ongoing commitment to security for all,” Microsoft wrote. “The introduction of Microsoft Defender is just the beginning to help you and your family comprehensively protect your digital life with technology you can trust.”
Microsoft Defender for Individuals is now available to anyone with a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription, with additional features (such as identity theft protection) set to be embedded later.