Microsoft On the Issues

Microsoft On the Issues

Technology, Information and Internet

Redmond, Washington 76,167 followers

News & perspectives on today's pressing tech issues, AI, sustainability, security and more for #Microsoft. 👇

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About us

News and perspectives on the future of tech, public policy and philanthropic topics for #Microsoft. ➡️ https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/

Website
https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/
Industry
Technology, Information and Internet
Company size
10,001+ employees
Headquarters
Redmond, Washington
Specialties
technology, government affairs, AI and Data, privacy, cybersecurity, tech news, tech issues, accessibility, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, digital skilling, AI, Affordable Housing, Public Affairs, tech executives, responsible AI, and AI ethics

Updates

  • View organization page for Microsoft On the Issues, graphic
    Microsoft On the Issues

    76,167 followers

    What if the latest cybersecurity tools could think and act like hackers? AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity by enhancing our ability to predict, detect, and respond to threats. Some AI tools can distinguish between human- and AI-generated content, helping to counteract phishing campaigns. Predictive analytics can forecast where future threats may emerge, allowing organizations to take preventive measures. AI can also scan software for vulnerabilities, suggest secure coding practices, and detect unauthorized access, reducing false positives and enabling professionals to focus on high-risk cases. Additionally, AI monitoring tools can analyze network traffic to identify malicious activity in real-time, shortening the window for attackers to cause damage. AI's role in malware identification and data loss prevention is crucial for mitigating the impact of cyberattacks. Finally, AI-powered tools can identify patterns in hacker behavior, aiding in detection and attribution, and digital forensics tools can reconstruct cybercrime timelines, paving the way for accountability and deterrence. #Cybersecurity #AI #DigitalSafety

    • The Microsoft logo appears above bold text: "HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF WITH AI" placed over a ribbed, brown abstract background. An arrow points right at the top, implying forward movement. Overlayed Text: "According to MITRE ATT&CK framework," suggesting guidance on AI protection strategies.
    • The image features the word "RECONNAISSANCE" in bold, with a description discussing AI tools that can differentiate between human and AI-generated content, aiming to counter AI-driven phishing. It emphasizes the role of predictive analytics in identifying potential cyber threats. The background includes abstract, blurred lines and lights, suggesting a tech-oriented theme.
    • Background with "GAINING ACCESS" in bold white. Below, paragraph discusses AI's capability to scan software for insecure coding, suggesting improved coding methods to preempt vulnerabilities. It highlights AI's role in detecting unauthorized access and reducing false positives, aiding cybersecurity. Overlayed Text: "GAINING ACCESS".
    • Graphic titled "Privilege Escalation and Lateral Movement" highlights AI tools' ability to monitor network traffic, detect deviations from normal behavior, and flag threats swiftly. Text in orange emphasizes threat reduction and prevention of attackers' damage. The background includes abstract red and orange hues with a blue gradient overlay.
    • AI's importance in malware identification and data loss prevention is emphasized, helping organizations prevent and mitigate destruction from cyberattacks. Overlayed Text: “AI is a crucial component of malware identification and data loss prevention software, which helps targeted organizations prevent or mitigate the destruction and disruption inflicted by cyberattacks.” Background includes abstract shapes with vivid colors.
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  • View organization page for Microsoft On the Issues, graphic
    Microsoft On the Issues

    76,167 followers

    Image malware that can rewrite itself to avoid detection—AI makes it possible. In the realm of cybersecurity, AI can be a double-edged sword. While it offers robust defense mechanisms, it's also being weaponized by cybercriminals. AI's capabilities in reconnaissance allow for the collection of sensitive information through facial recognition and the crafting of realistic phishing emails. It's also enhancing password guessing accuracy and bypassing security systems. Once inside a network, AI can identify vulnerabilities and escalate privileges. Moreover, AI-generated malware is becoming more sophisticated, increasing the impact of cyberattacks. Lastly, AI is aiding in evasion, with malware like Black Mamba using ChatGPT to alter its code, making detection challenging. It's crucial for organizations to stay ahead of these threats by understanding and mitigating the risks associated with malicious AI use. #Cybersecurity #AI #CyberAttacks

