Microsoft Defender – Keeping you secure

On a Windows PC you can quickly check the status of your security by clicking on the Defender Icon on the bottom right area of the screen, called the notification area.

This brings up the Microsoft Security Centre which provide a quick status of the security on your system.

In the Windows Security Center’s “Security at a Glance,” there are eight key categories that cover different aspects of your device’s security. Here’s a simple breakdown of what each one means:

Virus & Threat Protection This section monitors for viruses, malware, and other threats. It’s where you can run scans to check for anything harmful and see recent security updates or alerts. Think of it as a regular health check-up for your device.

Account Protection This keeps an eye on how you sign in to Windows and any accounts you use. It helps ensure your identity is secure, recommending things like setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect your accounts.

Firewall & Network Protection The firewall is like a barrier between your device and potential threats from the internet. This section manages your firewall settings to help block harmful connections and keeps an eye on network activity to ensure it’s safe.

App & Browser Control This section monitors the apps you use and the websites you visit. It warns you if an app or a website might be unsafe, helping you to avoid potentially risky content.

Device Security Here, Windows checks that your device has the proper security settings enabled. It includes hardware protections, like encryption, to prevent unauthorized access to your data.

Device Performance & Health This is a quick check-up on your device’s overall health, including storage, battery, and recent updates. It alerts you to issues that could impact how smoothly your device runs.

Family Options For families using the same device, this section lets parents set up controls to monitor and limit screen time, choose safe websites, and manage the apps that kids can use.

Windows Security Protection Updates Windows releases security updates regularly to fix vulnerabilities and keep your device safe. This section shows when your device last checked for updates and confirms that your security features are current.

Each category in Windows Security Center is designed to protect a different part of your device, helping keep it safe and running smoothly. Together, these tools offer a comprehensive shield against various threats.