After facing allegations for security breaches, Microsoft intends to offer Apple’siOS-based devices to its employees in China to access authentication apps.
Reportedly, Microsoft will start providing iPhones to its employees in China currently using Android devices. It looks like a company spokesperson said on Monday, that there is an absence of Google’s Android services in the country. The proposed initiative can help to improve the safety of data of employees.
Microsoft offers Apple devices for China Employees
As reported by Bloomberg, it will begin in September. It looks like all Microsoft employees in China will need to move to Apple iPhone devices for work-related task.The decision seems to be fueled by the unavailability of Google’s mobile services in China.
The absence often prevents Android users from downloading critical security apps like Microsoft Authenticator and Identity Pass. Also, the availability of security apps only in Apple play store, marks this initiative as an important one.
A Bloomberg report explained that the company will provide iPhone 15 models to employees, currently using Android handsets across China, including Hong Kong. The move is expected to be a part of the company’s efforts to enhance security and ensure access to necessary authentication apps.
What’s the deal
Reportedly, the new iPhones for employees will be available for collection at various hubs across China, including Hong Kong, where Google services are accessible. The shift will be mandated only for work-related activities. However, the employees can still use Android devices for personal purposes.
“Due to the lack of availability of Google Mobile Services in this region, we look to offer employees a means of accessing these required apps, such as an iOS device,” a company spokesperson told Reuters in an email. Furthermore, the mandatory use of iPhones is expected to be a part of Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI), launched in November following a series of cyberattacks.
But what is the SFI and why does Microsoft need to follow it? The SFI aims to improve security across the company by leveraging AI to address cloud vulnerabilities, securing credentials, and enforcing multifactor authentication.
Early reports suggest that Microsoft has been under increased scrutiny after a series of security breaches. The latest report being that of Russian hackers who spied and accessed emails of the company’s employees and customers earlier this year. It is expected that the new initiative can help Microsoft to strengthen its cybersecurity structure. Furthermore, it will also help Microsoft to maintain the SFI standards.
Follow FE Tech Bytes on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook
