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Microsoft Confirms Exit from Pakistan, Govt Calls Reports ‘Misleading Propaganda’

July 6, 2025, 11:43 am

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has denied the reports of Microsoft leaving the country. The denial comes against extensive media reports that Microsoft has closed its operations in the country after a 25-year presence.

Contrary to Islamabad’s claim, the company’s official spokesperson and its former country manager have now attested to the closure. The technology giant made it clear that it will serve Pakistani customers through partners and proximate offices, rather than from within Pakistan.

Pakistan Denies Closure Reports

On Saturday, July 5, the government of Pakistan labelled the reports of shutdown as “misleading” and “anti-Pakistan propaganda.” It said that Microsoft has “not closed any office in Pakistan.” The Ministry asserted that Microsoft never had a permanent office within the country. Rather, it had a liaison office for several years. Commercial and licensing businesses for Pakistan have been conducted from Ireland, consistent with Microsoft’s global organization.

The Ministry also asserted that staff changes were under Microsoft’s worldwide Workforce Optimisation Program. As per their news release, the engagement of Microsoft with Pakistan is “intact and ongoing.” Officials stressed they are in “constant contact” with Microsoft and other international tech firms. They maintained there’s no proof that it is reducing operations or withdrawing.

Microsoft Says Otherwise

In opposition to the official denial, Microsoft has asserted its withdrawal. A spokesperson for the company informed that Microsoft’s business model is now shifting to partner-based, operating in Pakistan from regional offices. This, according to the spokesperson, is already an established model in many other countries.

Jawwad Rehman, the ex-country manager who inaugurated Microsoft Pakistan in June of 2000, also verified the shutdown. In an emotional LinkedIn update, he referred to it as “the end of an era.” Rehman stated that the remaining staff were recently notified, ending Microsoft operations in the nation formally.

The inconsistency between the government’s assertion and Microsoft’s admission demonstrates a definite disconnect. While Pakistan stands up for its tech image, the firm already has moved on. The shutdown questions the environment for business and the true extent of foreign technology involvement in the country.

Microsoft Shuts Down Operations in Pakistan After 25 Years

July 5, 2025, 6:00 pm

As Microsoft shuts down operations in Pakistan after more than two decades, former Senator Rehman has publicly urged the government to act before the tech ecosystem suffers irreparable damage. In a subsequent post, Rehman specifically called out to the Minister of IT to immediately engage the global and regional leadership of Microsoft.

“There is time to act. Bring Microsoft on board before the bridge is burned,” he appealed.

The exit of Microsoft — a technology giant that has had a presence in Pakistan for more than 25 years — is symbolic in more ways than one. It is a strong indicator of the increasing difficulties faced by multinational firms in the country. Rehman’s appeal brings to the fore the desperation of the moment and captures the concerns of most in Pakistan’s technology and business industries.

Tech Sector Growth at Risk

Over the past few years, Pakistan’s information technology sector has experienced robust growth, with exports showing double-digit growth. Even with this momentum, Microsoft’s move to leave is likely to have a chilling effect on subsequent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the technology sector. Experts have warned that the departure of such a world-renowned brand could signal instability to other prospective investors.

Microsoft’s pullout may discourage other large technology companies from growing or opening up shop in Pakistan, as well. Unless the government takes corrective action, Pakistan will face an FDI slowdown, despite its economy’s reliance on digital exports and global alliances.

More Substantive Issues: Institutional Trust and Policy Inconsistency

The action also reflects more general concerns like weakening institutional trust, inconsistent policy enforcement, and inadequate investor protection mechanisms. Experts highlight that Microsoft’s decision was not an isolated one but more so reflects a trend that could impact other firms looking at Pakistan as a business destination.

In the face of geopolitical instability and a volatile rupee, multinational technology firms are becoming increasingly risk-averse. Pakistan’s policymakers need to recognize and address these structural issues to avert further loss of international confidence.

Rehman’s Philosophical Closing Message

Rehman closed his comments on a spiritual and contemplative note, implying that the true measure of success is the values one leaves behind.

“Allah gives honour and opportunity to whomsoever He desires. But if your endeavour leaves a trail of impact, integrity & inspiration, then be assured Allah’s grace was upon you.”

Time for Urgent Government Action

Microsoft’s exit is a watershed event for Pakistan’s technology industry. The situation has prompted government officials to rethink their approach to governance, economic planning, and the country’s global image.

Global firms will continue exiting Pakistan if the government fails to implement quick reforms to boost investor confidence and ensure policy dependability, threatening the country’s future as a digital economy.

Microsoft Confirms Fresh Layoffs, 4% of Employees to Lose Jobs Worldwide

July 2, 2025, 8:48 pm

Microsoft on Wednesday announced that it is cutting thousands of workers, its second large-scale layoff in months.

4% of Workforce Affected, Estimated 9,000 Jobs Cut in Microsoft

The company would not comment on the number of employees who would be cut, but said it would represent less than 4% of the number of employees it had a year ago, which would translate to about 9,000 workers, according to the Associated Press.

Microsoft announced the layoffs will touch several teams across the world, including its sales team and its Xbox video game unit.

Company Cites Strategic Realignment in Volatile Market

“We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace,” it said in a statement.

“Even in the best of times, we have regularly adjusted our workforce to meet the strategic demands of the business,” the company added, according to AFP.

King Unit and ZeniMax Among Affected European Offices

Microsoft’s Stockholm-based King unit, which produces the hit game Candy Crush, is laying off 10% of its workforce, or around 200 workers, Bloomberg reported citing individuals familiar with the plans.

Other European offices, including ZeniMax, also started notifying workers that layoffs were under way.

Microsoft Already Laid Off 6,000 Employees in May

The firm, which employed around 228,000 people globally as of June 2024, had already made the cut in May when it laid off some 6,000 employees.

That round of layoff was the second-largest since 2023, when around 10,000 jobs were cut, as Microsoft made a turnaround towards AI to keep ahead of the competition.

In April, Microsoft notified staff that it would be outsourcing more software sales to small and mid-sized clients to third-party companies. It said it periodically examines its organisational make-up so that investments are kept in line with long-term growth.

Who Is Robert? Shocking New Threat in Trump-Stormy Daniels Hacker Leak Saga

July 1, 2025, 9:40 pm

Iranian-aligned hackers threatened to leak more emails hacked from inner circle of President Donald Trump, such as White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Roger Stone, following the release of a previous batch of them to the media ahead of the US presidential election in 2024.

CISA Labels Operation a “Calculated Smear Campaign”

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency took to X to describe the threats, which were first reported by Reuters, as a “calculated smear campaign”. This comes as the Trump administration issued a report, warning that “Iranian Cyber Actors” might target American companies and “operators of critical infrastructure.”

