Kaspersky vs Microsoft Defender
Last updated: May 22, 2023
Kaspersky and Microsoft Defender are both popular antivirus and security solutions, but they differ in their features, approach, and target markets. Kaspersky is a well-established cybersecurity company that offers a range of security products for individuals and businesses. Its antivirus software provides comprehensive protection against malware, phishing attacks, and other online threats. Kaspersky emphasizes advanced threat detection, proactive defense mechanisms, and additional features like password management and VPN services. On the other hand, Microsoft Defender (formerly Windows Defender) is Microsoft's built-in security solution for Windows operating systems. It provides basic antivirus protection and real-time threat detection for Windows devices. Microsoft Defender is integrated into the Windows ecosystem, ensuring seamless operation and regular updates. While both solutions offer antivirus protection, Kaspersky provides a more extensive feature set and is often preferred by users seeking comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, while Microsoft Defender offers a solid baseline of protection for Windows users.
See also: Top 10 Antivirus Software
See also: Top 10 Antivirus Software
Kaspersky vs Microsoft Defender in our news:
2021. Microsoft launches Defender for Business

Microsoft has introduced Microsoft Defender for Business, a new easy-to-use and cost-effective endpoint security solution that's specially built to bring enterprise-grade endpoint security to businesses with up to 300 employees. Defender for Business elevates security from traditional antivirus to next-generation protection, endpoint detection and response, threat and vulnerability management, and more. It offers simplified configuration and management with intelligent, automated investigation and remediation. Defender for Business helps you to protect against cybersecurity threats including malware and ransomware across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. It's available as a standalone offering costing $3 per user per month.
2017. Kaspersky Lab released free antivirus

Kaspersky Lab has launched a free version of its antivirus software in the U.S. with plans for a global rollout over the next four months. Like similar alternatives Kaspersky Free provides the core essentials, including email and desktop antivirus protection, the ability to quarantine infected files, as well as automated updates. The free version lacks some of the premium features users can purchase for $50 annually per device, including virtual private network (VPN), parental controls and extra protection for online financial transactions. Kaspersky claims that its free software option is light on ads, though users may be paying for the uncluttered interface by providing user data to Kaspersky.
2016. Microsoft released Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection
Windows already ships with built-in antivirus called Windows Defender. Currently, it’s a defensive program that looks at websites and downloads to try and stop you from getting hacked. Unfortunately, in the day and age of social engineering and spear-phishing, antivirus needs to be a little more proactive. The new cloud service Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection is supposed to be that protection for large, company-wide networks. WDATP move the focus from monitoring individual files to the machine’s behaviour as a whole—rather than searching for the actual virus, it keeps an eye on symptoms. If your machine starts connecting to weird ports or executing unusual PowerShell commands—behavior that’s out of the ordinary for the vast majority of users—WDAPT will flag it to administrators, providing an overview of current and past behavior for admins to look at. Microsoft’s also trying to take advantage of the vast Windows install base to kickstart its antivirus program. Millions of suspicious files found on machines worldwide will be run on the cloud, building a giant centralized database of malicious files, but also malicious behavior.