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Microsoft Fortifies Democracy Program With AccountGuard
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Microsoft (MSFT - Free Report) recently announced the expansion of its Defending Democracy Program by including AccountGuard, via a blog post by Microsoft President, Brad Smith.
This development comes in the wake of the company’s Digital Crimes Unit (“DCU”) dismantling six spoof Internet domains, created by a group related with the Russian government on a court order. The identified six domains are — my-iri.org, senate.group, hudsonorg-my-sharepoint.com, office365-onedrive.com, adfs-senate.email and adfs-senate.services.
Microsoft claims to have addressed phishing attempt of the group which is also alleged to be responsible for the 2016 Democratic National Committee (“DNC”) email leak. In the past two years, Microsoft has disabled 84 fake websites connected with the group, known variously as Fancy Bear, APT28 or Strontium.
Notably, U.S. mid-term elections are around the corner. Microsoft’s solid execution to thwart Russia’s attempts is commendable.
AccountGuard Initiative to Boost O365 Adoption
Microsoft AccountGuard is developed to provide highly targetedindividuals and organizations in the political space with robust protection from cybersecurity threats. The service is free of cost and in order to avail it, customers are required to provide their Office 365 email address.
The customers are anticipatedto benefit from security guidance and associated practices, including access to cybersecurity workshops and webinars. The customers will be notifiedand provided with recommendations in case a threat is verified. A direct line will also be made available to the company’s Defending Democracy Program team.
We believe Microsoft’s new offering is well-timed, given the impending mid-term elections. The fact that selection of the new free service complements Office 365 adoption makes it a smart move.
What the Investors Need To Know?
Microsoft has returned 25.5% year to date, outperforming the industry’s rally of 21.5%. This outperformance can primarily be attributed to its continuous efforts in strengthening Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things based capabilities. Undisturbed focus on Azure continues to remain a key catalyst.
The need for stringent security measures will compel governments as well as enterprises to increase spending on cyber-security software.
Per MarketsandMarkets data, worldwide cyber-security spending is projectedto reach $231.94 billion by 2022. The company’s initiatives in cybersecurity position it well to capitalize on the alluring prospects.
Going ahead, higher spending on defense as proposed in the latest federal government budget is anticipated to boost innovative cybersecurity schemes.
To Conclude
Microsoft is assessing various opportunities wisely and devising strategies to fortify its position in the technology sector. The company’s efforts in digitizing retail outlets, revolutionizing education mechanisms, among others highlight its well-versed technology capabilities.
Upping the ante in cybersecurity is a welcome move. With these approaches, we believe Microsoft’s brand reputation is likely to get a boost.
AspenTech, Mellanox, and Logitech have a long-term earnings growth rate of 16.5%, 15% and 8%, respectively.
More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!
It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.
Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020.
Image: Bigstock
Microsoft Fortifies Democracy Program With AccountGuard
Microsoft (MSFT - Free Report) recently announced the expansion of its Defending Democracy Program by including AccountGuard, via a blog post by Microsoft President, Brad Smith.
This development comes in the wake of the company’s Digital Crimes Unit (“DCU”) dismantling six spoof Internet domains, created by a group related with the Russian government on a court order. The identified six domains are — my-iri.org, senate.group, hudsonorg-my-sharepoint.com, office365-onedrive.com, adfs-senate.email and adfs-senate.services.
Microsoft claims to have addressed phishing attempt of the group which is also alleged to be responsible for the 2016 Democratic National Committee (“DNC”) email leak. In the past two years, Microsoft has disabled 84 fake websites connected with the group, known variously as Fancy Bear, APT28 or Strontium.
Notably, U.S. mid-term elections are around the corner. Microsoft’s solid execution to thwart Russia’s attempts is commendable.
AccountGuard Initiative to Boost O365 Adoption
Microsoft AccountGuard is developed to provide highly targetedindividuals and organizations in the political space with robust protection from cybersecurity threats. The service is free of cost and in order to avail it, customers are required to provide their Office 365 email address.
The customers are anticipatedto benefit from security guidance and associated practices, including access to cybersecurity workshops and webinars. The customers will be notifiedand provided with recommendations in case a threat is verified. A direct line will also be made available to the company’s Defending Democracy Program team.
We believe Microsoft’s new offering is well-timed, given the impending mid-term elections. The fact that selection of the new free service complements Office 365 adoption makes it a smart move.
What the Investors Need To Know?
Microsoft has returned 25.5% year to date, outperforming the industry’s rally of 21.5%. This outperformance can primarily be attributed to its continuous efforts in strengthening Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things based capabilities. Undisturbed focus on Azure continues to remain a key catalyst.
The need for stringent security measures will compel governments as well as enterprises to increase spending on cyber-security software.
Per MarketsandMarkets data, worldwide cyber-security spending is projectedto reach $231.94 billion by 2022. The company’s initiatives in cybersecurity position it well to capitalize on the alluring prospects.
Going ahead, higher spending on defense as proposed in the latest federal government budget is anticipated to boost innovative cybersecurity schemes.
To Conclude
Microsoft is assessing various opportunities wisely and devising strategies to fortify its position in the technology sector. The company’s efforts in digitizing retail outlets, revolutionizing education mechanisms, among others highlight its well-versed technology capabilities.
Upping the ante in cybersecurity is a welcome move. With these approaches, we believe Microsoft’s brand reputation is likely to get a boost.
Zacks Rank & Other Stocks to Consider
Microsoft carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Aspen Technology, Inc. (AZPN - Free Report) , Mellanox Technologies, Ltd. and Logitech International S.A. (LOGI - Free Report) are some other top-ranked stocks in the broader technology sector. All the three stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
AspenTech, Mellanox, and Logitech have a long-term earnings growth rate of 16.5%, 15% and 8%, respectively.
More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!
It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.
Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020.
Click here for the 6 trades >>