Microsoft Defender: Protecting you at work, home and the beach

You can sense the excitement in the air.

The footy is back at the MCG in September.

Where it rightfully belongs.

The Melbourne Show is back with overpriced show bags, carnival rides and a few farm animals to balance it out…

Melbournians are free in Spring for the first time in three years.

As the city streets and gardens bloom in the warming Spring weather, your mind wanders to weekend getaways. Or longer summer holidays down at Torquay, Jan Juc or Lorne.

Sure the summer crowds will be fighting for a beach parking spot.

Sand in your car, the kids tell you how bored they are in the backseat and the exorbitant price of your Air BNB.

But only if you can book one.

And it doesn’t involve an hour hike to the beach.

None of that matters as your car window is down, sea air blowing in, looking down at the ocean glistening in the distance… you know, it’s worth it.

Getting in the car and driving in any direction from Melbourne, well, you feel more relaxed.

And being relaxed, spending time with your family and friends, away from the business.

That’s precisely when your business is at risk.

When you let your guard down.

What’s the harm in checking a couple of work emails while you’re away? After all, the world has changed. With remote and hybrid working here to stay, checking a few emails to clear the inbox makes sense, right?

But that’s what the crooks are hoping you do.

Check that one email that looks official from your bank about resetting your PIN.

It’s from the bank, so you click.

And then the crooks are thrilled. Even more, than you when you tucked into Aunty Janet’s Christmas ham a few days back.

That’s why Microsoft has expanded its security software, Defender, to individuals like you.

So they can provide valuable and essential security to small business owners. Microsoft knows that many small businesses rely on personal and family plans for Microsoft 365 (M365).

So with increased risk of cyber-attacks and remote working the norm, Microsoft Defender helps you protect your devices and home network.

How Microsoft Defender can protect your business against cyberattacks

Many businesses rely on Microsoft 365 business plans due to the cost. In addition, Microsoft has developed Defender to help SMEs protect their devices and network from cyber threats.

All subscribers on personal or family plans can download Microsoft Defender for free, but the business plan is where it comes to the fore.

Microsoft Defender brings together digital protections into one easy-to-use dashboard:

Online Security Visibility

Modern Australian families have many devices connected to their home WifI network: smartphones, laptops, tablets, TV and even the doorbell.

It’s challenging to identify or be aware of which devices are vulnerable before they are subjected to a cyberattack. That could lead to infecting other computers, smartphones and personal devices.

Microsoft Defender gives you visibility into the security status of your devices in one view. So, you could see if Emma’s new iPhone has antivirus enabled. And Microsoft Defender makes it straightforward to add or remove devices.

Device Safeguards

Microsoft Defender continually scans your devices for new and existing cyber threats. This added protection is designed to stop phishing, virus and malware attacks.

You can control the scanning customisation, so you can note which apps are safe and which need to be scanned.

Real-Time Alerts and Recommendations

Combatting sophisticated cyber attacks is often a race against the clock. Hackers masterfully use automation and AI to unleash attacks, helping them spread fast.

Microsoft Defender helps you react and respond quickly with real-time alerts. When prompted, you will be given recommendations on what to do.

What else do you need to know?

Here are a few other essential things about using Microsoft Defender for Individuals.

Where can you download Microsoft Defender?

Microsoft Defender for Individuals can be downloaded here. To use it for your business, Intuitive IT can provide your Defender license. Contact us now!

What computers, smartphones and devices use Defender?

You can use Defender to secure and monitor the following devices:

Windows: Windows 11 or Windows 10 version 19041.0 and higher
Mac: Intel Macs from Catalina 10.15 and higher, and Apple silicon-based devices from 11.2.3 and up
iPhone: iOS 13.0 or later
Android: Android OS 6.0 or later

How many devices can you add?

Microsoft Defender allows you to monitor the security of many of your work devices.

Based on the M365 plan you have will determine how many divides you can protect:

Microsoft Defender for Business – specially designed for businesses with up to 300 employees.
You can try Microsoft Defender for Business risk-free at no cost.

What is the price of Microsoft Defender for Business?

It’s as simple as how many beach chairs you need to pack in the SUV. One of six, and everything in between. Both personal and family plans have the same Microsoft 365 apps, but the difference is how many people and devices will use the services.

Microsoft 365 Defender for Business: $4.10 ex GST per user per month
Microsoft 365 Defender Personal: $99 year, one person, five devices per person
Microsoft 365 Defender Family: $129 year, six people, five devices per person

Monthly plans are available from $10 per month for personal and $13 per month for a family.

Windows Security vs Microsoft Defender: What’s the difference?

Many businesses using Microsoft Windows will be familiar with the pre-installed Microsoft Security app.

The main advantages of Microsoft Defender compared to Microsoft Security:

It’s a cross-device application used on many different devices
It includes features for online security
It has alerts and security tips

Of course, you need to download Microsoft Defender as it’s not pre-installed with Windows.

Do you need to upgrade your security?

Learn how Microsoft Defender can protect your business so you can relax this summer.

Microsoft Defender: Protecting you at work, home and the beach