Microsoft On the Issues’ cover photo
Microsoft On the Issues

Microsoft On the Issues

Technology, Information and Internet

Redmond, Washington 88,747 followers

News & perspectives on today's pressing tech issues, AI, sustainability, security and more for #Microsoft. 👇

About us

News and perspectives on the future of tech, public policy and philanthropic topics for #Microsoft. ➡️ https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/

Website
https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/
Industry
Technology, Information and Internet
Company size
10,001+ employees
Headquarters
Redmond, Washington
Specialties
technology, government affairs, AI and Data, privacy, cybersecurity, tech news, tech issues, accessibility, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, digital skilling, AI, Affordable Housing, Public Affairs, tech executives, responsible AI, and AI ethics

Updates

  • At Microsoft , pro bono work is more than a commitment—it’s a responsibility to help communities access justice and opportunity. Our volunteers collaborate with partners and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to address real challenges, from supporting children’s rights to empowering job seekers and refugees. Through initiatives like Justice in Action sprints, employees use technology and legal expertise to strengthen protections for those whose lives are very different from our own. These efforts inform policy, advance advocacy, and create pathways to lasting change. Microsoft’s global pro bono program demonstrates how technology and collaboration can drive progress for communities worldwide. https://msft.it/6040tD4HC

    • "It's humbling. Pro bono reminds us to step into someone else's shoes—children, refugees, families—whose lives are very different from our own." — Pro bono volunteer at Microsoft, CELA Asia
  • Microsoft TechSpark is partnering with TitletownTech and the New Jersey AI Hub to launch a new collaboration to accelerate scientific discovery. With this partnership, Microsoft will provide TitleTownTech and the NJ AI Hub lab researchers and startups with access to Microsoft Discovery, an agentic AI platform designed for transparent, iterative scientific exploration, along with high-performance computing resources. This collaboration combines local innovation, university expertise, and Microsoft technology to accelerate breakthroughs in chemistry, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy, ensuring local communities have access to cutting-edge AI tools. This partnership builds on eight years of TechSpark’s work driving economic development and digital skills, with more than $700M invested in communities and 4,500+ jobs created. Learn more about how this new partnership is advancing research and innovation: https://msft.it/6044tDoYC

    • Microsoft TechSpark partners with TitletownTech and the New Jersey AI Hub to accelerate scientific discovery.
  • Early detection of cancer saves lives, and AI is showing real promise in improving breast cancer screening by bringing greater clarity, accuracy, and trust to one of healthcare’s most challenging areas.       For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this edition of Spotlight on AI is covering how:     🧬 Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab is advancing AI models to make MRI breast cancer screening smarter and more accurately detect anomalies.  🤝 Global collaboration on the first federated AI platform is unlocking new insights and accelerating progress in cancer research  🧑🔬Leading experts are thinking about AI’s potential, scientific rigor, and its role in advancing cancer care    Subscribe to stay informed on how AI is creating real-world impact and shaping future policy 📩 

  • We recently held our annual Climate Innovation Fund Summit, providing a unique opportunity for global leaders, innovators, and partners to connect, share ideas, and unite to scale breakthrough solutions for a sustainable future. We decided to ask a few attendees: “What makes you a climate optimist?” Their answer: the people, being in nature, and seeing technology in action. Featuring leaders from Microsoft, Energy Impact Partners, Molg, Concrete Transition Capital, and Charm Industrial. 📼

  • Alexandra Gerst, Senior Corporate Counsel at Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit, shares expert insights on the evolving cybercrime economy—where threat actors operate like businesses, leveraging global marketplaces and service models to launch attacks that disrupt organizations and economies. Alexandra highlights how cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy over $10 trillion in 2025. Breaking the criminal business model—by targeting infrastructure, cutting off revenue streams, and building public-private partnerships—is essential for resilience. Explore how Microsoft is collaborating with governments, law enforcement, and organizations worldwide to shift the risk-reward balance and strengthen digital defenses. https://msft.it/6045tBUjT

