Security? We’ve heard of it: How Microsoft plans to better defend Windows

November 25, 2024 at 02:24PM Microsoft emphasized its commitment to cybersecurity during discussions about its Secure Future Initiative, highlighting the Windows Resiliency Initiative. In response to past security incidents, the company aims to enhance app permissions, improve identity protection, and introduce features like Quick Machine Recovery, aiming for safer updates and reduced vulnerabilities by July … Read more

Microsoft Delays Windows Copilot+ Recall Release Over Privacy Concerns

November 1, 2024 at 05:09AM Microsoft is delaying the release of its Recall feature for Windows Copilot+ PCs until December to enhance user experience and address privacy concerns. Initially planned for October, Recall will allow users to explore a visual timeline of their computing activities but will require opt-in for security reasons. **Meeting Takeaways – … Read more

Microsoft Entra “security defaults” to make MFA setup mandatory

October 30, 2024 at 03:22PM Microsoft will mandate multifactor authentication (MFA) registration for all users when security defaults are enabled, enhancing security across Entra tenants. This requirement, part of the Secure Future Initiative, starts for new tenants on December 2, 2024, and for existing tenants in January 2025, reducing account compromise risks. **Meeting Takeaways: Microsoft … Read more

Microsoft overhauls security for publishing Edge extensions

September 30, 2024 at 05:51PM Microsoft has introduced an updated version of the “Publish API for Edge extension developers,” increasing security for developer accounts and extension updates. As part of its Secure Future Initiative, the company is enhancing security by generating dynamic API keys, storing them as hashes, and expiring keys more frequently. The new … Read more

Microsoft Names Deputy CISOs, Governance Council to Manage Security Push 

September 24, 2024 at 11:54AM Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI) is materializing with the establishment of a Cybersecurity Governance Council steered by CISO Igor Tsyganskiy. This council, overseeing a vast cybersecurity engineering effort, appoints Deputy CISOs for specific domains. SFI aims to embed security as a core priority for all Microsoft employees, paired with senior … Read more

Microsoft Trims Cloud Cyberattack Surface in Security Push

September 23, 2024 at 05:51PM Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI) aims to enhance security by eliminating 730,000 unused apps, 5.75 million inactive cloud tenants, and deploying 15,000 secure devices. Video-based identity verification for most production staff and updated processes further strengthen security. The initiative also focuses on reducing attack surface, enhancing authentication mechanisms, and improving … Read more

So how’s Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative going?

September 23, 2024 at 11:06AM Microsoft today celebrated the progress of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), highlighting the dedication of 34,000 full-time engineers. SFI was launched following security criticisms, and recent efforts included increased cybersecurity priority, personalized training, and engineering improvements. Specific progress in identity protection, network security, and threat detection were outlined, along with … Read more

Microsoft: Enable MFA or lose access to admin portals in October

August 16, 2024 at 03:11PM Microsoft urged Entra global admins to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for their tenants by October 15 to enhance security and protect against phishing and hijacking attempts. Admins can delay MFA enforcement until April 15, 2025, but it’s advised to set up MFA now to secure cloud resources. MFA will gradually … Read more

Microsoft Banning Android Phones for Staff in China

July 8, 2024 at 04:18PM In response to a series of breaches and criticism of its cybersecurity practices, Microsoft is implementing a new Secure Future Initiative in China. This includes mandating the use of Apple iPhones instead of Android devices for logging into its corporate network. Employees using Android devices will be provided with an … Read more

Microsoft: New Outlook security changes coming to personal accounts

June 15, 2024 at 01:15PM Microsoft’s ‘Secure Future Initiative’ for Outlook personal email accounts includes deprecating basic authentication by September 16, 2024. It aims to enhance cybersecurity by phasing out unsafe practices and replacing them with modern authentication methods backed by multi-factor authentication. Deprecations include ‘Mail’ and ‘Calendar’ apps on Windows and Outlook Light, with … Read more