Three days ago, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, said that US and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear installations did not severely damage the nation’s nuclear installations, leading Trump to declare he was cancelling plans to potentially ease sanctions on Iran.

Hacker “Robert” Claims Possession of 100GB of Private Emails

During the weekend, in Sunday and Monday online chat, hackers operating under the identity “Robert” told Reuters that they possessed about 100 gigabytes of emails containing Wiles, Stone, former porn star Stormy Daniels, Trump lawyer Lindsey Halligan, and several others.

Though they never shared details of the content, they stated the potential for selling the emails.

In a September indictment against three Iranians in the 2024 Trump cyberattack case, the Justice Department asserted Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps control the hacking campaign “Robert”.

CISA Spokesperson: Digital Smear Meant to Discredit Trump

While CISA spokesperson Marci McCarthy responded to Reuters report that a “hostile foreign adversary” was “potentially threatening to illegally exploit allegedly stolen and unverified content in an attempt to distract, discredit and divide.”

The “so-called cyber ‘attack’ is simply propaganda in the digital age and the targets are no accident” and its objective is to “harm President Trump and discredit upright public servants” who have made themselves outstanding in the US.

In the meantime, US Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the hacking as “an unconscionable cyber-attack”.

FBI Pledges Full Investigation into Trump-Linked National Security Breach

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that anyone connected to any national security breach would be fully investigated and carried out to the highest extent of the law, the White House and FBI reported.

Iran proved to be a larger threat throughout the 2024 presidential campaign than Russia, well documented for its powerful propaganda efforts and 2016 cyberattacks of prominent US political parties, reports Sam Sabin of Axios.

Microsoft: Iran Ran Phishing, Disinformation Campaigns

Microsoft found several Iranian entities that were carrying out aggressive phishing and disinformation operations to influence the outcome of the 2024 US presidential election.

Prior to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict, which ended in a ceasefire mediated by Trump after the US military intervention, the hackers assured Reuters that they had no intention to carry out any more cyberattacks.

“I am retired, man,” the hackers claimed in May.

Microsoft Launches New Xbox Handheld Consoles in Partnership with ASUS

June 9, 2025, 3:24 am

Microsoft on Sunday announced its initial Xbox-branded handheld video game consoles. It touted them as a means to play its large catalog of games anywhere.

ROG Xbox Ally to Launch in Partnership with ASUS

The two versions of “ROG Xbox Ally”, made in collaboration with Taiwan-based ASUS, will hit the market during the holiday season. This will be towards the end of the year. Xbox president Sarah Bond said this at an online event.

“The Xbox Ally is an Xbox you can hold in your hands. It brings together the power of Xbox and the freedom of Windows,” Bond added.

She also said that on this Xbox iteration, customers will have the ability to choose any game from their entire collection. This includes all of the Windows PC game stores from Xbox and Battle.net to Steam, GOG (the Good Old Games platform), and Ubisoft Connect.

Two Variants for Different User Needs

Xbox defines the ROG Xbox Ally as a must-have handheld. It offers affordable value for everyone, from casual gamers to hardcore fans. In contrast, the ROG Xbox Ally X model delivers ultimate performance and targets the most demanding users.

Xbox powers the Ally with an AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. Xbox Ally X operates on AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme processor, with 24GB of fast RAM and 1TB of storage.

Key Features of Xbox Ally Series

With this gaming experience, users can be relieved of any static fixture and go anywhere with the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X.
Xbox has optimized Windows 11 to allow its effortless usage on both the Xbox Ally series.
The ‘game bar’ on Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X enables users to go home easy, browse library, launch or exit games, chat with friends, open other applications, adjust settings, and a whole lot more.
With the additional integration of ASUS’s ‘Armoury Crate’, the game bar also provides users streamlined access to advanced device and input controls.
Because these new handheld Xbox consoles can run Windows, users will have access to games they can’t find elsewhere. The full circumference of gaming is available to be experienced, download games from user’s favorite storefront, run apps like Discord, streamers on Twitch watch, and play with favorite mods.
Among the new features of the handheld gaming device is that whenever a user will switch on their Xbox Ally, they will automatically boot into the ‘Xbox full screen experience’.
There is ‘Xbox button’ in Xbox Ally as well, which allows players to access chat, apps, and settings using an improved Game Bar overlay.
‘Contoured grips’ features, Xbox mentioned, was designed with comfort of the gamers in mind, based on the same design philosophy as Xbox Wireless Controllers. The Xbox Ally versions have contoured handgrips to fit a greater variety of hand sizes.

Exclusive Offers for Game Pass Newcomers

Apart from that, Xbox also offered enticing deals to players buying the new model and who are new to Game Pass. Microsoft announced that it will start such players with no additional fee and will also give them access to hundreds of games like Balatro, Gears Tactics, Vampire Survivors, and others directly from their device.

Skype to Shut Down May 5 as Microsoft Pushes Teams Forward

May 5, 2025, 1:25 pm

With almost 22 years of linking friends, families, and businesses around the globe, Microsoft will sunset Skype on May 5. Started in 2003 and hitting a high of more than 300 million monthly users during the mid‑2010s, Skype revolutionized free voice and video calls long before Zoom and FaceTime arrived on the scene.

Microsoft purchased the service in 2011 for $8.5 billion to incorporate it into its communications offerings. Yet, as the competition such as WhatsApp and Zoom became increasingly popular—and Microsoft Teams expanded its business presence—Skype’s customer base gradually disappeared. On February 28, Microsoft announced it would be sunsetting Skype “to simplify our services and focus on Teams.”

What Becomes of Skype Accounts and Data?

Microsoft encourages every Skype user to switch to Teams by going to Skype.com and activating the “Start using Teams” option. After logging in with their current Skype credentials, users will discover all their chats, contacts, and call history preserved within Teams.

The organization will continue to maintain Skype for Business temporarily, but schedules its complete retirement in sync with the consumer service disbandment. Free and paid Skype users will no longer be able to access the classic Skype app after May 5, although they can continue to sign in to Teams on desktop, web, and mobile.

Users have until January 2026 to download or transfer their Skype data before it is deleted for good by Microsoft. The data migration allows the users to export chat history, contact lists, and media. Microsoft advises transferring the data early to prevent last‑minute difficulties.

End of an Era for Internet Communication

For two decades, Skype set the standard for over-the-Internet calling. Its peer‑to‑peer technology and global voice‑over‑IP network made international communication affordable and accessible. Skype’s iconic ringtone and “Call phones” feature became cultural touchstones for a generation raised on early broadband.

As Microsoft retires Skype, Teams will carry its legacy of connection, integrating chat, video, and collaboration capabilities into one place. The transition aligns with Microsoft’s move to unify its business and consumer communication products under the Teams umbrella.