  • Microsoft On the Issues reposted this

    View profile for Brad Smith
    Brad Smith Brad Smith is an Influencer

    Vice Chair and President at Microsoft Corporation

    Teachers are the heart of every classroom. As AI changes how we learn and work, it’s imperative that we partner with educators. Through Microsoft Elevate Washington, we’re providing tools, training, and trusted guardrails, so AI becomes a force for opportunity in every community.    https://lnkd.in/et-f_s4j Camille Jones, Alicen Gaytley

  • The cyber threat landscape is constantly shifting—marked by speed, complexity, and disruption. This year’s Microsoft Digital Defense Report paints a clear picture: attackers are leveraging AI, targeting identities, and adapting tactics across every sector. As organizations and defenders navigate these changes, the need for resilience, intelligence sharing, and coordinated response is more urgent than ever. Our report highlights that most attacks are financially motivated, with adversaries targeting identities to access sensitive data. Governments were among the most impacted, largely due to the volume of personally identifiable information (PII) they store—data that fuels future attacks. Nation-state actors, meanwhile, focus on espionage against critical sectors. Ransomware and credential theft remain persistent risks. Understanding the evolving threat environment is essential for building effective defenses. Explore the report for more data-driven insights and guidance. https://msft.it/6047s7TwN

  • Did you know cement and concrete are two totally different things? We recently held our annual Climate Innovation Fund (CIF) Summit, providing a unique opportunity for global leaders, innovators, and partners to connect, share ideas, and unite to scale breakthrough solutions for a sustainable future in the AI-driven economy. We decided to ask a few attendees: “What’s one climate innovation you wish more people knew about?” Their answers: game-changing tech and fresh ideas with real potential to shape a sustainable future. Featuring leaders from Energy Impact Partners, Molg, Concrete Transition Capital, Charm Industrial, and Heirloom.

  • The volume of cyber threats is growing exponentially. At the same time, attackers remain primarily motivated by financial gain—leveraging ransomware, extortion, and data theft to disrupt operations and demand payment. As AI accelerates attacker capabilities, it will become even more imperative for defenders to incorporate AI to match the threat. Microsoft processes more than 100 trillion security signals daily, offering deep visibility into emerging threats. This year’s Microsoft Digital Defense Report examines these shifts in detail, providing data-driven insights and practical recommendations for organizations navigating today’s environment. Key findings include: ● Government agencies, IT, research and academia saw the highest levels of cyber threats in 2025. ● Over half of cyberattacks resulted in extortion or ransomware. ● Most attacks were financially motivated; only 4% focused solely on espionage. ● MFA blocks 99% of unauthorized access attempts, making it a top defense. Resilience and collaboration are essential. As organizations strengthen identity protection, invest in security awareness, and build adaptive defense strategies, global partnerships remain critical to safeguarding economic stability and individual safety. Explore more of our report for a comprehensive analysis of emerging threats and actionable guidance. https://msft.it/6045sfMub

    • Title: Key takeaways from the MMDR 2025. 

Today’s cyber threats are faster, smarter, and more disruptive—driven by AI, targeting identities and data, and impacting every sector. 

What to know about today’s threat landscape: 

Government agencies, IT, and research and academia organizations were the most impacted sectors globally in 2025.  

Over half of cyberattacks resulted in extortion or ransomware.  

Most attacks are for money (only 4% were exclusively espionage).  

Multifactor authentication (MFA) blocks 99% of unauthorized access. 

Recommendations:  

Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility—resilience and collaboration are essential. 

AI helps defenders, but also enables attackers. 

Global partnerships are needed to protect economic stability and individual safety.
  • Microsoft TechSpark partners with students, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and workers to build future-ready economies across the US. From workforce skilling to AI adoption, TechSpark is helping expand access to digital tools, create jobs, and strengthen local ecosystems. Since 2017, TechSpark has supported local leaders and through the TechSpark Fellows, to unlock opportunities in underserved communities, demonstrating that inclusive innovation is possible anywhere. ⬇️ Learn more about TechSpark and its impact➡️ https://msft.it/6046s4czi

Affiliated pages

Similar pages