Microsoft introduced updated Defender functions to protect users when connecting to publicly accessible Wi-Fi networks. The Defender VPN function was added to the defender, which protects data from interception.
Now the defender automatically detects unprotected Wi-Fi networks and offers to turn on the VPN for a safe connection. VPN support is expanded to all platforms – Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Privacy protection now covers more countries, including the USA, Great Britain, Germany, and Canada, with support for 10 more countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America to be added soon.
Protection function in the iOS interface
If you connect to a public Wi-Fi with minimal protection, the defender will immediately send a notice with the proposal to enable VPN. Currently, it works on Android, iOS, and Windows, with MacOS support coming soon. Automatic activation of VPN when connecting to public networks is also planned by developers.
It is important that Defender VPN will send anonymous data to the company’s servers, without collecting information about viewed pages, history, personal data, or physical location of devices.
Anonymous data contains information such as VPN duration, volume of VPN data used, and names of potentially malicious Wi-Fi access points for threat analysis (these are only sent to servers after user consent).
Notification of connecting to an unprotected Wi-Fi network
For Android and iOS, an additional feature recognizes suspicious Wi-Fi networks. Defender algorithms analyze access points and notify users of unsafe networks, offering one-click VPN activation.
VPN connection window in the Windows interface
This feature can protect users from attackers setting up fraudulent wireless access points for deception. Such attacks like Evil Twin or Man-In-The-Middle attacks can steal confidential information or use phishing methods.