MARCH 2020 • TECH ADVISOR 51stopped everything else including targeted attacks.
From these results we can gather that Windows Security
is highly cloud dependent for malware detection, and
probably isn’t up to the job if your PC spends a good
amount of time disconnected from the Internet. It also
means there are still far better choices for protection
despite Windows Defender’s top ranking.
Verdict
Windows Security has all the elements you need
in a solid security suite, including antivirus scans,
ransomwareprotection,andparentalcontrols.It
doesn’thave a lot of the extras you’ll see in other
suites, but some of those things, such as automated
backups, are built into other parts of Windows.
If you’re all about the added features of a top-
tier security suite, then Windows Security will not be
a satisfying option. It doesn’t have encrypted cloud
storage for sensitive documents, secure file erase, a
password manager, or a VPN subscription. Granted,
many of these features would likely land Microsoft in
hot water with anti-trust authorities. For that reason we
wouldn’t expect Microsoft to push much beyond the
equivalent of third-party free antivirus suites, which is
what we’re seeing now.
Windows Security offers good protection, but if you
look at the testing comparisons to other suites, there
are still better options. Nevertheless, Windows Security
has come a long way and should continue to improve
its basic protection and detection capabilities. Ian Paul