This initiative marks a significant step toward unified cyber threat intelligence. Traditionally, vendors label the same threat actors with different names—Microsoft’s “Midnight Blizzard” is known elsewhere as “Cozy Bear,” “APT29,” or “UNC2452.” Such fragmentation delays response times and complicates decision-making for security teams.
To solve this, the two companies developed a shared reference framework—described as a “Rosetta Stone” for cyber threats. Instead of enforcing a single naming system, this framework maps and aligns names across different security ecosystems, preserving each firm’s unique analysis while streamlining identification.
“Adversaries exploit both technology and the confusion caused by naming inconsistencies,” said Adam Meyers, Head of Counter Adversary Operations at CrowdStrike. “This effort ensures defenders know exactly who they’re dealing with.”
Microsoft’s Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President of Security, emphasized the urgency: “In today’s fast-moving threat landscape, even seconds matter. We must rethink how we share and respond to cyber risks.”
So far, analysts from both companies have aligned over 80 threat actors. This includes confirming that Microsoft’s “Volt Typhoon” and CrowdStrike’s “VANGUARD PANDA” represent the same China-backed group, while “Secret Blizzard” and “VENOMOUS BEAR” refer to the same Russia-linked actor.
The mapping spans five core categories of threat actors: nation-state groups, financially motivated hackers, private sector offensive firms, influence operations, and emerging entities.
Importantly, the initiative is expanding. Google’s Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 have already joined the effort, with more cybersecurity players expected to contribute.
“This is about empowering defenders through faster, clearer intelligence,” said Jakkal. “Security isn’t a solo mission—it’s a team sport.”
With Microsoft now tracking over 1,500 threat actors—up from 300 last year—the need for shared intelligence is more urgent than ever. This collaboration lays the foundation for a more coordinated global defense against cyber threats.
Stay ahead of emerging cybersecurity threats. For the latest insights and updates on cloud security, follow SOC News.
News Source: CybersecurityNews.com
October 2025 is going to be a big month for saying goodbye to several aging Microsoft technologies. Not only is it the end of support for Windows 10, but it’s also the end of support for Exchange 2016 and Exchange 2019.
While there will be options going forward, the demise of these products comes with security concerns and quite frankly costs to consider. Microsoft has stated that, unlike it did Windows 10, it will not release any extended support updates for either Exchange 2016 or 2019
Those who wish to stay with an on-premises solution can consider Microsoft’s offering called Exchange Server Subscription Edition, or Exchange Server SE for short. The first release of this platform will be around the same time as the demise of Exchange 2016 and 2019.
Microsoft has stated that the migration pain will be minimal as the SE version will use the same code as Exchange Server 2019 CU15 with a few cosmetic differences. For example, the license agreement will be updated to reflect the name change and the build and version number will be updated.
Multiple versions of Exchange will not be allowed
Users will be able to perform an in-place upgrade on top of your existing infrastructure as well as a more legacy style migration, a lengthier process by which a new server infrastructure is created and mailboxes are moved to the new server. During this process there is some disruption as the mailboxes can be temporarily paused or impacted by the migration process, but it typically can be planned around and minimized.
The Subscription Edition is exactly what it sounds like: users will be required to have subscription licenses or licenses with active software assurance for users and servers, with the addition of support for Server 2025. Exchange Server 2019 CU15 adds support for Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.3 and reintroduces certificate management in the Exchange admin center.
Stay updated with SOC News for cutting-edge security innovations and expert industry insights!
On Demand Webinar
Redefining ERP Modernisation Webinar: Adapting strategies in the age of next-gen AI
Embrace the era of AI in ERP with our on-demand webinar, ‘Redefining ERP Modernisation: Adapting strategies in the age of next-generation AI’. Discover how Dynamics 365 is at the forefront of this transformation, offering insights and practical strategies for businesses ready to take advantage of the power of next-generation AI for operational excellence and strategic agility. Featuring a guest speaker from IDC, this session navigates through the evolving ERP landscape, emphasising the pivotal role of AI in driving business innovation.
This session will explore:
- The strategic integration of generative AI in ERP systems to enhance operational efficiency and innovation.
- Methods to navigate the complexities of ERP IT stack updates for both product-centric and service-centric business models effectively.
- The role of Dynamics 365 in pioneering new approaches to ERP modernisation, emphasising scalability, flexibility and security.
Join us on this on-demand journey to understand how your organisation can capitalise on the transformative potential of modernised ERP systems powered by AI.
Featured Speakers:
Michele Ballinger,
Product Marketing Manager, Dynamics 365 ERP
Mickey North Rizza,
Group Vice President, IDC
Other webinars
On Demand Webinar Watch Now From local development to production, 1Password SDKs are an easy and secure way to work with secrets in your application. The open source SDK libraries
On Demand Webinar Watch Now With regulations like GDPR, CCPA and HIPAA tightening the screws, staying compliant shouldn’t feel like a high-stakes juggling act. Meet CXone Interactions Hub, your AI-powered
On Demand Webinar Watch Now Discover how aligning your entire organization, from sales and marketing to support, on a single AI hyper-platform can accelerate results.Meet CXone Interactions Hub, your AI-powered
On Demand Webinar Watch Now In an era when customer expectations are skyrocketing and operational pressures are intensifying, traditional approaches to customer service aren’t holding up. Join Robin Gareiss, CEO
