Microsoft has announced its AccountGuard security solution is expanding from the United States for the first time. The company says the initiative is coming to the United Kingdom. In its announcement, Microsoft says the expansion if to “defend democracy” by providing security to political organizations.
AccountGuard was launched in August. Available for free in Office 365, the service helps Microsoft Account holders running elections campaigns, in political committees, or politician staff. The tool provides more threat monitoring capabilities by regularly monitoring accounts for security breaches.
During its checks, AccountGuard scans attachments for malware, phishing, and failed login attempts. If something is found, a notification is sent to the account holder. If a genuine cyber threat is uncovered, Microsoft provides remediation and ongoing support to stop the threat.
Additionally, Microsoft will supply account holders with advice such as best-practices to avoid a security breach.
UK Expansion
Today, Microsoft says the service is moving to the United Kingdom to prevent foreign governments from initiating attacks:
“We work with governments and other customers around the world daily to help them take steps to strengthen their security and concerns have been raised about possible interference in elections. We have seen foreign entities attempting to carry out cyberattacks and attempting to undermine trust in the democratic process.
“Effective immediately, Microsoft AccountGuard is open to all candidates running for office; the campaign organizations of all elected politicians; political parties; technology vendors who primarily serve campaigns and committees; and certain charity and non-governmental organizations, such as bodies that organize the electoral process, involved in the democratic process.”
AccountGuard is part of Microsoft’s Defending Democracy Program.
