Microsoft addresses cyber threats with cloud solutions

Microsoft has brought together industry experts and prominent technology decision-makers to demonstrate how Gulf-based organisations can use cloud services to protect themselves against cyber-threats.

“The threat landscape evolves with the technology ecosystem and so cybersecurity is a top priority for Microsoft,” said Mohammed Arif, Windows and Devices Business Group Lead, Microsoft Gulf. “As targets for attacks grow, we expect the number of breach attempts to increase. The Microsoft cloud incorporates security at every level and in every scenario. We encrypt data to the highest standard, whether at rest or in transit to or from our data centres. Whatever the size or nature of your organisation, we can tailor a cybersecurity solution that keeps you safe but allows you to operate, meaning security does not get in the way of your growth.

The Dubai event gathered Microsoft experts who discussed the company’s security portfolio and the emerging threats and counter-threat solutions in the region. Additionally, representatives from National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Emirates Airlines, participated in a panel discussion about the challenges Gulf businesses face as they try to address the shifts in the threat landscape. The Participants explained how they had adopted Microsoft solutions to help protect their digital assets and employees.

In the past year, Microsoft has taken steps to further strengthen its security platform, with the introduction of services such as Microsoft Cloud App Security, Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (WDATP) and Office 365 Advanced Security Management. Intelligence is at the heart of services such as Azure Security Centre, Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics and WDATP. Enterprise-grade security in Windows 10 and the Microsoft Surface range is enabling enterprises to take ownership of their security infrastructure. Surface Enterprise Management Mode (SEMM) allows users to modify privileges, lock out suspicious sessions, and control hardware configuration and operating system behaviour.

With the Creators Update, Windows 10 continues to broaden and deepen its security features.

According to Microsoft, the new Windows Defender Security Center, combines security and health options in one place making easier for users to control Windows 10 device security and health options.

For enterprise customers, the Creators Update will continue to bring new tools and capabilities that help simplify IT – making it easier to better deploy, manage and support Windows 10 devices – and to help stomp security threats.

Microsoft’s SQL Server continues to lead the market, with its advanced data security features and new capabilities for Azure Security Centre (ASC) and Operations Management Suite (OMS). The platform helps organisations protect data, and detect and respond to sophisticated threats across cloud and data centre resources. SQL works together with OMS and ASC to act on real-time intelligence from Microsoft’s network of global threat-monitoring and insights, giving customers greater visibility into their own security configuration, as well as insights into potential redundancy in their data.

Office 365 Secure Score is a new security analytics tool that helps IT professionals assess the strength of their current Office 365 security configuration. Its threat intelligence, available later this year, provides near real-time insight into the global threat landscape, to help customers stay ahead of cyber threats.

Middle Eastern companies are increasingly rising to the challenges posed by cyber-attacks, expanding their IT departments and promoting greater awareness of threats. Current estimates value the Middle East cybersecurity sector at $25bn over the next 10 years, and Microsoft is responding by building a robust ecosystem of security partners across the region.

“As governments and enterprises around the world continue to recognise the cost and productivity benefits of digital transformation, a holistic, managed approach to security has become more critical than ever before,” Added Arif.  “That is why we are collaborating with partners, customers and governments to combat the region’s threat landscape. We want to give businesses and governments peace of mind, so they can focus on doing what they do best – innovating.”