Windows Defender is an antivirus program developed by Microsoft to help protect Windows-based systems from malicious software. Windows Defender takes a proactive approach to protection, using advanced technologies such as heuristics and behavior-based detection to detect and remove malicious code before it can harm your computer.
Windows Defender works in three main ways to protect against malware:
1. Malware Scanning
Windows Defender performs periodic scans of the system, checking for viruses, spyware, Trojans, worms, rootkits, and other forms of malicious code. When a threat is detected, Windows Defender will quarantine or delete it. Windows Defender also provides real-time scanning, which constantly monitors the system for threats and stops them before they can cause any damage.
2. Attack Surface Reduction (ASR)
Attack Surface Reduction is a set of built-in security features that limit the ability of malware to infect a system. For example, it can block malicious applications from being installed, disable USB storage devices, and prevent malicious scripts from running. By limiting the attack surface of a system, ASR reduces the chances of an infection.
3. Windows Security Center
The Windows Security Center is an easy-to-use dashboard that displays the status of your system’s security, including the status of Windows Defender and other security software. It also provides access to important settings, such as updating Windows and downloading virus definition updates.
In addition to these three main technologies, Windows Defender also includes other features designed to protect your system, such as network connection protection, website filtering, application control, and cloud-based protection.
To help ensure your system stays protected, it is important to keep your version of Windows up to date, as well as to regularly update Windows Defender with the latest virus definitions. Additionally, you should use caution when visiting websites and downloading files, as these can be sources of malicious code.
Overall, Windows Defender provides a strong foundation for system security, using advanced technologies to detect and remove malicious code, and providing features such as ASR and the Windows Security Center to further protect your system. When combined with common sense and safe practices, Windows Defender can help ensure your system remains secure.