How to Get Ready to Switch

Go to skype.com and click on “Start using Teams.”
Log in with your Skype username and password.
Back up and download your chat history through Teams settings.
Download any significant documents or media files from previous Skype chats.
Get to know the features of Teams, such as channels, Office apps embedded right within, and more advanced security controls.

Skype users bid adieu to a trailblazing service but Microsoft assures us that Teams will provide an unhindered continuation of their communication requirement—this time supported by enterprise‑grade functionalities and stronger connectivity with Office 365.

Microsoft Takes Action Against Under-performing Employees, Enforces Two-Year Rehire Ban

April 23, 2025, 11:40 am

Microsoft has introduced stricter performance management policies
This includes a two-year rehire ban for employees who exit due to poor performance
The company is reportedly planning another round of layoffs in May 2025

Back in 2022, when tech layoffs saw a sudden uptick, the world plunged into a state of panic. According to reports, around 93,000 U.S. tech workers were given the pink slip that year. In India too, layoffs in the tech industry saw a sudden surge. Fast forward to 2025, companies continue laying off employees by citing numerous factors. There are also many new workplace trends emerging and one of them is companies shifting towards performance-based evaluations as part of a broader strategy.

Microsoft is making headlines for implementing stricter performance management policies. This includes a two-year rehire ban for employees who leave due to poor performance and restrictions on internal transfers for underperformers. The company has also introduced a “ManageRewards” slider to evaluate employee performance.

Microsoft cracks down on low-performing employees

Microsoft’s new policies introduce a two-year rehire ban for employees who leave the company due to poor performance. Additionally, underperforming employees are now restricted from transferring to other roles within the company.

According to an internal memo which was seen by Business Insider, the company’s new Chief People Officer, Amy Coleman, wrote, “If an employee is not meeting expectations, you can use the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), a new globally consistent approach to set clear expectations and a timeline for improvement. The employee can accept the improvement plan or choose to transition out of the company with the offer of a Global Voluntary Separation Agreement (GVSA). This performance improvement process is available year-round so you can act quickly to transparently address performance issues, while offering employees choice.”

The memo added, “employees with zero and 60 per cent Rewards outcomes and/or on an active PIP will not be eligible for internal transfers. Former employees who left with zero or 60 per cent Rewards or during/after a PIP will not be eligible for rehire until two years after their termination date.”

The company has also introduced a Global Voluntary Separation Programme, providing employees who do not meet performance expectations with the option to exit the company voluntarily.

Another round of layoffs at Microsoft?

Microsoft was recently in the limelight for laying off around 2,000 workers, without severance pay. And about a week back, reports of yet another possible layoffs round were also surfacing. An earlier Business Insider report had said that Microsoft is reportedly planning another round of layoffs, primarily targeting middle management and non-technical roles.

The report added that the fresh round of layoffs were expected to begin next month (May 2025), and aim to improve the ratio of engineers to non-engineers within project teams. It is to be noted that Microsoft hasn’t announced anything relating to layoffs yet.

Microsoft Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation with a Visionary Tribute: “You Are the Pilot”

April 5, 2025, 7:44 pm

Microsoft celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 4, 2025, with an emotive video tribute with a mix of nostalgia and aggressive hopes for the future. Since its founding by technology visionaries Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, the Seattle-based firm has evolved from a garage startup into a global technology giant.

The video, posted on Microsoft’s official Instagram page, begins with a strong statement: “Some dream of the future. Others build it.” It then presents the history of Microsoft’s legendary logo, tracking its journey from humble beginnings to its current form.

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Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future

Though the logo journey establishes the tone, the core of the video is its narration — a compelling combination of respect and aspiration.

“For 50 years, Microsoft has been proud to write the story of innovation,” the video states. “For 50 years, we’ve pushed beyond expectation, and our mission has always been clear.”

Microsoft reaffirmed its fundamental mission — “To empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more” — a vision it claims is as bold today as it was half a century ago.

“In this moment of new possibilities, the best way to empower each of us is to empower all of us,” the voiceover states.

Tools for Empowering People, Not Only Processes

The tribute points out that Microsoft’s technologies are designed not only for productivity but for individual and collective development.

“That’s why we bring tools that bring ideas to life,” it states. “The cloud gives you freedom, devices that give you access, and AI that not only assists but amplifies.”

Microsoft highlighted Copilot — its flagship AI innovation — as a revolutionary tool meant to unlock human potential rather than simply push the limits of technology.

“We didn’t build Copilot to drive the next big leap in technology,” the voice declares. “We built it to drive the next big leap in you, creating a reality where everyone can be the pilot.”

The tribute concludes on an inspiring, future-focused note, “At Microsoft, our past has always been about the future. Now, our future is all about you. You are the pilot.”

Bill Gates Visits Indian Parliament, Holds Talks with JP Nadda | Watch

March 19, 2025, 11:55 am

Former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates visited the Indian Parliament to meet Union Minister JP Nadda. His visit focused on discussions about healthcare, technology, and development in India. Gates has been actively involved in philanthropy, particularly through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which supports health and education projects worldwide.

#WATCH | Delhi | Former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates arrived in Parliament to meet Union Minister JP Nadda pic.twitter.com/Kr3eHIATF0

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025

After stepping down as Microsoft’s CEO in 2000, Bill Gates dedicated his time to global challenges. His foundation works on poverty reduction, disease prevention, and sanitation. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in funding vaccine research and improving public health systems, especially in developing countries like India and those in Africa.

Contributions to India’s Healthcare

Gates has worked closely with the Indian government on several healthcare projects. His foundation has supported:

Polio eradication – Helping India become polio-free.
Tuberculosis treatment – Funding research and treatment programs.
Maternal and child healthcare – Reducing infant mortality and improving healthcare facilities.
Digital health solutions – Promoting technology-driven healthcare access.

Focus on Climate and AI

Beyond healthcare, Gates is committed to tackling climate change. He supports sustainable farming and clean energy solutions to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, he is actively involved in artificial intelligence research and its potential impact on various industries.

Author and Thought Leader

Gates has written books to share his insights on technology and global issues. Some of his notable works include:

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster – A guide on combating climate change.
The Road Ahead – His vision for the future of technology.

Strengthening India’s Development

His latest visit to India’s Parliament highlights his ongoing efforts to support the country’s growth. Through collaborations in healthcare, technology, and sustainability, Gates continues to play a vital role in shaping India’s future.

Microsoft Bids Farewell To Skype: Teams Takes Center Stage For Future Communication

February 28, 2025, 10:11 pm

Microsoft said it will discontinue its groundbreaking internet calling service, Skype, in May 2025 as it focuses on its newer communications platform, Microsoft Teams.

