Microsoft Adds State-Sponsored Attacks to User Security Report Measures

Microsoft has announced the company will begin to notify users of state-sponsored attacks that target their account details in addition to the software maker’s current reporting measures.

Scott Charney, Microsoft corporate vice president for trustworthy computing, wrote in a blog post published Wednesday that the company is taking this step to inform customers if an attack is state-sponsored “because it is likely that the attack could be more sophisticated.”

“We already notify users if we believe their accounts have been targeted or compromised by a third party, and we provide guidance on measures users can take to keep their accounts secure,” writes Charney.

Charney added the “notifications do not mean that Microsoft’s own systems have in any way been compromised.”

Microsoft recommends that users adopt two-step verification, use a strong password, keep an eye on suspicious activity and websites and update software tools on a regular basis to help protect customer accounts.