Can I trust Windows Defender?

As a free service, Microsoft Defender does a reasonably good job of keeping your Windows devices secure. In tests, it scored a 98% detection result for real-time malware — an excellent result for a completely free service.
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Is Microsoft Defender legitimate?

"Windows Defender Browser Protection" is a technical support scam. This scam model operates by warning of potential/detected infections and urging users to contact a 'legitimate' support service. The "Windows Defender Browser Protection" scheme is run on various deceptive websites.
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Do I need antivirus if I have Windows Defender?

Windows Defender scans a user's email, internet browser, cloud, and apps for the above cyberthreats. However, Windows Defender lacks endpoint protection and response, as well as automated investigation and remediation, so more antivirus software is necessary.
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Is Microsoft Defender good enough 2021?

Overall Security

Even if you don't have any other antivirus software installed, your Windows 10 PC will start with some basic protection in place. In January 2021, AV-Test (an independent security testing lab), rated Microsoft Defender as a Top Product with a perfect 6.0 score.
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Is Windows 11 security good enough?

If you're comfortable with all this — and in our experience, Edge is lighter and faster than Chrome — then Microsoft Defender Antivirus and the related protections built into Windows 10 and 11 should absolutely be good enough to protect you from malware infection, and give you a few useful extra security features as ...
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Is Windows Defender Good Enough?



Can Microsoft block your computer?

To prevent further issues, users should immediately contact 'Microsoft Technicians' via a telephone number ("1-800-745-9386") provided. They will then supposedly receive help in resolving these issues. In fact, "Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer" error is fake - a scam that has nothing to do with Microsoft.
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How do I know if my Microsoft security alert is real?

If you aren't sure about the source of an email, check the sender. You'll know it's legitimate if it's from the Microsoft account team at [email protected].
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Is Windows Security Alert Safe?

"Windows Security Alert" is a fake pop-up warning that Windows users encounter when they accidentally or willingly visit any malicious website. It is a kind of Social Engineering attack in which users' psychology is being targeted to force them into calling a fraud tech support number or sending a mail.
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Is Microsoft virus Alert real?

Displayed by a malicious website, "VIRUS ALERT TO MICROSOFT" is a fake error claiming that the system has detected suspicious activity. In most cases, users visit this website inadvertently - they are redirected by various potentially unwanted programs (PUAs) that infiltrate systems without permission.
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Is Windows Defender good enough?

Microsoft's Windows Defender is closer than it's ever been to competing with third-party internet security suites, but it's still not good enough. In terms of malware detection, it often ranks below the detection rates offered by top antivirus competitors.
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How can you tell a fake virus warning?

A pop-up window claiming to have scanned your computer and found evidence of viruses would cause anyone alarm. However, if it comes from a company or program other than your own security software, or if it appears in a different format than you're used to, then tread carefully, as it's likely to be a scam.
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How can you tell if your computer is infected with spyware?

How to Identify Signs of a Spyware Infection
  1. An endless amount of pop up ads begin to plague your monitor when browsing the web.
  2. Your browser continues to redirect you to pages other than those to which you've navigated.
  3. New toolbars appear in your web browser (often installing themselves as a browser plug-in)
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Will Microsoft call you if your computer is being hacked?

As per Microsoft: “Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer. Any communication with Microsoft has to be initiated by you.
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Why is everything blocked on my computer?

"YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED" pop-up is a scam and, therefore, if you encounter this error message, uninstall all recently-installed and/or suspicious applications immediately. Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of one's computer.
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Can a virus lock your computer?

Ransomware is a form of virus that attacks your PC and locks parts of the system, sometimes irrevocably blocking access to valuable photos and important documents. Ransomware may lock your system entirely, preventing you from getting past the warning message.
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Can someone access my computer remotely without me knowing?

There are two ways someone can access your computer without your consent. Either a family member or work college is physically logging in to your computer or phone when you are not around, or someone is accessing your computer remotely.
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How do you tell if your computer is being monitored?

How to Tell if Your Computer Is Being Monitored
  1. Monitoring processes from Windows Task Manager. ...
  2. Monitoring Open Ports using netstat. ...
  3. Periodic Antivirus scans. ...
  4. Investigating Recent Files. ...
  5. Investigating Browser History. ...
  6. Auditing Login Event Viewer. ...
  7. Identifying Corporate Monitoring.
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Can Windows Defender detect spyware?

Windows Defender detects spyware by using what we call “definitions.” These definitions need to be updated in order for Windows Defender to work correctly.
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Is a Trojan virus real?

A Trojan, or Trojan horse, is a type of malware that conceals its true content to fool a user into thinking it's a harmless file. Like the wooden horse used to sack Troy, the "payload" carried by a Trojan is unknown to the user, but it can act as a delivery vehicle for a variety of threats.
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Does Google warn you about viruses?

No. When Google says you have a virus on your phone, you are being scammed. Specifically, cybercriminals are trying to trick you into installing malware, submitting personal data, or paying for virus removal. Unfortunately, fake virus warnings on Android phones are very common these days.
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What happens if you click on a fake virus notification?

In most cases, Android users only see a fake virus warning pop-up when using the web browser to visit a malicious website. The pop-up window warns you that your Android is infected with a virus and invites you to tap a button to run a scan and remove the software from your device.
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Can Windows Defender remove Trojan?

Windows Defender comes packed with the Windows 10 update and offers top-notch antimalware protection to keep your device and data safe. Although, Windows Defender is not capable of handling all kinds of viruses, malware, trojan, and other security threats.
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Which antivirus is best for PC?

The 7 Best Antivirus Software of 2022
  • Best Overall: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus.
  • Best for Windows: Norton 360 With LifeLock.
  • Best for Mac: Webroot SecureAnywhere for Mac.
  • Best for Multiple Devices: McAfee Antivirus Plus.
  • Best Premium Option: Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security.
  • Best Malware Scanning: Malwarebytes.
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Is Windows 10 defender enough security?

High-quality free security products do exist, and Windows Defender is a good way to keep you and your computer safe. It is, however, not the best. For that, we recommend Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Kaspersky Anti-Virus, and Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus, among others.
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