Skype, which was launched in 2005 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011, revolutionized the way people called via voice and video on the internet and became a brand name every family was used to during the early 2000s. However, of late, it has not been able to keep up with improved, easier-to-use, and effective services like Zoom and Salesforce’s Slack.

Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available. Over the next few days, you can sign into Microsoft Teams Free with your Skype account so you can remain connected to all your conversations and contacts,” Skype wrote in a post on X.

Microsoft attributed Skype’s decline to its outdated technology that was not very compatible with the smartphone era. In its release, the company noted that Teams provides the same features, including one-on-one and group calling, messaging, and file sharing, but also includes other features such as hosting meetings, calendar management, and community creation.

To make the transition smooth, existing Skype users will be able to sign in to Teams using their Skype credentials. Teams and Skype users will be synchronized during this time, allowing for smooth communication between the two platforms.

Skype is added to the list of Microsoft dropped projects, including Internet Explorer and Windows Phone. The rest of the technology giants have also failed to sustain online communication platforms, with Google experimenting with multiple messaging services like Hangouts and Duo before conjoining them.

In this transition, Microsoft is seeking to streamline its communications platform, with Teams as the primary platform for business and personal connectivity.

Microsoft Removes Employees from Meeting Over Protest Against AI Contract with Israel

February 26, 2025, 6:58 pm

Microsoft recently expelled five workers from a live company meeting over their objection to the company’s agreement with the Israeli military, according an Associated Press repor. The event has sparked a discussion on free speech, corporate ethics, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military missions.

While at Microsoft’s Washington headquarters for a meeting with CEO Satya Nadella, a small number of staff members protested against the Israeli military use of Microsoft’s AI and cloud computing systems. The staff wore T-shirts asking “Does our code kills kids, Satya?” that read together.

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The Israeli army has reportedly been leveraging Microsoft’s AI models, created in partnership with OpenAI, to find bombing targets in Gaza and Lebanon. Research shows that these AI-enabled assaults have caused civilian deaths, including a 2023 airstrike killing four Lebanese citizens—three of them were kids.

Though Microsoft insists that it follows hard ethical standards in AI implementation, it has not confirmed or denied the exact uses of its intellectual intelligence.

Microsoft’s Reaction on the Protest

Photos and videos from the event evidence Nadella ignoring the demonstration and carrying on with his speech. Security staff quickly escorted the workers out of the room. Microsoft staff across the world could see the removal since the event was broadcast live.

Microsoft stated its will to enable staff to voice concerns but said such remarks should not interfere with business operations. The statement read, “When protests interfere with the flow of a corporate meeting, we ask members to carry on elsewhere.”

History of Microsoft Staff Dissatisfaction

Microsoft has not previously been known to oppose staff protesters of its agreements with the Israeli military. Two employees of the company dismissed for setting an unsanctioned vigil for Palestinian refugees at its corporate headquarters were sent packing in October 2023. Though Microsoft did not reveal particular information, they used internal policies to support the dismissals.

Particularly the cloud computing therefore provided via the Azure platform, a Microsoft staff has been vigorously against the Israeli military relationship for months. Employees who oppose the agreements sometimes maintain that they run counter to the declared human rights policies of Microsoft, whereas others inside the company back them.

Use of AI in Military Campaigns Raises Ethical Issues

According to a study by Associated Press, Israel’s utilization of Microsoft’s AI technologies grew almost 200 times after Hamas’ assault on October 7, 2023. This has brought up questions regarding if Microsoft is breaking its AI ethics guidelines by helping military activities.

After the October vigil, Abdo Mohamed, a former Microsoft researcher and data analyst let go, slammed the business for putting profits above human rights. Now part of the activist group “No Azure for Apartheid,” Mohamed has urged Microsoft leaders to cut their link with the Israeli military.

Corporate Ethics and Free Speech

The ongoing argument regarding corporate accountability and employee activism has been agitated by the protest and following removals. Although some staff members think Microsoft has top reconsideration of its AI agreements, others contend businesses should not be forced into political controversies. Microsoft is embroiled in a heated worldwide debate as questions about the ethical use of AI get more attention.

Microsoft Prepares to Host OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 and GPT-5

February 21, 2025, 5:32 pm

Microsoft Expands AI Infrastructure for GPT-4.5 and GPT-5. Microsoft is ramping up its server capacity in anticipation of OpenAI’s next major AI models, GPT-4.5 and GPT-5.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently hinted at GPT-4.5’s launch in the coming weeks, and reports suggest Microsoft could integrate the model as early as next week.

GPT-4.5, Codenamed Orion is expected to be OpenAI’s last non-chain-of-thought model, offering a significant performance boost over GPT-4. Initially slated for late 2024, its release was pushed to early 2025, paving the way for GPT-5’s much-anticipated debut by May.

What is new in Chat GPT?

GPT-5 is on its way to making a groundbreaking leap in the world of AI. This will be combining multiple AI developments into one system. One highlight is the integration of OpenAI’s o3 reasoning model which was first introduced in December.

Unlike the former one, the o3-mini this model will be directly implanted in GPT-5. Further advancing the OpenAI’s ambition toward artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Moreover, Open AI is setting new standards with the way people interact with ChatGPT. The existing model selection process, where the users have to select manually different models for different tasks, this thing will be solved.

Instead, GPT-5 will implement a new dynamic and adaptive system that offers a seamless experience without needing user input.

The Strategy of Microsoft AI and the GPT-5 Rollout

Microsoft should roll out GPT-5 integration sometime near its Build conference for developers on May 19, near Google I/O, staging a competition of AI by the two industry leaders.

Last year, OpenAI’s surprise GPT-4o launch disrupted Microsoft’s AI offerings on Azure. However, this time, Microsoft is fully prepared, with major updates planned for its AI assistant, Copilot. These updates include a refined interface and the removal of manual model selection, mirroring OpenAI’s approach with GPT-5.

Bill Gates Reflects on Autism, Microsoft’s Early Days & 80-Hour Workweeks

February 5, 2025, 12:30 am

Bill Gates, in his exclusive interview with NDTV, revealed that if he were growing up today, he would likely be diagnosed on the autism spectrum. His intense focus and need for structure defined his childhood, sometimes making social interactions challenging.

Despite his brilliance, teachers were perplexed by his learning style. When asked to write a school report, Gates turned in 200 pages, while his classmates submitted 5-10 pages. This hyper-focus would later fuel his passion for computing.

Coding for Days, No Social Life

At Lakeside School, Gates discovered computing and spent thousands of hours programming. By his teenage years, he was already envisioning solutions that would shape personal computing.

Gates recalls how he worked up to 80 hours a week in Microsoft’s early days, sacrificing friendships, hobbies, and even a social life. “No girlfriend, no hobbies. My social life centered around work,” he admits in his memoir.

