Windows security is typically built-in to any device running a version of the Microsoft operating system. It protects your data and devices from malware and hacker attacks through a variety of techniques. This includes basic antivirus protection, a firewall, and other tools to protect against data loss. Windows Security or the small shield icon in the taskbar’s notification bar allows you to access and control the settings.
Microsoft’s own antivirus software, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is available with Windows. In the beginning versions of the program, it was called Windows Defender Security Center. The application provides fundamental chip-to-cloud protection, and is available for free. It can also be used in conjunction with other security solutions and is able to identify threats that other security solutions do not.
One of the main features is the reputation-based security, which uses a massive online database to evaluate websites and applications for their reputation scores. If the program or site has a poor reputation it will be stopped from running on your device. This worked well and efficiently blocked phishing websites and dangerous software during our tests but it didn’t block nearly as many of the third-party competitors did.
Other features include firewall and network protection which is a way of monitoring the network you are using as well as the applications you use to determine their security. Another option is Device security that allows for advanced hardware-level features such as core isolation. This feature can protect your device from certain due diligence process software types of attacks, but you will need a compatible computer to benefit from it.