Microsoft Under Scrutiny
Microsoft was already in the crosshairs of the Department of Homeland Security for a Chinese-sponsored breach that targeted its customers not employees.
In May, perhaps in response to growing pressure from the authorities, Charlie Bell, Executive Vice President at Microsoft Security released a statement saying that the company was expanding its Secure Future Initiative. He said: “Microsoft plays a central role in the world’s digital ecosystem, and this comes with a critical responsibility to earn and maintain trust. We must and will do more. We are making security our top priority at Microsoft, above all else—over all other features.”
News of job cuts in security seem counterintuitive in light of these grand statements. However, we don’t know the scope as yet.
We do know, though, that Microsoft is facing criticism for its AI offerings and is also fighting an antitrust case. The company is facing battles on many fronts and getting lean to be able to fight back is obviously its priority.
