Microsoft is stepping up its game in the cybersecurity arena, using artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster Windows 11's defences against increasingly crafty cyberattacks.
The tech behemoth claims its new AI capabilities will slash security incidents by a whopping 60% and firmware attacks by a staggering 300% for businesses using the latest version of its software.
David Weston, Microsoft's VP of Enterprise and OS Security, explained in a recent blog post how AI is being used to shield Windows 11 from sophisticated attacks, ranging from malware to firmware threats, and even nation-state attacks.
At the core of this AI-centric security upgrade is the integration of Microsoft’s Pluton Security Processor and Secured-core PCs. Both systems use AI algorithms to isolate sensitive data and guard against potential threats. IT professionals, take note: these Secured-core PCs are reported to be 60% more resilient to malware than non-Secured-core PCs, a significant boost in system defences.
Microsoft's AI strategy also seems to be forward-thinking, with the company starting to adopt memory safe languages like Rust for traditional attack targets. Rust’s memory safety features without garbage collection make it an ideal language for building reliable and efficient systems, further multiplying the cybersecurity benefits.
But perhaps the most exciting announcement is Microsoft’s push towards a passwordless future, a move that could fundamentally alter the landscape of cybersecurity. Microsoft’s AI will now be used to develop and implement passkeys — unique, unguessable cryptographic credentials securely stored on a user’s device, which could replace traditional multi-factor authentication. This is a substantial leap forward in phishing protection, making it considerably more difficult for hackers to exploit stolen passwords.
Microsoft says that its AI system analyses more than 65 trillion security signals per day— with more than 4,000 password attacks every second — to identify suspicious login attempts and request additional identity verification when needed in the new system.
The company also revealed a new capability called Config Refresh that uses AI to detect and revert unwanted changes to device policies in near real-time. This allows IT teams to lock down device settings while leveraging intelligence to accommodate legitimate policy updates.
Microsoft's commitment to AI solutions aligns with its longstanding strategy of positioning itself as a leader in enterprise computing. By weaving AI into the fabric of Windows 11, Microsoft is demonstrating its commitment to providing businesses with secure, reliable, and forward-thinking solutions.
Business analysts see this as a clear indicator of Microsoft’s strategy to leverage its AI prowess to drive growth and cement its position in the enterprise data and AI market. Given the increasing importance of cybersecurity in the modern business landscape, Microsoft’s investment in AI could pay significant dividends.
However, the real test of these new AI-powered features will be their effectiveness against real-world threats. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so too must our defences. If Microsoft’s AI enhancements can live up to their promise, they will represent a significant advance in cybersecurity and a potent tool in the fight against cybercrime.
As AI continues to transform enterprise data and security, it’s clear that companies like Microsoft are leading the charge. By harnessing the power of AI, Microsoft is not just shaping its future but also the future of cybersecurity as a whole. Only time will tell how these developments play out, but one thing is certain: the era of AI-driven cybersecurity is here, and Microsoft is at its helm.
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