Microsoft links top pay to security after failures and breaches

TLDR:

Microsoft has faced multiple security breaches and failures in recent years, leading to criticism from security experts, lawmakers, and regulatory agencies. To address these issues, the company has announced the “Secure Future Initiative” and made changes to its security practices, including tying executive pay to security goals. Microsoft plans to focus on security principles, strengthen user account authentication, implement least-privilege access, and improve network monitoring. CEO Satya Nadella emphasizes the priority of security over new features and legacy systems support.

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Microsoft ties executive pay to security following multiple failures and breaches

Microsoft has faced a series of security breaches and failures that have exposed sensitive data and led to criticism from security experts, lawmakers, and regulatory agencies. These breaches included attacks from China-based hacking group Storm-0558 and Russian state-sponsored hacking group Midnight Blizzard, highlighting weaknesses in Microsoft’s security culture and response mechanisms. In response to these incidents, Microsoft announced the “Secure Future Initiative” to prioritize security and implement changes to its security practices.

As part of the initiative, Microsoft will now tie executive pay to security goals, making security a top priority for the company. The focus will be on security principles such as “secure by design,” “secure by default,” and “secure operations,” along with implementing measures like multi-factor authentication, least-privilege access, and improved network monitoring. The company has also appointed new deputy Chief Information Security Officers to track progress and report to the executive team.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the importance of prioritizing security over adding new features, signaling a shift in the company’s approach to security. Moving forward, Microsoft aims to strengthen its security practices, improve communication and response mechanisms, and enhance overall cybersecurity to protect against evolving threats.