Microsoft (MSFT) Tightens Chinese Access to Cyber Early Warning System

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is placed 2nd on our list of the best stocks to buy. On August 20, Microsoft mentioned that it has limited some Chinese companies’ access to its early warning system for cybersecurity problems, after concerns that Beijing might be behind a hacking campaign targeting its popular SharePoint servers.

The new limits come after last month’s major hacking attempts on Microsoft SharePoint servers, which Microsoft and others have partly blamed on Beijing. Some cybersecurity experts worry that the Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP), which gives security vendors around the world, including in China, early information on threats to help them defend against hackers, might have been compromised.

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Beijing has denied being involved in the SharePoint hacks. Reuters previously reported that Microsoft warned MAPP program members about the SharePoint vulnerabilities on June 24, July 3, and July 7. Since Microsoft mentioned that it first detected attacks on July 7, some experts think the spike in hacking attempts might have been caused by a rogue MAPP member misusing the early warning information.

Microsoft added that several Chinese companies will no longer get “proof of concept” code, which imitates real malware. This code helps security experts protect systems faster, but it can also be used by hackers.

Microsoft monitors its partners and can suspend or remove anyone who breaks the rules, which forbid offensive attacks. The company did not share details about the investigation or which companies were restricted.

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