The Loss That Shaped Him

Gates’ childhood was marked by the tragic death of his best friend, Kent Evans, in a hiking accident. This loss deeply impacted him, making him even more driven.

Microsoft: The Vision That Changed Computing

Co-founding Microsoft with Paul Allen, Gates was relentless in his pursuit of success. He pushed his team hard, believing that software would revolutionize the world.

Microsoft’s first breakthrough came with a BASIC interpreter for the Altair 8800. This led to the development of MS-DOS and Windows, making personal computers accessible worldwide.

Rivalries & Innovation

Gates acknowledges the competitiveness within Microsoft. Rivalries with companies like Lotus, WordPerfect, and VisiCorp pushed innovation forward, but Microsoft’s speed and strategy kept it ahead.

Conclusion

Gates’ memoir, Source Code: My Beginnings, offers a deeply personal glimpse into the mind of one of history’s greatest tech visionaries. His journey from an intense, hyper-focused child to a billionaire entrepreneur underscores how passion, sacrifice, and resilience can redefine industries.

Microsoft in Talks to Acquire TikTok, Says Donald Trump

January 28, 2025, 2:01 pm

US President Donald Trump confirms that Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok, sparking speculation of a “bidding war” for the popular social media app. Trump told reporters that he believed Microsoft was truly preparing a proposal, stating, “I would say yes” when asked if the tech titan was interested in purchasing the app.

The president also noted that several companies have expressed strong interest in purchasing TikTok, indicating a competitive sale process.

Trump and former President Joe Biden have been pressing for years the Chinese parent company of TikTok, ByteDance, to sell its US operations based on national security concerns. Trump’s executive order last week accelerated this push and acted as a reprieve for the delayed Biden Administration ban on TikTok that briefly took the app offline for 170 million US users. The ban notwithstanding, Trump was the first to challenge ByteDance and set the ball rolling on calls to sell TikTok’s US operations.

TikTok acquisition talks: Microsoft, Oracle and other contenders

ByteDance had enlisted Microsoft as a possible buyer in August 2020. However, no such deal emerged, and the platform instead turned its attention to an alliance with Oracle, which again did not take off. The president remains positive about selling TikTok and says that an outcome regarding its fate could come in the next 30 days. Microsoft is unwilling to comment on this, but its spokesperson claimed, “We have nothing to share at this time.”

At a recent meeting of Republican politicians in Florida, reporters asked Trump about the current negotiations regarding the ongoing case over TikTok. According to him, “We’ll see what happens. We’re going to have a lot of people bidding on it.” He continued with the insistence of not letting China be in the management of TikTok saying, “If we can save all that voice and all the jobs, and China won’t be involved, we don’t want China involved, but we’ll see what happens.”

Other Potential Buyers are MrBeast and Notable Figures

TikTok’s sale has sparked significant interest from a number of high-profile figures. Billionaire Frank McCourt and Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary, a Shark Tank star investor, have shown interest in acquiring the potential takeover. In an unexpected twist, Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast and the world’s most popular YouTuber, has announced that he, too, is in the race. After expressing interest on Twitter, MrBeast received multiple questions from investors interested in funding his TikTok takeover bid.

Microsoft Sues Hackers for Exploiting Azure OpenAI to Create Harmful Content

January 14, 2025, 2:07 pm

Microsoft has filed a lawsuit against cybercriminals who bypassed security on its Azure OpenAI platform. The criminals are accused of using the service to generate harmful content.

Lawsuit Overview

In December 2024, Microsoft filed the lawsuit in Virginia, targeting ten unidentified individuals. These hackers, part of a foreign threat group, allegedly stole customer credentials. They then used custom software to access Microsoft’s AI services, including ChatGPT and DALL-E.

How the Hackers Gained Access

Azure OpenAI allows businesses to integrate OpenAI tools into their apps. For example, Microsoft powers services like GitHub Copilot through this platform. According to the lawsuit, the hackers stole credentials by scraping public websites. With this information, they bypassed security measures and gained unauthorized access.

Criminal Activities and Reselling Access

Once inside, the hackers modified the AI services to suit their needs. Subsequently, they resold access to others, providing detailed instructions on creating illegal content.

Content and Legal Actions

Although Microsoft did not disclose the specific content created, it confirmed that it violated company policies. Consequently, the lawsuit accuses the hackers of illegal access and causing significant damage. Microsoft is now seeking a court order to prevent further harm and stop the criminals from continuing their activities.

Seizing Evidence

Additionally, Microsoft aims to seize a website crucial to the criminal operation. Doing so will help gather evidence, identify the perpetrators, and dismantle the infrastructure supporting these illegal activities.

Strengthened Security

In response to the breach, Microsoft has already implemented stronger security measures. Furthermore, the company is working to ensure that future attacks are prevented and that its platform remains secure.

Violating US Laws

The hackers’ actions violated several US laws, including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. As a result, Microsoft is determined to hold those responsible accountable and prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

Microsoft Introduces New Taskbar UI, Copilot Shortcut For Windows

December 12, 2024, 10:10 pm

Microsoft is making further improvements to its Windows Copilot feature with a new update that significantly enhances its interface and functionality. After earlier transitioning Copilot to a Progressive Web App (PWA), the company is now offering Windows testers a more “native” experience, complete with a new keyboard shortcut and a redesigned taskbar interface, as reported by The Verge.

The updated version of Copilot introduces a “quick view” interface that floats above the taskbar, resembling the Companion apps Microsoft is testing for files, contacts, and calendar entries. This quick view can be accessed via a new Alt + Space keyboard shortcut or through the system tray. Once activated, Copilot stays on top of other applications until it is dismissed or reactivated using the same shortcut.

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However, the new keyboard shortcut could lead to conflicts with third-party apps. “For any apps installed on your PC that might utilize this keyboard shortcut, Windows will register whichever app is launched first on your PC and running in the background as the app that is invoked when using Alt + Space,” the company explained, as per The Verge.

This marks a departure from the earlier implementation of Copilot, which used the Windows key + C shortcut in line with Cortana. After its demotion to a web app earlier this year, Microsoft introduced a dedicated Copilot key but now seems to be experimenting further with shortcut options. “Copilot will continue to explore options related to the keyboard shortcuts for the app,” Microsoft added, leaving the possibility of more changes in the future.

The new Copilot features are being rolled out to both Windows 10 and Windows 11, despite Microsoft’s prior announcement that Windows 10 support will end in October 2025. Earlier this year, Microsoft reopened beta testing for Windows 10 features to ensure users continue receiving an optimal experience until support concludes, according to The Verge.

Originally launched in Windows 11 as a sidebar integrated across applications, Copilot provided users with streamlined access to AI-powered features. However, with the introduction of Copilot Plus, it was reduced to a simple web app. The latest update, while described as a “native version,” is essentially a web view presented in a more integrated format.

