Tech titan Microsoft boosts cybersecurity collaboration with European authorities
Enhancing Collaboration with European Governments: Microsoft's Commitment to Enhanced Cybersecurity Cooperation
In a bid to beef up its partnership with European governments in the cybersecurity sector, Microsoft is planning to share more threat intelligence data gathered by its AI tools with authorities. The company's President, Brad Smith, revealed this in a blog post, stating the collaboration includes exchanging AI-based threat information with European governments.
Furthermore, Smith announced additional investments to bolster cybersecurity capabilities and resilience across the continent, as well as expanding the cooperation to defend against cyberattacks and dismantle cybercriminal networks. This initiative, known as the "European Security Program," aims to fortify cybersecurity throughout Europe.
During an online press conference, Smith shared that Microsoft can now offer European governments better quality, faster, and more comprehensive threat information. The company is monitoring malicious AI usage and is taking proactive steps to prevent the originators of threats from using its products.
In addition, Microsoft aims to strengthen its partnership with European security agencies to combat criminal online activities. Increased activities by threat actors using AI have magnified the existing challenges, as stated by the tech giant. While the exact numbers of additional personnel and infrastructure are not yet disclosed, Microsoft has previously collaborated with Europol and the US government to neutralize the Russian-originated "Lumma Stealer" virus.
Source: ntv.de, AFP
Enrichment Insights:
- Free Cybersecurity Assistance: The European Security Program provides free cybersecurity assistance to all European governments, including 27 EU member states, EU accession countries, EFTA members, the UK, Monaco, and the Vatican.
- AI-Based Threat Intelligence: The program uses AI-driven solutions to identify and combat AI-powered cyber threats. It offers tailored threat insights in real-time using data from Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit and Threat Analysis Center.
- Collaborations: Microsoft partners with third-party cyber researchers, including those from Europol, CyberPeace, and the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre. Special assistance is provided to Ukraine through these collaborations.
- Law Enforcement Initiatives: The program involves initiatives with law enforcement to effectively disrupt and contain cyberattacks.
- Support for Affected Users: Microsoft will work with internet service providers to support affected users and provide a dedicated point of contact for escalating concerns.
- Purpose: The European Security Program aims to address the growing threat of AI-powered cyberattacks and builds upon Microsoft's existing Government Security Program, but is tailored specifically for European needs.
Microsoft's President, Brad Smith, announced that the company will intensify its collaboration with European authorities, going beyond sharing AI-based threat information, also focusing on community and employment policies to bolster cybersecurity resilience across the continent.
Under the "European Security Program," Microsoft will enhance partnerships with European security agencies to combat online crimes, addressing the escalating challenges posed by AI-fueled cyber threats, while adhering to the tenets of cybersecurity, politics, and general-news.
