Microsoft has launched a Cyber Defence Operations Centre representing a significant investment to protect customers, Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, cloud services, the company’s internal resources, products and devices from current and emerging cybersecurity threats.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a keynote address at the Microsoft Government Cloud Forum held in Washington DC: “When it comes to security, Microsoft’s approach reflects today’s realities of our mobile-first, cloud-first world. This includes bringing teams and technologies together to evolve our security posture, for example, in the new Cyber Defence Operations Centre, or customers, in the Enterprise Cybersecurity Group.
“We’ve also increased collaboration across the company so our built-in security technologies work together to deliver a holistic and agile security platform. All this forms part of our constant commitment to protect our customers.”
Mr Nedella added: “The news today isn’t just about technology capabilities. Microsoft wants to highlight the fact that a new security approach is needed for today’s mobile-first, cloud-first world and this is why we are increasing our investments and working with the security ecosystem, to better protect and secure our customers who can improve their security posture by moving to the cloud, by adopting modern platforms and by embracing comprehensive identity, security and management solutions.”
Microsoft’s platform enhancements include the ability to manage devices without enrollment, new apps from partners that provide native Intune support, a private preview of Azure Security Centre, new security features on Office (available 12/1) for customer data protection, advanced threat protection and eDiscovery and new investments to product customers with the Cyber Defence Operations Centre and Enterprise Cyber Security Group.
Mr Nadella also referred to Microsoft’s intelligent security graph. “The intelligent security graph refers to the broad and deep security signal we receive from products, services and our customers, which we then integrate and analyse with machine learning to help discover threats and unique insights. For example, we see an advanced threat taking place against a single customer in Office 365 and we use that intelligence to protect all Office 365 customers and customers using other cloud services.”
“Security is central to our mission, and is woven into the fabric of the products and services on which our customers depend. And because the threats continue to evolve, we are continually evolving and innovating our security protections to prevent, detect and respond in ways that help our customers achieve more. Trust remains a core pillar in our vision, and we know we have to earn it. This is why no other company is more committed, more transparent and listening harder to customers on this important topic than we are.”