Microsoft Defender
« Back to Glossary IndexIn today’s digital-first environment, Australian businesses face increasing security threats—from phishing attacks and ransomware to fileless malware and sophisticated endpoint attacks. Whether you operate on Windows 10, Windows 11, or a hybrid mix of systems and cloud apps, securing your business environment has never been more critical.
Microsoft Defender has evolved from the early days of Windows Defender, Microsoft Security Essentials, and Microsoft AntiSpyware into a comprehensive security solution that provides enterprise-grade threat protection. With integrated Windows Security, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, and advanced features like endpoint detection and response (EDR), Microsoft Defender for Business, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, this security system helps businesses protect against online attacks and safeguard employee devices. This guide explores Defender’s capabilities, benefits, and why Australian SMEs should embrace it as their default security service.
What Is Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender is a next-generation protection platform that combines antivirus protection, real-time protection, device security, phishing attack defense, browser protection, and vulnerability management. Originally released as Windows Defender in Windows Vista and Windows 7, it has now matured into a robust, multi-platform suite available for personal computers, family users, and enterprise environments. It is deeply integrated into Windows 10, Windows 11, Microsoft 365, and Azure Active Directory Identity Protection, making it one of the most scalable and intelligent security services on the market.
Modern versions include:
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus – built-in Virus & threat protection.
- Microsoft Defender for Business – designed for SMBs with 20–300 employees.
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (and Windows Defender for Endpoint) – for advanced enterprise endpoint protection.
- Microsoft Defender for Individuals – subscription-based digital home security.
- Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and Microsoft Defender Browser Protection – for browser protection in Microsoft Edge and other browsers.
Key Components of Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the core antivirus protection engine included in Windows 10 and Windows 11. It provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing websites, with additional features such as:
- Controlled Folder Access for ransomware protection.
- Tamper Protection to prevent malicious changes to security settings.
- Windows Defender Offline and Microsoft Defender Offline scan for deep-cleaning infected systems.
- Limited Periodic Scanning for layered protection when third-party antivirus is installed.
- Integration with Firewall & Network Protection and Windows Defender Scheduled Scan through Task Scheduler and the Start menu.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus vs. Trend Micro Antivirus
| Feature | Microsoft Defender Antivirus | Trend Micro Antivirus |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time protection | Yes | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes (Controlled Folder Access) | Yes |
| Browser protection | Yes (SmartScreen Filter, Edge) | Yes |
| Integration with Windows OS | Seamless (Windows Security GUI) | Limited |
| Cost | Included with Windows | Subscription required |
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
An enterprise-grade EDR platform offering behavior monitoring, automated investigation and remediation (AIR), threat and vulnerability management, and attack surface reduction.
Deployment process for businesses:
- Assess needs: Review employee devices, regulatory compliance, and hybrid world security requirements.
- Plan deployment: Choose between on-premises or cloud-managed using Microsoft Intune and Intune Endpoint Protection Profiles.
- Setup & Configuration: Apply hardening policies (e.g., Hardening Microsoft Windows 10 version 21H1 Workstations) and enable Application Guard and Smart App Control.
- Monitor & Manage: Use Secure score in the Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance Center.
- Respond: Use Automated investigation and remediation to mitigate endpoint attacks.
Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Focused on cloud-native and hybrid workloads, this integrates with Azure Active Directory Identity Protection and provides Data Loss Prevention (DLP), threat and vulnerability management, and AI-powered device protection. It ensures SQL command exploits, malformed data, and other cloud-native threats are monitored and mitigated. Integrated security apps allow security & governance across cloud and on-premise assets.
Microsoft 365 Defender
A unified security service across Microsoft 365, combining:
- Exchange Online Protection for phishing emails.
- Defender for Office apps to stop malicious attachments.
- Microsoft Intune for endpoint protection and device security.
- Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) for user authentication, user verification, and conditional access.
This holistic security solution enables centralized mitigation capabilities, providing resilience against phishing websites, online attacks, and ransomware samples.
How Microsoft Defender Works
Defender uses a layered approach:
- Threat Detection – via behavior monitoring, AI-powered device protection, and signature-based analysis.
- Threat Analysis – intelligence from global networks like AV-Test Institute and Microsoft’s cloud services.
- Response & Mitigation – includes Block at First Sight, Tamper Protection, and Application Guard.
- Continuous Monitoring – alerts appear in Windows Security, Windows Defender Security Center, or centralized management dashboards.
Benefits of Microsoft Defender
- Integrated: Built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, requires no installation.
- Comprehensive: Combines device security, network security, and cloud protection.
- Advanced: AI-driven with mitigation capabilities for fileless malware and phishing attacks.
- Flexible: Available for individuals, families, and businesses.
- Always updated: Regular updates through Update & Security and Windows Administrative Tools.
Microsoft Defender: Plans and Pricing
- Included Free: In Windows 10, Windows 11, and Microsoft Edge.
- Microsoft Defender for Business: Available with Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
- Enterprise Options: Integrated with Microsoft Defender ATP, Microsoft Intune, and Microsoft Entra ID.
- Personal Users: Microsoft Defender for Individuals provides digital home security across Windows, iOS 13.0, and Android OS 6.0.
Comparison With Other Security Solutions
| Feature/Capability | Microsoft Defender | Third-Party Solutions |
| Antivirus protection | Yes (built-in) | Yes |
| Cloud integration | Yes (Azure, Microsoft 365) | Limited |
| Real-time protection | Yes | Yes |
| Threat & vulnerability mgmt | Yes | Varies |
| Browser protection | Yes (SmartScreen, Edge) | Varies |
| Cost | Free with Windows / Microsoft 365 | Subscription required |
Getting Started With Microsoft Defender
- Check Activation: Open Start menu > Windows Security GUI > Virus & threat protection.
- Configure Policies: Through Intune Endpoint Protection Profiles or Windows Security Center.
- Schedule Scans: Using Task Scheduler or Windows Defender Scheduled Scan.
- Deploy Business Plans: Use Microsoft 365 Business Premium for enterprise policies.
FAQs
1. Is Microsoft Defender enough on its own?
Yes, with enterprise configuration (e.g., Application Guard, Attack surface reduction, Smart App Control). Pair with policies for full coverage.
2. Can I use Microsoft Defender with other antivirus?
Yes. Features like Limited Periodic Scanning allow coexistence.
3. How often is it updated?
Through Update & Security, with virus definitions updated multiple times daily.
4. Does it support mobile devices?
Yes, on iOS 13.0, Android OS 6.0, and higher.
5. Does it protect browsers?
Yes, with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and Microsoft Defender Browser Protection for Microsoft Edge and Chrome.
Troubleshooting & Best Practices
- Keep Windows 10 and Windows 11 patched.
- Use Windows Defender Offline for stubborn malware.
- Review alerts in the Windows Defender Security Center immediately.
- Monitor Secure score for compliance.
- Use Captcha challenge or confirmation process for user authentication in sensitive workflows.
Conclusion
Microsoft Defender has transformed from Windows Defender into a world-class security service. Whether protecting a personal computer, digital home security, or an Australian SME in a hybrid world, Microsoft Defender provides robust antivirus protection, threat protection, and endpoint detection and response. For businesses, combining Defender with Microsoft Intune, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, and Microsoft Entra ID provides an end-to-end security & governance strategy.
At Enabla Technology, we help businesses deploy, configure, and manage Microsoft Defender as part of a holistic security system. If you want expert guidance on protecting your devices, cloud assets, and employee accounts, contact us today.
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