    • Microsoft promotional graphic on a soft gradient background, showcasing the text "How Cybercriminals Are Using AI" with "According to MITRE ATT&CK framework" beneath. The Microsoft logo is in the upper left corner, accompanied by a red arrow pointing rightwards. Curved abstract shapes are at the bottom.
    • A purple background image with the word "RECONNAISSANCE." Below, a white text box explains how AI tools help attackers collect sensitive information through facial recognition and social engineering techniques. Bold text highlights the use of AI to evade spam filters, craft realistic emails, and mimic trusted figures to enhance spear-phishing methods.
    • Title "Gaining Access" on a blue background. The text discusses AI's ability to analyze password datasets for effective guessing. It highlights that bots with machine learning might surpass humans in solving CAPTCHAs and that AI can bypass firewalls and biometric systems. It mentions AI-driven social engineering stealing credentials and creating deceptive web content.
    • The image features a gradient background in red and purple tones, with prominent white text: "Privilege Escalation and Lateral Movement." Below, a text box describes how attackers use AI to identify insecure coding patterns, scaling techniques like "fuzzing" to quickly exploit system weaknesses. Key terms such as "identify," "fuzzing," and "exploit" are emphasized in orange.
    • A graphic with "IMPACT" and text discussing AI's role in crafting sophisticated malware or ransomware, enhancing cyberattack disruption and destruction, like efficiently searching for critical data or intellectual property. The overlayed portion highlights these capabilities in red for emphasis.
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  • View organization page for Microsoft On the Issues, graphic
    Microsoft On the Issues

    76,167 followers

    Cyberattacks follow a structured lifecycle, as outlined by the MITRE ATT&CK framework. This framework simplifies the process into five stages: 1️⃣ Reconnaissance 2️⃣ Gaining Access 3️⃣ Privilege Escalation and Lateral Movement 4️⃣ Impact 5️⃣ Evasion of Defenses and Attribution By understanding these phases, organizations can better prepare and defend against digital threats. Explore how AI influences each stage of cyber deterrence. #Cybersecurity #AI #DigitalDefense

    • Microsoft graphic demonstrating the importance of the MITRE ATT&CK Framework in enhancing cybersecurity defenses. The visual features a gradient background with the central text emphasizing improvement in cybersecurity. Overlayed text explains ATT&CK as a repository of adversary tactics helpful for developing threat models and strategies.
    • Red abstract background with bokeh effect. Prominent white text reads "RECONNAISSANCE." Below, overlayed text details attackers collecting intelligence to select targets and design attacks, including social engineering and technical information on networks and systems.
    • Purple and pink abstract background with overlayed text: "GAINING ACCESS. The attacker secures a foothold in their target’s information system. This can involve stealing credentials from legitimate users or exploiting a software vulnerability to obtain a 'backdoor' into the system."
    • The image features text on privilege escalation and lateral movement against abstract blue and red backgrounds with dynamic patterns. Overlayed Text: "Steps an attacker takes after they initially breach a system to gain additional privileges needed for their aims, or to gain access to other systems that may be more sensitive or valuable."
    • Text "Impact" atop abstract red and pink textures, with overlayed text: "Actions an attacker performs to fulfill their goals within the system, such as encrypting or exfiltrating files, taking websites offline, or damaging targeted infrastructure
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  • View organization page for Microsoft On the Issues, graphic
    Microsoft On the Issues

    76,167 followers

    This year marks the 15th anniversary of PhotoDNA, a pioneering technology that is used around the world in the detection and reporting of child exploitation images. PhotoDNA works by creating unique digital signatures—known as hashes—for images, enabling organizations to identify and remove harmful content without needing to view it directly. Safeguarding privacy while detecting illegal material has become a critical tool in online safety.    PhotoDNA is offered for free to companies and law enforcement agencies worldwide, helping to create a safer internet for all.    National Center for Missing & Exploited Children #PhotoDNA #OnlineSafety #TechnologyForGood #ChildProtection  

  • View organization page for Microsoft On the Issues, graphic
    Microsoft On the Issues

    76,167 followers

    Over the past year, we've witnessed the transformative power of AI. Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of Technology for Fundamental Rights Teresa Hutson leads our initiatives in helping people regain their voice, learn to code, and navigate employment with ease. This year, we've published our Human Rights Report, developed a sub-tier supplier due diligence guidebook, and trained over 500 individuals to increase supplier capacity. Over 100,000 supplier employees now have access to our updated Supplier Code of Conduct training, and our Devices’ Workers Hotline resolved all 158 cases through this anonymous hotline for workers’ grievances. Looking ahead, we're committed to bringing more people online, ensuring our technology is accessible, and exploring the groundbreaking ways #AI can create opportunities. We'll continue to engage with community groups to understand the impact of our technology and use these insights to advocate for policies that protect and advance fundamental rights. Read more in our annual Impact Summary report: https://msft.it/6046oG7K2 #Microsoft #HumanRights #Inclusion #Accessibility #TechForGood

