Despite hack and senate complaints, Pentagon says it will continue Microsoft usage
Two senators raise Microsoft concerns in letter to the Department of Defense
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Despite several recent incidents, including aChinese threat actor compromising the email accountsof a number of high ranking government officials, hosted byMicrosoft, the Pentagon has said it will continue to use the company’s services.
A letter from two US senators to US Department of Defence CIO John Sherman states that the Pentagon is “doubling down” on Microsoft, which has caused “serious concern”.
Microsoft is currently under investigation for the breach, with the Cyber Safety Review board suggesting that the breach was the result of a “cascade of failures” on the part of Microsoft.
Faith in Microsoft
US Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) said in their letter [PDF] that the Pentagon was continuing to embark upon its “failed strategy of increasing its dependence on Microsoft at a time when Congress and the administration are reviewing concerning cybersecurity lapses that led to a massive hack of senior US officials' communications.”
“The Department of Defense is one of the largest purchasers of cybersecurity services. Through its buying power, DoD’s strategies and standards have the power to shape corporate strategies that result in more resilient cybersecurity services,” the letter continued.
The letter further highlighted the Senators concerns around an increasing reliance on Microsoft, rather than a diversified approach which would “result in greater competition, lower long-term costs, and better outcomes related to cybersecurity.”
Earlier this year, aDoD contractor was breached by a IntelBroker, who stole a significant amount of personal information relating to the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
ViaTheRegister
More from TechRadar Pro
Benedict has been writing about security issues for over 7 years, first focusing on geopolitics and international relations while at the University of Buckingham. During this time he studied BA Politics with Journalism, for which he received a second-class honours (upper division), then continuing his studies at a postgraduate level, achieving a distinction in MA Security, Intelligence and Diplomacy. Upon joining TechRadar Pro as a Staff Writer, Benedict transitioned his focus towards cybersecurity, exploring state-sponsored threat actors, malware, social engineering, and national security. Benedict is also an expert on B2B security products, including firewalls, antivirus, endpoint security, and password management.
Logitech Brio 105 for Business review
Sihoo Doro S100 ergonomic office chair review
Owl Labs Meeting Owl 4+ review
