Are you using multifactor authentication? Cybercrime is evolving as adversaries experiment with AI for speed and scale. Microsoft and partners are applying AI to give defenders an asymmetric advantage. Phishing remains the primary entry point, and double extortion combines ransomware with data theft to increase pressure. Sean Farrell , Assistant General Counsel at Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit outlines how opportunistic actors target weaknesses and high value sectors such as healthcare and financial services, explains recent disruptions of phishing as a service including Raccoon O365, and emphasizes multifactor authentication to protect identity. Explore more on how Microsoft disrupts phishing as a service operations, including the Raccoon O365 service, and why enabling multifactor authentication is essential to protect identity and raise the cost for attackers. https://msft.it/6048tpgBK
Microsoft On the Issues
Technology, Information and Internet
Redmond, Washington 89,821 followers
News & perspectives on today's pressing tech issues, AI, sustainability, security and more for #Microsoft. 👇
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News and perspectives on the future of tech, public policy and philanthropic topics for #Microsoft. ➡️ https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/
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https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/
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SPARROW is a solar‑powered, open‑source system from Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab that advances rainforest protection with real-time insights. With SPARROW, Microsoft is working alongside partners like IDEAM Colombia to turn AI-powered computing into action. Together, we’re accelerating the fight against deforestation and setting new standards for environmental stewardship. Learn more about how we’re advancing sustainability and supporting those on the front lines of conservation. → https://msft.it/6042tn4EG
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Accelerating scientific discovery is one of the most important applications of AI and quantum computing, where we can advance progress towards addressing pressing challenges, from developing new sustainable materials to energy alternatives to biosecurity and drug discovery. We commend the Administration’s vision in building a unified and holistic approach to these critical national missions. To ensure America seizes this opportunity and leads in setting the global standard, we must use these breakthrough technologies to advance our nation’s scientific research and development. Microsoft is ready to build upon our collaborations with government and universities, and partner in this mission. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e_x-vCQj
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Cybersecurity regulations are raising the bar for resilience. Governments are setting new standards—moving from voluntary guidelines to enforceable rules that protect critical infrastructure and public services. Modern policies set clear expectations for organizations: ● Mandatory compliance with security standards ● Risk management to identify and address vulnerabilities ● Incident reporting for rapid response and recovery These measures help organizations anticipate, withstand, and recover from cyber threats. Recent regulations are driving accountability across sectors worldwide. Consistent standards make it easier for governments and organizations to respond to threats and build lasting resilience. Explore the latest insights in the Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2025: https://msft.it/6047tr6jW
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Rural hospitals are critical to communities across the country. Protecting access to care in these communities — and helping them innovate with new technologies — is a priority. That’s why we launched the Rural Health Resiliency Program. Through a philanthropic investment, we’re helping more than 700 rural hospitals strengthen defenses and improve efficiency with free risk assessments, staff training, discounted security tools, and AI-powered solutions—meeting hospitals where they are and helping them building resilience. Learn more on what we’ve accomplished, and the steps rural health leaders are taking to safeguard care: https://msft.it/6041tT5ef
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As AI-powered scams become more sophisticated, older adults are increasingly targeted—often facing complex impersonation tactics and alarming pop-ups designed to exploit trust. That’s why Microsoft is teaming up to strengthen digital safety for those most at risk. Here’s how we’re working together with partners like AARP, Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, and the Better Business Bureau to tackle the challenges of AI-driven fraud and strengthen digital safety for all: 🤝 Collaborating across sectors for greater impact 🔒 Deploying AI-powered solutions to safeguard users 📚 Sharing intelligence to protect people from evolving online threats 🏛️ Supporting policy innovation to address emerging threats
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Quantum computing is reshaping the conversation around cybersecurity, and organizations are facing new questions about how to protect sensitive data as technology evolves. Emily Violi Benjamin, Senior Program Manager, Quantum Legal and Policy, and Kevin Reifsteck, Director for Cybersecurity Policy, answer common questions about quantum safety. Their conversation tackles misconceptions, explores the complexities of quantum-safe encryption, and underscores the need for fresh strategies and cross-industry collaboration. Explore the Q&A: https://msft.it/6047trDQh
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“We need to completely reinvent how data works in biodiversity.” — Juan M. Lavista Ferres Developed by Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, SPARROW does exactly that: a solar-powered, open‑source system that connects camera traps and acoustic sensors, runs AI on the Edge, and sends results via low‑Earth‑orbit satellites so conservation teams get real‑time insights. 📹 Watch the full talk TED Conferences → https://msft.it/6047tRF3P 🔎 Explore the tech behind SPARROW → https://msft.it/6048tRF3u
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Abandoned fishing gear, also known as “ghost nets,” account for nearly 30% of ocean plastic waste, silently drifting and trapping marine life. Locating them has long been a nearly impossible task until now. With partners like WWF Germany, we’re using AI to help locate them so divers can remove them. 🗺️ The approach: GhostNetZero.ai uses AI trained on sonar data to flag likely locations of ghost nets, turning a near‑impossible search into action. 🤝 The partnership: WWF Germany’s field expertise combined with innovation from Microsoft is helping to transform AI signals into safe recovery missions. 🌊 The impact: So far, WWF Germany has recovered over 33 tons of ghost nets from the Baltic Sea. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dKTc2ePP
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Biodiversity can’t wait—and neither can we. As COP30 wraps, the focus is on scaling real solutions, not just talking points. Melanie Nakagawa and Juan M. Lavista Ferres, Chief Data Scientist of Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, spotlight how emerging technology and open-source AI are moving from pilot to global impact even in the most remote parts of the world. Dive into: 🌎 Project SPARROW: Solar‑powered acoustic and remote recording across multiple ecosystems, active in 6+ countries and growing 🦒 GIRAFFE: AI is recognizing and tracking individual giraffes by unique spot patterns 🌊 GhostNetZero: More than 33 tons of ghost nets have been recovered from the Baltic Sea, with efforts expanding to key fishing regions 🧪 Innovation like GitHub’s Green Software Directory (60,000+ climate‑focused open‑source solutions), FIDO’s impact on conserving water Read and subscribe 📩