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Microsoft Unveils New Link to Windows Feature for Seamless File Sharing Between iPhone and PC

December 12, 2024, 7:19 pm

Microsoft has announced a new feature for its Link to Windows app that makes it easier to share files between an iPhone and a PC. The feature, currently available to Windows Insiders, uses the Phone Link software to establish a connection between Windows and iOS devices.

According to Microsoft, users can transfer files from their PC to their iPhone by right-clicking on the file and then tapping Share > My Phone/Phone Link. Similarly, files can be sent from an iPhone to a PC by selecting the file and tapping Share > Link to Windows.

Prerequisites and Setup

The new feature has the following prerequisites:

iPhone running on iOS 16 or later

Link to Windows app for iOS version 1.24112.73 or higher

Phone Link version 1.24112.89.0 or higher

Users trying out this feature for the first time can set up the file-sharing functionality during the Phone Link setup process. Those who have already paired their iPhone with a PC can set it up by navigating to aka.ms/addAccount on the PC.

Feedback and Testing

Since the feature is currently under testing, users can submit their feedback by visiting the Feedback Hub under Apps > Phone Link.

Other New Features from Microsoft

In addition to the Phone Link functionality, Microsoft also introduced an update for the Microsoft Copilot app that brings a native experience. The update adds a new quick view feature, enabling users to bring up a quick view AI chatbot on the screen with keyboard shortcuts.

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27764

Microsoft also rolled out the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27764 to the Canary channel with changes to the start menu, dynamic lighting, input, narrator, and speech in Windows.

Microsoft Fires Two Employees For Organizing Unauthorized Vigil For Gaza Victims

October 26, 2024, 12:00 pm

Microsoft has terminated two employees who organized a vigil at its Redmond, Washington headquarters to honor Palestinians killed in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The employees were dismissed in phone calls on Thursday evening, hours after hosting a lunchtime event that they said was intended to support grieving colleagues.

The fired employees were active members of a coalition known as “No Azure for Apartheid,” a group of Microsoft staff opposing the company’s sale of cloud-computing services to the Israeli government. They argued that their vigil was comparable to other charitable events that Microsoft had previously supported for communities in need. Abdelrahman Mohamed, one of the organizers, expressed disappointment, stating, “Microsoft failed to provide a space for us to gather and honor those who have lost their lives.”

In a statement issued Friday, Microsoft confirmed it had ended the employment of some staff members “in accordance with internal policy,” without specifying details. Mohamed, originally from Egypt, now faces the challenge of finding a new job within two months to transfer his work visa and avoid deportation.

Another organizer, Hossam Nasr, said the vigil aimed to both remember those who lost their lives in Gaza and address Microsoft’s role in supporting the Israeli government through its technology. Nasr also claimed that Stop Antisemitism, a watchdog group, had disclosed his firing on social media over an hour before he received official notification from Microsoft. Earlier in the year, the group had publicly urged Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to take action against Nasr for his criticisms of Israel.

This is not the first incident of employee firings within tech companies over support for Palestinians. Earlier this year, Google dismissed over 50 employees following internal protests over Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion contract signed with the Israeli government for cloud and AI services provided by Google and Amazon. Microsoft emphasized that it remains committed to upholding a “professional and respectful work environment” but refrained from providing specific details regarding the recent terminations, citing privacy and confidentiality concerns.

Iranian Hackers Targeting U.S. Election Websites?

October 24, 2024, 6:27 am

An Iranian hacking group is actively monitoring U.S. election-related websites and American media outlets as election day approaches, according to a Microsoft blog published on Wednesday. Researchers indicate that this activity suggests “preparations for more direct influence operations.”

The hackers, referred to as Cotton Sandstorm by Microsoft and linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have conducted reconnaissance and limited probing of multiple “election-related websites” in several unnamed swing states. In May, they also scanned an unidentified U.S. news outlet to assess its vulnerabilities.

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“Cotton Sandstorm will increase its activity as the election nears given the group’s operational tempo and history of election interference,” researchers wrote. This development raises concerns due to the group’s past efforts in this area.

A spokesperson for Iran’s mission to the United Nations stated that “such allegations are fundamentally unfounded, and wholly inadmissible.” They added, “Iran neither has any motive nor intent to interfere in the U.S. election.”

Cotton Sandstorm

In 2020, Cotton Sandstorm initiated a different cyber-enabled influence operation shortly before the last presidential election. Posing as the right-wing “Proud Boys,” the hackers sent thousands of emails to Florida residents, threatening them to “vote for Trump or else!”

The group also released a video on social media, purportedly from hacktivists, showing them probing an election system. Although that operation did not impact individual voting systems, senior U.S. officials indicated that the goal was to create chaos, confusion, and doubt. After the 2020 election, Cotton Sandstorm conducted a separate operation that incited violence against U.S. election officials who had rejected claims of widespread voter fraud, Microsoft reported. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which is leading the federal effort to safeguard the election from foreign influence, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Microsoft Upgrades AI Assistant With Voice And Vision Features

October 1, 2024, 9:34 pm

Microsoft is bringing significant upgrades to its AI assistant, Copilot, by adding voice and vision tools aimed at enhancing user experience. The updated Copilot app can now read news summaries and answer questions about the text and images you are browsing online.

Copilot Daily: News Summaries with Ease

One of the standout features of this upgrade is Copilot Daily, which will read you a daily summary of important news. This feature aims to keep users informed on the go without the need to scroll through multiple articles.

Copilot Vision: Interacting with Text and Images

Copilot Vision adds another layer of interaction by answering questions about the text and images users encounter online. Whether you’re browsing websites or reading documents, this feature offers useful guidance, allowing for a more engaging experience.

Cross-Device Compatibility

The upgraded Copilot works seamlessly across iOS, Android, Windows, and the web. Microsoft is also introducing a version of Copilot for WhatsApp, expanding its reach and usability.

Limited Testing for Vision Feature

To ensure data safety, Microsoft is testing Copilot Vision with a limited list of popular websites. Users need to opt-in for this feature, ensuring transparency and safety as Microsoft collects data for improvements.

Creating Emotional Connections

Microsoft’s AI consumer chief, Mustafa Suleyman, highlighted the company’s vision of moving beyond just utilitarian products. He emphasized the importance of creating emotionally intelligent interfaces that empathize with users, saying, “Now that we actually have these very conversational interfaces… it requires us to exercise a totally new muscle in the organization.”

A Personal Advocate

Suleyman also shared that, with user permission, Copilot aims to eventually act on your behalf to simplify daily tasks, giving you more time to focus on what matters most.

Microsoft’s new AI features represent a bold step toward more intelligent and interactive technology, and Copilot is leading the way in delivering these experiences.

