Microsoft has announced the launch of a free cybersecurity program for European governments. About this informs Reuters.
The goal of the initiative is to strengthen protection against cyber threats, in particular, to intensify the exchange of intelligence information on threats related to artificial intelligence, as well as support in the prompt detection and blocking of attacks. The presentation of the program took place against the background of an increase in the number of cyber attacks in Europe, many of which are linked to the state structures of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.
“If we can bring more of what we’ve developed in the U.S. to Europe, it will strengthen the cybersecurity defenses of most European institutions. You’ll see other things we’re doing later this month.” – said Microsoft President Brad Smith.
According to him, attackers are increasingly using generative AI, which allows them to scale attacks — from targeting critical infrastructure to spreading disinformation. In response, Microsoft also applies artificial intelligence for protection purposes, tracking malicious use of its models and blocking access to them for known cybercriminals.
Smith emphasized that the company has not yet recorded cases where AI threats have gone unnoticed by its security systems. According to him, the main task is to ensure the proactive use of artificial intelligence as a defense tool, not as a weapon.
Microsoft also recalled several examples of disinformation campaigns related to the use of AI. These include a fake video of the alleged surrender of President Zelensky in 2022 and a fake audio recording that influenced the 2023 elections in Slovakia.
