It also lacks automated investigation and remediation of threats. While Microsoft Defender is highly effective software that scans email, internet browser, cloud, and applications for cyber threats- it lacks endpoint protection and response. Microsoft also released a feature in the anniversary release of Windows 10 where users would receive a pop-up notification after a scan reflecting the findings even if no viruses were found. In Windows 10, while usually available in the settings app, Microsoft Defender settings moved to the Windows Defender Security Center. With the release of Windows 8, protection against viruses was added, resembling Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), using the same anti-malware engine and virus definitions.

Before Windows 8, Windows Defender only protected users against Spyware. Windows Defender was also built into Windows 7 when released in 2009, Windows 8 in 2012, and versions down the line. Users would still need to download a separate anti-virus program, however, to provide complete protection. When Windows Vista was released in 2007, Windows Defender was already preloaded into the operating system, providing an indigenous anti-spyware tool. Initially, it was a downloadable free anti-spyware program for Windows XP that was called 'Windows Defender', released in 2006. Microsoft Defender is an anti-malware component of Microsoft Windows. That said, even with these planned updates to Microsoft Defender blind spots remain that require other security services for full protection.

With that number expected to grow in 2022, Microsoft is updating its security products to help better protect endpoints. 67% of IT leaders have reported an increase in data breaches due to remote work. In 2021, a reported 250,000 Microsoft servers were targeted by hackers, some of these servers belonging to 30,000 organizations in the United States. Businesses are increasingly challenged trying to find out if having Microsoft Defender is enough security to keep their employees, data and bottom line protected for evolving security threats.

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