Yes, Windows Defender does protect against malware and other online threats. Windows Defender is an antivirus program created by Microsoft to help protect Windows systems from malicious software, including spyware and viruses. It works in tandem with a combination of security measures, including the Windows Firewall and user-defined rules, to protect users from unwanted software and network attacks.
Windows Defender uses both signatures and heuristics to detect malware. Signature-based detection looks for known malicious files, while heuristic detection looks for suspicious activity that may indicate the presence of malware. Microsoft updates Windows Defender with new definitions frequently to ensure it stays current with the latest threats.
Windows Defender also provides real-time protection against online threats. This means that when a malicious piece of software or a website attempts to access a computer or device, Windows Defender immediately blocks it. This is done without any user intervention. Additionally, Windows Defender monitors downloaded files and email attachments, scanning them for malicious code before allowing them to be opened.
In addition to its built-in protection, Windows Defender also scans removable media such as USB drives and external hard drives before allowing them to be used on a computer. This helps to protect the system from unknowingly downloading malicious files from a USB drive or external hard drive.
Finally, Windows Defender can perform scheduled scans of the system for the presence of malicious software. These scans occur at regular intervals, and users can schedule the scans for different times throughout the day or week. This helps ensure that malicious programs are detected and prevented from running on the system.
Overall, Windows Defender is an effective tool for protecting Windows systems from malicious software, including spyware and viruses. It uses signature-based and heuristic-based detection methods, in addition to real-time protection and scheduled scans, to detect and block malicious software. With its wide range of features, Windows Defender can be used to keep your computer safe from malicious programs and other online threats.