Microsoft has launched a new European Security Program, offering free cybersecurity assistance to governments across the European Union, accession states, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members, the UK, Monaco, and the Vatican.
This initiative expands on Microsoft’s existing Government Security Program and is primarily designed to counter escalating cyberattacks from state-backed actors in Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea.
A core element of the program is the application of AI to generate actionable threat intelligence.
Microsoft will provide real-time, AI-driven insights tailored to each nation’s needs, leveraging intelligence from its Digital Crimes Unit and Threat Analysis Center.
The program also includes updates on foreign influence operations utilizing deepfakes and early warnings with remediation guidance for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Microsoft has observed instances of AI-driven deepfakes, such as a 2022 deepfake video of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy falsely appearing to surrender, and a fake audio recording that influenced the 2023 Slovakian election, noting that audio has so far been easier to fake than video.
Strengthening partnerships is another key pillar. Microsoft will renew and enhance collaborations with Europol, the CyberPeace Institute, LASR (Laboratory for AI Security Research), and the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center.
They will also continue to support the GitHub Secure Open Source Fund and work more closely with ISPs to advise on user-level remediation.
Microsoft said its recent role in the takedown of the Lumma infostealer malware, which had significantly impacted countries like Spain, France, Poland, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, as an example of its commitment to protecting Europe’s digital infrastructure.
The tech giant also stated its commitment to tracking any malicious use of its AI models and preventing known cybercriminals from utilizing its AI products.
