Yes, Windows Defender provides protection from phishing attacks. Phishing is an increasingly common type of cyberattack that can target individuals or organizations by sending emails or other electronic messages in an attempt to gain access to personal or financial information. Windows Defender provides several layers of protection from phishing attacks, including:
1. SmartScreen protection: Windows Defender SmartScreen checks URLs and websites for malicious content, as well as checking files for known malware before downloading them. If it detects any suspicious activity, it will warn the user and prevent access to the site or file.
2. Phishing filter: Windows Defender also includes a phishing filter that can detect and block attempts to access websites that are designed to steal personal information. The phishing filter works by automatically analyzing email for suspicious content, such as links to malicious websites.
3. Antivirus scanning: Windows Defender includes an antivirus scanner that can detect and block malicious files and programs. It also monitors your computer for suspicious activity, and if it finds any, it will respond to it accordingly.
4. Active Protection: Windows Defender includes Active Protection, which runs in the background to detect and block malicious programs before they can do any damage.
5. Network protection: Windows Defender also includes a built-in network protection feature that monitors your network traffic and blocks malicious connections.
These features make Windows Defender an effective tool for providing protection from phishing attacks. However, it is important to note that these features are not foolproof, and can be circumvented by hackers if they have the appropriate knowledge and skills. As such, it is important to take additional security measures, such as using a secure password manager, using two-factor authentication, and running regular system scans.