Microsoft fires back after CrowdStrike questions its trustworthiness
CrowdStrike called out Microsoft in a recent report, and the Redmond-based giant clapped back.
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What you need to know
A recent survey commissioned by CrowdStrike looked at trends regarding ransomware breaches and security threats. In addition to insights into the rise of certain types of threats, the report directly criticized Microsoft. In response to these claims, Microsoft called the research “self-serving.”
Microsoft and CrowdStrike compete in the security space, in that both companies offer various types of protection and attempt to retain many of the same clients.VentureBeatbreaks down a more extensive history of the rivalry between the companies in its coverage of the spat.
CrowdStrike specifically mentioned Microsoft when asking questions to 2,200 senior IT decision-makers and IT security professionals. The previous three surveys of this kind did not mention Microsoft by name. However, a question in the latest survey namedropped Microsoft, asking experts about their view of “legacy” vendors, including Microsoft. In total, 63% of respondents stated that they are “losing trust” in these types of vendors.
“Technology giants such as Microsoft are not immune to this form of cyberattack, and rather they are the gateway onto the network for millions of organizations around the globe,” said the report from CrowdStrike. “If they do not hold themselves accountable, then many others could suffer.”
Microsoft responded to the report with criticism of its own. “This week we announced the result of a sustained effort to proactively take down nation-state attack infrastructure, protecting both our customers and the wider industry,” said Microsoft in a statement to VentureBeat. “We believe this is more valuable to our customers than self-serving market research that attacks other security vendors.”
The statement by Microsoft referenced how the companyseized control of several websitesto disrupt the efforts of the China-based hacking group Nickel.
In the past, Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Communications Frank Shawexplainedthat Microsoft views security as a “team sport.”
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The survey commissioned by CrowdStrike looked more at legacy vendors due to increasing vulnerabilities, such as theSolarWinds attack. CrowdStrike claimed that there is a “crisis of trust in legacy IT vendors, such as Microsoft.”
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
