Microsoft updates Defender to automatically detect unsafe WiFi connections

Free public WiFi is often unsafe, and connecting to it may compromise privacy or even lead to cyberattacks. Microsoft has announced that its Defender software will automatically detect and notify of unsafe WiFi connections and add a VPN layer.

Microsoft Defender, a default security option on Windows machines, is also gradually introducing new features to clients on macOS, Android, and iOS.

Users who try to connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots will be alerted if the Defender app finds them unsafe.

“Defender might detect a WiFi network as unsafe if the WiFi's characteristics match one or more of the detection heuristics that Microsoft Defender uses to scan WiFi networks. These heuristics indicate that there is a likelihood of malicious activity occurring on that WiFi network. If you see such a detection, we recommend turning on Microsoft Defender VPN to encrypt traffic from your device for added safety,” the Microsoft support page reads.

Unsafe WiFi hotspots allow attackers to intercept data, spoof websites, collect credentials, and introduce many other threats.

Defender already checks WiFi networks’ security parameters, such as encryption type, to alert users if the connection is not secured.

Microsoft previously introduced the so-called “Privacy protection” feature in the US, UK, Canada, and Germany. This feature creates a VPN connection between the device and Microsoft’s servers, encrypting the traffic and allowing users on unsafe networks to hide their IP and traffic.

“We’re adding privacy protection to ten additional countries in Europe, Asia, and LATAM regions soon,” Microsoft said.

Privacy protection is currently available to Microsoft Defender users with a Microsoft 365 Personal, Family subscription.

The feature is limited to 50GB of monthly traffic per user. It excludes content-heavy traffic, such as streaming and social media apps, including YouTube, TikTok, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Facebook video, Instagram, Snapchat, Spotify, and WhatsApp.

Microsoft assures that the service is anonymized and only collects three data points: the duration of the VPN's use, the VPN bandwidth utilized, and WiFi hotspot names that are detected as malicious.

“Microsoft Defender for individuals aims to provide a safer online experience wherever you go,” the company said.