# Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender is an Endpoint Protection Platform product by Microsoft. It runs in the cloud. Pricing is commercial (contact sales).

Security app for individuals/families protecting devices from online threats

Checked October 2026.

## What is Microsoft Defender?

Microsoft Defender is a security application designed for individuals and families to protect personal data and devices from online threats. The product is available exclusively with a Microsoft 365 subscription and provides multi-device protection across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms.

The application offers continuous antivirus and anti-phishing scans to detect and alert users about malicious apps and security risks. Users receive notifications when threats are found, along with steps to uninstall and remove them. The platform provides device threat notifications and allows users to monitor the security status of multiple devices from a centralized dashboard.

Microsoft Defender includes platform-specific protections: antivirus and anti-phishing for Android devices, anti-phishing for iOS devices, and antivirus protection for macOS. Windows devices can view security status and receive real-time security alerts. Users can specify regularly used apps and files to exclude from scanning.

The service includes a web portal where users can view phone and computer protections, monitor threats, and access security tips and recommendations. Family members can receive timely security notifications and guidance about the security status of their devices regardless of location.

## Where it fits in your security program (NIST CSF 2.0)

- [Protect](https://cybersectools.com/guides/building-protect-program-small-team): helps you prevent attacks and keep data safe.
- [Detect](https://cybersectools.com/guides/building-detect-program-small-team): helps you spot attacks and unusual activity.

## Quick facts

- Category: [Endpoint Security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/endpoint-security) · [Endpoint Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp)
- Vendor: [Microsoft](https://cybersectools.com/companies/microsoft)
- Deployment: Cloud
- Company size fit: Startup
- Pricing model: Commercial (contact sales)
- Features: 10 listed
- Integrations: 1 listed
- Website: microsoft.com

The full feature and integration lists are on the page for signed-in visitors.

## Where it ranks

No shortlist covers this product's category yet. The closest is [Best EDR Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-edr-solutions).

## Microsoft Defender FAQ

### What is Microsoft Defender?

Microsoft Defender is a product by Microsoft in the Endpoint Protection Platform category.

### What is the pricing for Microsoft Defender?

Microsoft Defender is a commercial product. For pricing, visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-365/microsoft-defender-for-individuals/ or contact Microsoft.

### What are alternatives to Microsoft Defender?

Alternatives to Microsoft Defender listed on CybersecTools:

1. [Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/tools/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud) - Enterprise cloud security platform for endpoint, network, email & data protection (Commercial)
2. [Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/comodo-advanced-endpoint-protection) - Endpoint protection platform using zero trust architecture and containment (Commercial)
3. [SpyShelter](https://cybersectools.com/tools/spyshelter-spyshelter) - Anti-spyware tool that monitors app activities and prevents malware execution (Commercial)
4. [Fortinet FortiClient](https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-forticlient) - Unified endpoint agent providing ZTNA, VPN, EPP, and fabric integration (Commercial)
5. [AhnLab EPP](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ahnlab-ahnlab-epp) - Unified endpoint security platform integrating anti-malware, EDR, and mgmt tools (Commercial)

Compare all Microsoft Defender alternatives at [https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender)

### What deployment and organization size does Microsoft Defender fit?

Microsoft Defender is available as a cloud service. It is listed for startups. Pricing is commercial. Ask Microsoft for pricing and support terms.

## Compare Microsoft Defender with similar solutions

- [Microsoft Defender vs Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/compare/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud-vs-microsoft-defender)
- [Microsoft Defender vs Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/comodo-advanced-endpoint-protection-vs-microsoft-defender)
- [Microsoft Defender vs SpyShelter](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-vs-spyshelter-spyshelter)

All alternatives to Microsoft Defender: [/alternatives/microsoft-defender](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-defender

For AI agents: every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md, and any compare page has a Markdown copy too (add .md to its URL).

More on Microsoft Defender and Microsoft: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=product-md