Microsoft Revives Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant To Power AI, Boosting Economic Growth

September 23, 2024, 11:32 am

Microsoft entered into a agreement with Constellation Energy, one of the largest producer of carbon-free energy in the US, to revive the shuttered Three Mile Island nuclear power plant near Middletown, Pennsylvania. The plant, which was the site of the worst commercial nuclear accident in US history in 1979, is set to be reactivated under a 20-year power purchase agreement, aiming to support Microsoft’s artificial intelligence (AI) projects and data centers.

Plant Renamed, Set to Reopen in 2028

Renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center in honor of Chris Crane, a former CEO of Constellation’s parent company, the plant is scheduled to be operational by 2028. This marks a key step in Constellation Energy’s largest-ever deal, which emphasizes the importance of reliable, carbon-free energy in advancing the tech industry.

Economic Boost for Pennsylvania

The plant’s revival is expected to create approximately 3,400 jobs and contribute over $3 billion in state and federal taxes. Additionally, it will add $16 billion to Pennsylvania’s GDP, positioning the state as a leader in the national energy landscape. Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the critical role of nuclear energy in providing safe, carbon-free electricity.

Controversy Surrounding the Project

While the reactor slated for reopening was not involved in the 1979 meltdown, the decision to bring Three Mile Island back online has sparked controversy. The plant, shut down in 2019 due to an inability to compete with cheaper energy alternatives, remains a point of contention among local activists. Critics argue that public funds could be better spent on other sustainable energy investments rather than reviving a plant with a fraught history.

Nuclear Energy and the Tech Industry’s Future

Nuclear power is emerging as a key solution for the tech sector’s growing energy needs, particularly for AI, due to its consistent and carbon-free energy supply. This move by Microsoft is part of a broader trend in the tech industry to secure long-term energy sources. Bill Gates, Microsoft’s former CEO, is also heavily invested in nuclear energy, backing a plant in Wyoming aimed at powering homes and AI systems.

As Microsoft and Constellation Energy move forward with the project, the revival of Three Mile Island reignites debate over the role of nuclear power in a world increasingly focused on sustainability and carbon reduction.

Microsoft Launches New Windows App For Seamless Cross-Platform Access

September 23, 2024, 1:16 am

Microsoft has officially rolled out a new Windows app designed to work across multiple platforms, including macOS (Apple’s desktop operating system), iOS (Apple’s mobile operating system), iPadOS (the iPad’s version of iOS), Android, and Windows PCs. This cutting-edge app acts as a unified platform for streaming Windows from various sources such as Windows 365 (a service that lets users run a version of Windows in the cloud), Azure Virtual Desktop (Microsoft’s cloud-based virtual desktop service), and Remote Desktop (a tool for accessing another computer remotely), giving users a seamless experience across different devices, as reported by The Verge.

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After nearly a year of testing, the app now includes features like a home screen that users can customize, support for multiple monitors, and USB redirection (which allows users to connect external devices like webcams, storage drives, and printers as if they were directly connected to their cloud PC). These features are designed to make remote work more flexible and improve the user experience.

However, the app is currently limited to Microsoft work and school accounts (Microsoft accounts associated with businesses or educational institutions) and mainly serves users already familiar with Remote Desktop clients. It aims to make transitioning to this new platform easier for those users.

While Microsoft has long offered remote access tools, like the Remote Desktop Connection in Windows 11, there is no indication that this new app will support personal (non-work or school) accounts. According to The Verge, last year Microsoft outlined a vision of moving Windows entirely to a cloud-based system, which would integrate more AI-powered services and give users greater flexibility.

The app is available for download from the Microsoft Store, while versions for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS can be found on Apple’s App Store. The Android version is also entering public preview, making it accessible to a broader user base.

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Nvidia’s AI Chip Delays Expected To Impact Major Tech Companies

August 4, 2024, 1:13 pm

Nvidia Corp.’s next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) chips are experiencing delays due to design flaws, according to a report by The Information. The delay, which could extend to three months or more, is expected to affect some of Nvidia’s biggest customers, including Meta, Google, and Microsoft. As a result, large shipments of the chips might not be available until the first quarter of 2025.

An unnamed Microsoft employee revealed that Nvidia had previously informed the company about a delay in the release of the Blackwell series, the most advanced AI chip model. Nvidia introduced the Blackwell series earlier in March, aiming to succeed its Grace Hopper Superchip, which was designed to enhance generative AI applications.

Despite the reported delay, an Nvidia spokesperson assured The Information that “production is on track to ramp” later this year but declined to comment further on customer communications. Meanwhile, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft declined to comment on the report.

Key Takeaways:

Delay Duration: Estimated to be around three months or more.
Affected Companies: Meta, Google, and Microsoft.
Impact: Delayed AI chip shipments may stall AI advancements for major tech firms.
Future Outlook: Shipments may not occur until the first quarter of 2025.

Microsoft Faces New Outages Weeks After CrowdStrike Chaos

July 30, 2024, 9:50 pm

Less than two weeks after a global outage, Microsoft is facing another major setback, affecting its 365 services, including Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The company announced it is “currently investigating access issues and degraded performance with multiple Microsoft 365 services and features” in a statement shared on X on Tuesday.

Impact on Azure:

We’re currently investigating access issues and degraded performance with multiple Microsoft 365 services and features. More information can be found under MO842351 in the admin center.

— Microsoft 365 Status (@MSFT365Status) July 30, 2024

An alert on the Microsoft service status website indicated that the outage affected Microsoft Azure, the cloud computing platform that supports many services. This disruption hampered communication between apps, users, devices, and the internet.

User Reports and Response:

Same here in Belgium …

— Nyx (@TnyxNf) July 30, 2024

The outage was detected as user reports of issues with Outlook and other apps surged on DownDetector on Tuesday morning. Thousands of users reported problems with the email service. Microsoft 365 Status shared an update on social media, stating that the company “applied mitigations and rerouted user requests to provide relief.” Microsoft Support officials apologized online, saying, “We’re sorry to hear you’re running into issues with our services. Our experts are currently investigating the situation to resolve it as soon as possible.”

Expert Commentary:
Computer security expert Professor Alan Woodward criticized the failure of Microsoft’s network infrastructure, which was supposed to be “bomb-proof.” He remarked, “It seems slightly surreal that we’re experiencing another serious outage of online services from Microsoft. The culprit appears to be network infrastructure, but you would have hoped that with such important cloud-based systems there would not be a single point of failure.”

How to protect computers from devil’s shadow

July 23, 2024, 4:30 am

What happened on Friday with the world’s largest computer operating system reminded me of an old saying: “When the fence itself starts eating the crops, who will guard them?” That’s exactly what happened. No one launched a cyberattack on Microsoft, no one hacked the system, but millions of systems around the world froze. In this age of technology, such a massive outage paralysed the operations of banks, airlines, major companies, hospitals and key establishments. This incident has raised many serious questions for the future.

