Windows 8.1 and security

I have bought a new computer and I am trying to find my way around 8.1. I have looked in programs and do not see any security programs listed. I had Microsoft Security Essentials on my old computer, but do not see it in 8.1. Is security built into 8.1 and I am just not seeing the program?

Microsoft Security Essentials is renamed to Defender on Windows 8.1.
Defender was a different program on XP, more a malware scanner than an antivirus.
On Windows 8.1, Defender is an antivirus, though you may want an additional malware scanner like MalwareBytes.

Just make sure you keep Defender updated on Windows 8.1.
I suggest using something like Classic Shell to get a better Start Menu.
http://www.classicshell.net/

Then you can do a search for Defender to start it up and update it with new signatures.

I just used the search on the Start page in Windows 8.1 and then pinned Defender to my Taskbar. That way it is always available. Microsoft is very good about keeping it updated - sometimes more than once a day. But I do recommend something like Malwarebytes Pro to run along side it.

Thank you for your answers. I appreciate all the support Gameboomers offer. You are truly a nice group of people.