Microsoft Launches Cyber Defense Operations Center To Strengthen Windows 10 Security

Microsoft has its sights set on boosting enterprise security, and instilling confidence in government agencies that its Windows 10 operating system is fit to withstand attacks from third-parties. To advance these efforts, Microsoft has constructed a new state-of-the-art Cyber Defense Operations Center, which it will “[bring] together security response experts from across the company to help protect, detect and respond to threats in real-time,” according to Microsoft Chief Information Security Officer, Bret Arsenault.

“Staffed with dedicated teams 24×7, the center has direct access to thousands of security professionals, data analysts, engineers, developers, program managers, and operations specialists throughout Microsoft to ensure rapid response and resolution to security threats.”

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

Microsoft says that the Cyber Defense Operations Center is just the latest its ongoing investment of roughly $1 billion annually in security research and development. "We have taken advantage of a more connected world and economy," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella during a security keynote this morning in Washington, D.C.  “We live in a world where the attacks can come from anywhere. The attackers themselves are much more sophisticated.”

To showcase how committed Microsoft is to security, the company pointed out a number of technologies incorporated into Windows 10 including Microsoft Passport and Windows Hello, which use the full power of biometric security to lock down user accounts and data. Microsoft even calls out Windows 10 Device Guard, which helps fend off untrusted and malicious code.

In the end, Microsoft says that it will tackle security challenges from multiple angles, using its vast resources to stay ahead of hackers and protects its vast client base. However, this is a never-ending quest; as Microsoft adjusts its strategies to face new threats, old methods may be deemed outdated and ineffective against newer combatants. And thus, Microsoft hopes to evolve its security strategy over time.

“I firmly believe that security is a journey and not a destination. It’s also an issue that must be addressed holistically by the industry and not by a single vendor,” added Arsenault. “It’s only by working closely with our partners, the security ecosystem and governments around the world, that we can ensure consumers and businesses are able to trust the technology they use and don’t view security as a barrier to technology adoption.”