    • Quote by Teresa Hutson, the Technology for Fundamental Rights Officer at Microsoft. A photo of Teresa is displayed in the bottom right corner. The quote reads: "For those of us developing AI technology, we need to be responsible for how it’s built, how it’s designed, and how it’s used. We must work to ensure that AI technology is understood and that everyone can access its benefits. And we must work with other companies, civil society, governments, and consumers to recognize when technology may exacerbate societal harm and work to mitigate the impact."
  • View organization page for Microsoft On the Issues, graphic
    Microsoft On the Issues

    76,167 followers

    At Microsoft, we are committed to safeguarding fundamental rights while harnessing the power of technology for good. Our approach involves promoting ethical business practices, enhancing #accessibility and connectivity, and fostering fair and inclusive societies. We strive to extend the benefits of technology to everyone, while diligently working to prevent and mitigate potential harm. Learn more about our comprehensive efforts to protect fundamental rights in our impact summary report: https://msft.it/6040ozXtn #HumanRights #AI #Microsoft #Inclusion

    • Smiling man with children at laptop. Overlayed Text: “3 steps Microsoft has taken to protect fundamental rights.”
    • Text outlining corporate efforts in promoting responsible business practices. Highlights include publishing a Human Rights Report, training over 500 individuals to help increase supplier capacity, ensuring 100,000 supplier employees have access to our updated Supplier Code of Conduct training, and resolving all 158 hotline cases for worker grievances.
    • Infographic titled "Expanding Accessibility and Connectivity." Highlights include 100M people gaining internet access since 2017, with 40M in Africa; 97% of employees completing accessibility training, resulting in 2.7M learners reached globally. Features "Ask Microsoft Accessibility," an AI tool for service information, and "Be My Eyes" app partnership aiding visually impaired customer support.
    • "Graphic titled 'Advancing fair and inclusive societies' highlights initiatives: a deepfake awareness campaign reaching 355M people, AccountGuard protecting 5M emails, resilience grants with OpenAI to promote AI literacy, and partnerships with AI entities to enhance journalism through AI. Overlayed Text: '3. Advancing fair and inclusive societies' with details on each initiative in separate boxes."

  • Microsoft On the Issues reposted this

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    Brad Smith Brad Smith is an Influencer

    Vice Chair and President at Microsoft Corporation

    The TAKE IT DOWN Act criminalizes the publication of non-consensual, sexually exploitative images—including AI generated content—and requires platforms to have in place notice and takedown processes. It takes action to protect victims and hold bad actors accountable. Microsoft commends Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar for their bipartisan leadership to pass the TAKE IT DOWN Act and hopes the House will move this legislation forward.

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    Microsoft On the Issues

    76,167 followers

    Rural hospitals are lifelines for over 60 million Americans, yet they face growing cybersecurity threats that put patient care and operations at risk. For example, Summit Healthcare in Show Low, Arizona—serving as the only major medical facility within 100 miles—fended off 170,000 cyberattacks in 2023, underscoring the urgent need for stronger defenses. Through the Microsoft Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals, these vital facilities gain access to advanced AI-powered tools, free risk assessments, and staff training to address gaps and enhance resilience. By partnering with healthcare organizations and leading advocates, Microsoft is empowering rural hospitals to protect sensitive data, improve care delivery, and adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape. #Cybersecurity #DataProtection #AI #AIForGood

  • View organization page for Microsoft On the Issues, graphic
    Microsoft On the Issues

    76,167 followers

    Technological innovation is accelerating, and so is our commitment to privacy and safety. Microsoft’s Chief Privacy Officer Julie Brill leads our responsible use of data through our privacy, digital safety, and regulatory affairs work. Our goal is to protect users' rights and help individuals control their data through tools like our Privacy Dashboard. This year, we've bolstered our Digital Safety Unit and introduced measures to address harmful AI-generated content. As part of our holistic strategy, we've outlined specific actions for U.S. policymakers to safeguard the public, complemented by new initiatives from Microsoft. Recognizing that tackling these issues requires a unified effort, we are committed to collaborating with other tech companies and civil society. This includes our participation in the Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in the 2024 Elections. Additionally, we are dedicated to upholding our safety by design principles in our #AI services, particularly focusing on mitigating the risks of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Read more in our annual Impact Summary report: https://msft.it/6041oEBXz #Microsoft #Privacy #DigitalSafety

    • A quote from Julie Brill, the Chief Privacy Officer and Corporate Vice President of Privacy, Safety & Regulatory Affairs. The quote reads: Security remains a top priority for Microsoft. By focusing on security, data protection, and effective internal governance and compliance, we will ensure that our products and services are safe, reliable, and beneficial for all users.

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