What does MS Defender do?

Microsoft Defender is a comprehensive security solution that provides protection against various threats, including viruses, malware, and other security risks. Specifically, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is designed to monitor for malware, viruses, and security threats, offering real-time protection. It automatically downloads updates to keep your device safe and includes features like behavior-based and heuristic protection to detect and block potential threats.

In the case of scams, such as the one you experienced where your phone locked up, Microsoft Defender can help by detecting and removing known malware, as well as providing tools to protect against phishing attacks and other malicious activities. It's important to ensure that Microsoft Defender is enabled and up to date to maximize your protection against such threats.

References:

• Microsoft Defender Antivirus
• How to protect against tech support scams