Microsoft and Darktrace partner on cloud cybersecurity

Microsoft has partnered with Cambridge-based AI startup Darktrace and aims to provide AI-enhanced cyber security to organisations transitioning to the cloud. The partnership provides mutual customers with enterprise-scale, self-learning AI that detects and autonomously responds to cyber-threats.

This collaboration uses Darktrace’s self-learning AI for cyber security within Microsoft environments, including Microsoft 365 and cloud applications like Azure Sentinel. 

The two companies are focusing on these critical areas:

• Cyber AI email security: Antigena Email, which uses Darktrace’s autonomous response technology to stop the most advanced email threats, is now hosted on Microsoft Azure and listed on Microsoft Azure Marketplace.
• Simplified and streamlined security workflows: Darktrace integrates with Azure Sentinel, with a bespoke Workbook allowing users to send and visualise Darktrace threat alerts and automated threat investigation reports inside Sentinel.
• Seamless data integration: Darktrace one-click integrations allow users to connect Darktrace’s AI detection capabilities to Microsoft Defender for endpoint.

Clare Barclay, CEO, Microsoft UK, said: “As cyber-attacks become increasingly sophisticated, AI is adding a deeper level of protection in detecting these threats. The partnership between Microsoft and Darktrace will help keep organisations secure, enabling them to focus on their core business and customers.”

Why is cloud security so important? 

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to move much of their business online, and while this sudden change helped protect employee safety, the rapid shift to doing business online also introduced multiple security and data protection issues.

Research conducted by Kaspersky shows that nearly a quarter (23%) of desktops and 17% of laptops supplied by UK employers lack security software – leaving those devices (and therefore the business) potentially vulnerable to cyber threats.  

Cloud security is important for both business and personal users. Everyone wants to know that their information is safe and secure and businesses have legal obligations to keep client data secure. Security is an essential element of your cloud service and it is important to check that your service provider can provide the correct levels of security for your industry.

With the expectation that remote working is here to stay to some extent, for many businesses it is even more imperative to reinforce security awareness. Businesses can take steps including making sure security software, such as firewalls and antivirus software, are up to date, setting secure passwords, and ensuring all internet connections are secure.