Microsoft has unveiled its ‘Secure Future Initiative,’ a comprehensive effort to enhance the built-in security of its products and platforms to protect customers against the escalating cybersecurity threats faced worldwide.
In response to the increasing speed, scale, and sophistication of cyberattacks, Microsoft’s President Brad Smith introduced this initiative. The company’s Digital Crimes Unit has been monitoring advanced ransomware-as-a-service affiliates, emphasizing the surge in ransomware attempts by over 200% since September 2022, and a dramatic increase in password-related attacks.
The ‘Secure Future Initiative’ is founded on three core pillars: AI-based cyber defenses, advances in fundamental software engineering, and advocacy for stronger application of international norms to protect civilians from cyber threats. Microsoft plans to use automation and AI to instill a culture of security by design, by default, and in deployment, prioritizing secure defaults to provide optimal protections for users.
Additionally, the company will implement a unified identity system to enhance identity and access management across its products and platforms. Lastly, Microsoft seeks to expedite vulnerability response and cloud security updates to reduce the time taken to address cloud vulnerabilities by 50%.
Microsoft’s commitment extends to sharing key milestones along the journey of executing this ambitious initiative transparently. By emphasizing a shared responsibility for cybersecurity between tech companies, governments, and the private sector, the company aims to contribute to creating a more secure digital future.
The ‘Secure Future Initiative’ addresses both current threats and lays a solid foundation for future risk mitigation, emphasizing Microsoft’s proactive stance in enhancing cybersecurity measures.
