New cloud-based Microsoft Defender for home now generally available

Microsoft has announced today the general availability of Microsoft Defender for Individuals, the company's new security solution for personal phones and computers.

This new cross-device security solution is available for all Microsoft 365 customers with Personal ($6.99/month) or Family ($9.99/month) subscriptions starting today.

First unveiled for Windows 11 Insiders in March, Defender for Individuals provides malware and phishing protection for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android mobile and desktop devices.

It is designed to work as a central dashboard from which you can monitor the security status of your family members' devices.

Defender for Individuals also provides safety alerts and recommendations, including real-time warnings about device security changes and suggestions on keeping data and devices secure.

Microsoft says the malware protection feature is only available on Windows, macOS, and Android phones. In contrast, web protection is available on iOS and Android phones (on Windows, web protection is provided by the built-in Windows Security solution).

"It was built on our Microsoft Defender for Endpoint technology, leveraging the same trusted security that enterprises rely on," said Vasu Jakkal, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President for Security, Compliance, Identity, and Management.

"It joins our comprehensive set of security products and services as the newest member of our family of Microsoft Defender solutions and extends the protection already built into Windows Security."

A short list of security capabilities bundled with Microsoft Defender for Individuals includes:

• Manage your security protections and view security protections for everyone in your family from a single easy-to-use, centralized dashboard.
• View your existing antivirus protection (such as Norton or McAfee). Defender recognizes these protections within the dashboard.
• Extend Windows device protections to iOS, Android, and macOS devices for cross-platform malware protection on the devices you and your family use the most.
• Receive instant security alerts, resolution strategies, and expert tips to help keep your data and devices secure.

You can download the Microsoft Defender app for Windows from the Microsoft Store, for iPhones in the Apple App Store, and Android phones in Google Play, and directly download the macOS from here. 

Defender for Individuals is not currently available in all Microsoft 365 regions. You can find a list of all areas where it's not available by going here.

Microsoft 365 Personal plan allows subscribers to use Defender for Individuals on up to 5 devices with the same account and up to 30 devices simultaneously with the Family plan.

In May, Redmond also announced the general availability of its Microsoft Defender for Business, the company's standalone enterprise-grade endpoint security solution for small to medium-sized businesses.

New cloud-based Microsoft Defender for home now generally available