Microsoft unveils ‘European Security Program’ initiative to enhance cyber defences

European governments are to receive free access to the new initiative by Microsoft. (Photo: nitpicker/Shutterstock)

Microsoft has launched the ‘European Security Program’ initiative aimed at strengthening cybersecurity across the continent. This programme is part of its European Digital Commitments and expands Redmond’s global Government Security Program. By placing AI at its core, the new initiative aims to safeguard digital and AI infrastructure while addressing cybersecurity challenges.

“At Microsoft, our commitment to Europe is deep, enduring, and unwavering,” wrote Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith in an official blog post. “We believe that Europe’s digital future is one of the most important opportunities of our time—and protecting that future is a responsibility we share. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with European governments, institutions, and communities to defend against threats, build capacity, and strengthen resilience.”

The European Security Program introduces three elements. These include enhancing AI-based threat intelligence sharing with European governments, increasing investments to boost cybersecurity capacity, and expanding partnerships to combat cybercrime. This initiative is offered free of charge to all 27 EU member states, EU accession countries, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members, the UK, Monaco, and the Vatican, said Microsoft.

Nation-state actors pose ongoing cyber threats across Europe

Microsoft claimed that European networks continue to face cyber threats from nation-state actors such as Russia and China. These threats extend to academic institutions, where espionage activities target sensitive research data. Additionally, cybercriminals are using Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) models. The programme’s focus on AI aims to track and neutralise these threats, said Redmond.

The European Security Program aims to provide threat intelligence insights using AI tailored to specific national threat landscapes. This includes expanded cybercrime reporting via Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit, facilitating rapid responses through coordinated actions under the Cybercrime Threat Intelligence Program.

To bolster cybersecurity resilience, Microsoft has initiated a partnership with Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), embedding investigators at EC3 headquarters for improved intelligence sharing. Additionally, Microsoft said that it has renewed its partnership with the CyberPeace Institute to assist NGOs in tackling ransomware activities and extends support to the Western Balkans through collaboration with the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre.

Microsoft said that it is also investing in advancing AI security through partnerships such as with the UK’s Laboratory for AI Security Research. Efforts include developing AI-cybersecurity solutions for critical infrastructure protection. Furthermore, Microsoft revealed that it is supporting open-source projects crucial to the digital supply chain through initiatives like the GitHub Secure Open Source Fund, aiming to enhance the security of critical systems across Europe.

The European Security Program initiative seeks to expand collaborations with law enforcement and regional partners to disrupt cybercriminal networks proactively. According to Microsoft, its recently launched Statutory Automated Disruption (SAD) Program automates legal abuse notifications for faster removal of malicious domains. Initially focusing on Europe and the US, this effort aims to increase operational difficulties for cybercriminal entities.

Read more: NCSC and partners reveal Russian cyber campaign against NATO member states