Microsoft is spearheading an initiative that includes 33 tech companies to prevent cyberwarfare. The organizations came up with this agreement at a 2017 technology conference.
The 34 Companies
CNN reported that the 33 other companies that joined Microsoft in this new mission came from various corners in the technology industry. The roster includes social media organizations Facebook and LinkedIn, legendary rating tracker Nielsen, web security company Cloudflare, and software companies such as Cisco, Dell, GitHub, and Oracle. Other companies that are part of this massive movement include FireEye, Telefonica, RSA, and Nokia. Together, they signed a document called the Tech Accord.
Tech Accord 101
Microsoft president Brad Smith published information about the Tech Accord in a Tuesday, April 17, blog post on the company's website. Smith wrote that the Tech Accord's purpose is to advance online security around the world through four principles.
First, the 34 companies would protect all their users. Second, the companies who have signed the agreement would oppose cyberattacks on innocent people and businesses. It was strongly indicated that the Tech Accord organizations would also not work with government organizations if those leaders choose to declare cyberwarfare against their own people.
Third, the group will pledge to help organizations by establishing partnerships with a plethora of individuals and groups to prevent viruses from getting onto the World Wide Web. Finally, all 34 organizations have decided to bolden their supporters by strengthening their cybersecurity. Smith noted that all Tech Accord companies would educate their customers and developers about future threats. They would also provide the necessary tools that are needed to prevent cyberwarfare.
An $8 Trillion Prediction
CNN learned that the cost of cybersecurity attacks on businesses and groups would reach $8 trillion by 2022. It has also been reported that there were several notable organizations, including Apple, Amazon, and Google's parent company Alphabet, abstained from joining in on the Tech Accord.
Cyberwarfare Update
As the Tech Accord moves forward with its initiative, reports of cyberwarfare have increased over the past few months. Near the end of December 2017, South Korean authorities believed that North Korea attacked one of their cryptocurrency exchange programs, YouBit. The alleged hackers, which attacked YouBit on Dec. 19, 2017, took an estimated 17 percent of cryptocurrency.
The U.S. Air Force introduced a new form of defense in electronic warfare. When the military held its Red Flag 17-1 on Jan. 24, 2017, they used an F-35 A Lightning II along with several non-kinetic duty officers to help the U.S. Air Force address cybersecurity and other forms of electronic warfare.
