Windows Defender, a standard feature in most Windows devices in the market, is advertised as a cloud-based security solution. Its functions are similar to third-party antivirus software, but there are some noticeable differences between the two. So, what sets apart these third-party antivirus software programs from Windows Defender?
Ever since being featured on the Windows XP operating system, Windows Defender has become somewhat of a standard feature across all devices. While this free online security service was lacking in features previously, the current updates aim to improve upon its predecessors.
Windows Defender is optimized to work well on Microsoft devices and serves its function rather effectively. The software program analyzes security threats and scans the entirety of the system for any suspicious malware that may impede its normal functioning. Since it’s built by Microsoft itself, there’s very little system impact as the application goes on with its work without the slightest bit of interference. There is very little concern over it affecting battery discharge in the long run too. Moreover, since Windows Defender is a free service, there are no pesky advertisements asking one to sign up for the premium versions.
Before getting to the difference between antivirus software and Windows Defender, it’s important to understand some of the very real threats that may afflict one’s laptop or tablet.
Malware refers to notorious software that is created with the sole purpose of destroying the complicated networks that exist within a device.
Phishing websites are designed to steal sensitive banking details and credit card information when one uses them to purchase goods online.
As the name suggests, exploits are computer programs designed to exploit a flaw within the operating system in order for them to install malware.
These are suspicious websites whose sole purpose is to exploit user data and use it to the benefit of the perpetrator. Credit card passports and login details to online banking portals constitute some of the sensitive information that’s under threat by such cyber fraud portals.
This is a special type of malware, which after infecting a computer or another device uses accumulated computing abilities to mine for cryptocurrency. Cryptojacking is a recent phenomenon but its popularity may have far-reaching consequences in the world of cybersecurity.
While Windows Defender does a pretty decent job at detecting malware, its detection rate is much slower than other free antivirus programs available on the market. These applications can detect a much wider range of malware at a fraction of the time taken by Windows Defender, thus keeping one’s system safe.
Antivirus software is able to identify exploits and phishing attempts that may harm a connected device and block them, thus effectively rendering them ineffective.
A highly intuitive antivirus program can detect scam attempts in a jiffy and displays a warning notification asking the user to steer clear of such nefarious websites and be more careful when clicking on unknown links.
In today’s day and age of technology, data is equated to the price of gold. So, data protection becomes one of the basic prerequisites of any protection software. A free antivirus application is able to tune out shady websites that pretend to be the real deal, while skilfully stealing financially sensitive data like login details to a linked bank account or credit card details.
There is a growing concern among users that using third-party software may impede the day-to-day working of their devices. But, that’s far from the truth. Most free antivirus programs today work quietly in the background. Some of them are even equipped with an “Autopilot” feature wherein it analyzes all downloaded files and monitors online activities without ever interfering with user activity.
While these are some of the basic features that are common to most free antivirus software, it might be worthwhile to consider upgrading to a premium version that offers the following advantages.
A VPN helps protect one’s online privacy by making the original location of the user. One can now access public networks without ever having to worry about being compromised by a myriad of online threats. It’s also a great way to circumvent the issue of geo-restrictions with the ability to pick from a large array of servers from across the globe. Furthermore, you should use software protection to prevent the email provider’s servers from storing the ISP address of your home or office network. It is therefore crucial that you have an active Virtual Private Network (VPN), such as PrivateVPN.
In addition to this feature, a large number of premium antivirus software have their in-house search engine which is equipped to detect potential threats a lot more effectively and quickly than a standard one.
With a paid subscription to an antivirus program, one can control the applications that are allowed to access the camera and microphone attached to the laptop or computer. They also display a security notification when unauthorized software tries to switch on the microphone and webcam.
A premium antivirus software from a cybersecurity software leader also provides one with a wide range of optimization tools. By cleaning up temporary or duplicate files, they can get a computer to work faster. A daily PC health report that lists potential lapses in cyber security is an added benefit.
Essential features like auto-saving, auto-filling, and biometric login are all included in the premium subscription to a third-party antivirus program. Thanks to this handy feature, one need not worry about separately investing in a password manager.
While Windows Defender is a pretty handy addition to the Windows ecosystem, it’s nowhere close to being the one-stop online security solution that it claims to be. It lags behind third-party antivirus software when it comes to extensive malware detection, exploit protection and system optimization tools.
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