OK, I'm going to need someone more techie than I am to explain this one if possible. This morning I restarted my PC and got a sign in prompt for 'Microsoft Defender'. Now as far as I can understand this isn't the normal 'Windows Defender', so I'm wondering;
Where it came from (I do have Office 365 if that is a contributor?)
Do I need it
Will I need to pay for it
In addition to this, I now have 'Windows Security', rather than 'Windows Defender'. Did I miss a name change and if so, do I still have the normal virus and threat protection?
Does anyone know the history of all this and why there's now more than one option?
Where it came from (I do have Office 365 if that is a contributor?)
Do I need it
Will I need to pay for it
In addition to this, I now have 'Windows Security', rather than 'Windows Defender'. Did I miss a name change and if so, do I still have the normal virus and threat protection?
Does anyone know the history of all this and why there's now more than one option?
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sorted byAnd if I scroll down the menu to the "M" section it shows "Microsoft Defender NEW"
And if you open the app, in the help" it says
"Getting started with Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender is the simple way to protect your digital life and all of your devices. It's included as part of your Microsoft 365 Family, or Personal, subscription at no extra cost"
So this looks like it is a genuine update from Microsoft (edited)
The likely critical component here is the "sign in prompt" where that prompt may be legitimate or nefarious by an attacker.
Your mention of 365 makes the "Defender" element plausible at current date in time:
support.microsoft.com/en-…693
so the likely best question to seek answered is:
is there a requirement to specifically sign in to the "Microsoft Defender" service when already signed-in to 365, and if so: what is the official way to sign in.