Microsoft has expanded its Defender security tool, adding enhanced privacy protection and Wi-Fi safety features for users across more countries and platforms. The new updates help users stay safer when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unencrypted and vulnerable to attacks.
With this update, Microsoft Defender now supports automatic detection of unsecured Wi-Fi networks on Android, iOS, and Windows, with macOS support coming soon. When an unsafe connection is detected, the app will notify users, providing an option to disconnect or activate a virtual private network (VPN) for secure browsing.
Wider Availability for Privacy Protection Features
Previously limited to a few regions, Microsoft VPN service is now available in the US, UK, Canada, and Germany, with plans to extend coverage to 10 additional countries across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The VPN encrypts internet traffic and masks users' IP addresses, offering a more private browsing experience, especially when using public hotspots.
Each user receives a monthly data limit of 50GB for secure browsing, ensuring a balance between functionality and performance. The service doesn't support certain data-heavy platforms like YouTube and Netflix, which are excluded from the VPN to avoid quickly using up this limit.
Auto-Detection for Public Wi-Fi Security
Defender's latest feature automatically alerts users when connecting to a Wi-Fi network that doesn't meet basic security standards. Public networks, often found in cafes, airports, and hotels, are prone to attacks, and Microsoft's new tool aims to mitigate this risk. Users can easily switch on the VPN with one click to protect their data from being intercepted.
Microsoft also plans to introduce a feature that will automatically turn on the VPN when the device connects to a public Wi-Fi network. This upcoming addition will further streamline the process of securing connections on the go.
Enhanced Detection of Suspicious Networks
In addition to detecting unsecured Wi-Fi, the Defender app now includes advanced algorithms designed to identify suspicious network activity. This feature, already available on mobile platforms, will soon be rolled out for Windows and macOS as well. By analyzing multiple factors that may indicate malicious activity, the app can warn users about unsafe networks.
This advanced detection system uses a heuristic approach to evaluate the security of public Wi-Fi hotspots, and when any risks are flagged, users are notified and given the option to turn on VPN protection.
Microsoft Defender's privacy tools are available to those with a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription. The app can be downloaded from major app stores, including Google Play, Apple's App Store, and Microsoft's own platform. Once installed, users can enable privacy protection by following the app's setup process.