Let’s first understand in very simple terms what happened. Every computer user fears the possibility of a virus or a cyberattack, so they use cybersecurity systems. There is a company called CrowdStrike Falcon headquartered in Austin, Texas (USA), and its software operates in the background on corporate systems, detecting any virus or cyberattack. It is believed that one of the over 10,000 employees of this company prepared a software update and released it. As soon as the update appeared on computers, people naturally accepted it. With this, the computer screen turned blue. In computer language, this is called the Blue Screen of Death, meaning the computer became useless. Microsoft’s operating system is the most widely used system, and Microsoft uses this CrowdStrike cybersecurity, which is why panic spread worldwide. In India, more than 200 flights were affected. In the US, the number was in the thousands. Rail and air passengers in the UK faced troubles. The stock market was not spared either. TV broadcasts in many countries stopped. In India, airlines were forced to issue handwritten boarding passes. In Zurich, planes couldn’t even land. Flights were disrupted in Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Hungary, Italy and Turkey too.

Had this been a cyberattack, it might not have been as worrisome because the entire world is working to counter cyberattacks. The problem is that the system designed to counter cyberattacks itself turned out to be suicidal. The question is, wasn’t the update checked before being released? A single employee couldn’t have released such an update alone! A major oversight has occurred. Suppose in the future, an even bigger mistake occurs, what will happen then? This question is extremely serious because we are becoming increasingly dependent on computers for our daily needs. While it has undoubtedly made our lives easier, such security lapses make it feel like there’s a devil lurking over computers. You might not have forgotten the aftermath of tsunami. When the tsunami hit Japan, the power snapped and people couldn’t open their automated homes, trapping thousands inside. Many lost their lives too.

You would be surprised to know that India ranks first in cyberattacks. According to the report of application security company Indusface, in 2023, Indian websites and apps faced an average of more than 10 million cyberattacks daily. Attacks came from every part of the world, but it is believed that North Korean and Chinese hackers top the list and they are capable of targeting any computer in the world. Certainly, most of these cyberattacks were minor ones and thwarted by security systems, but some major cyberattacks did trouble India. You might remember that several major hospitals in India, including AIIMS, were also targeted. The report also stated that 100% of healthcare websites and 90% of banking, finance and insurance websites faced cyberattacks. Even defence sites were attacked. The most concerning fact is that about 40% of large industries in India are unable to prevent these cyberattacks. Cyberattacks and ransom demands are increasing.

Hackers attack a company’s computer system, hack it and then demand a hefty ransom to return the data. The amount paid is not disclosed as no one reveals it. Certainly, we are not alone in suffering from these cyberattacks. The US experts estimate that the damage from cyberattacks will exceed $9.5 trillion in 2024. The governments of countries like the US and India maintain their own storage systems, but private companies use others’ storage systems, making them easy targets.

One concern that bothers me greatly is whether we are moving towards the kind of fiction we see in Star Wars movies. If yes, those battles will be fought with computers. Are we ready for that? Are our robots ready? I believe that a man will remain in his place but his powers will be controlled by computers. Our new generation must intensely prepare for this, both for self-defence and, if necessary, for offense. This is a significant challenge for our scientists.

The author is the chairman, Editorial Board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha.

Microsoft Reports 8.5 Million Devices Hit by CrowdStrike-Related Outage

July 21, 2024, 12:27 pm

A global tech outage caused by a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike impacted approximately 8.5 million Microsoft devices, according to a blog post by Microsoft on Saturday.

“We currently estimate that CrowdStrike’s update affected 8.5 million Windows devices, or less than one percent of all Windows machines,” Microsoft stated in the post.

The update from CrowdStrike, a major player in the cybersecurity sector, led to widespread system issues that disrupted flights, interrupted broadcasts, and left customers unable to access essential services such as healthcare and banking.

“While the percentage was small, the broad economic and societal impacts reflect the use of CrowdStrike by enterprises that run many critical services,” Microsoft noted.

To address the issue, CrowdStrike has collaborated with Microsoft to expedite a resolution for Microsoft’s Azure infrastructure. Microsoft also mentioned working with Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform to share information about the industry-wide effects of the outage.

The air travel sector was working to recover from the outage that resulted in thousands of flight cancellations and significant delays, with passengers facing long waits and disruptions at airports.

Delta Air Lines, among the airlines most affected, reported that by 10 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT) on Saturday, more than 600 flights had been canceled, with further cancellations anticipated.

WATCH – CrowdStrike CEO Struggles in Answering Questions on Live TV; Users Question His Composure

July 21, 2024, 12:31 am

In one of the most significant IT failures ever recorded, a global technological outage on Friday brought Microsoft services to a halt, affecting millions of users worldwide. The disruption impacted a wide range of services, including flight operations, cloud services, and Office 365 apps. The root cause of the disruption was traced back to CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm known for its Falcon Sensor software.

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz, during his apology on NBC’s Today TV program, appeared visibly shaken and struggled to explain the situation. Kurtz clarified that the disruption stemmed from a content upgrade, not a hack. He explained that a bug in an upgrade to Falcon Sensor caused massive technical problems by interfering with Windows systems. The CEO admitted the need to investigate further to understand how a single content change could lead to such extensive disruptions.

Kurtz’s fumbling response and visible anxiety led to a viral video on social media platform X, where he was seen pausing to sip water and struggling to answer questions about the lack of a backup system to prevent such a scenario. The video amassed over 2 million views, with captions and comments questioning his composure and suggesting potential hidden issues.

Omg. Crowdstrike CEO starts panicking and choking on his words when the media asks him why a single content update could shut down the entire system.
Look at how nervous this man is.
What is he hiding? pic.twitter.com/vUE94qP7dZ

— Green Lives Matter (@Ultrafrog17) July 19, 2024

In the comments section, users speculated about the severity of the situation and criticized the failed risk management. Some users suggested it might have been a cyberattack, while others blamed the company for not having proper safeguards in place.

Despite Kurtz’s clarification that the issue was due to a software defect in the update, the incident has highlighted significant vulnerabilities in cybersecurity measures and the importance of robust backup systems to prevent such widespread disruptions in the future.

The Simpsons Predicted Microsoft’s IT Outage? Social Media Theories Abound

July 20, 2024, 1:40 pm

As a Microsoft IT outage halted key infrastructure globally, various theories about the disruption surfaced on social media. Several users on X, formerly known as Twitter, claimed that The Simpsons had predicted the outage years ago.However, there is no proof to back up this theory. Social media users pointed to an episode of The Simpsons that allegedly depicted a similar outage affecting the entire United States. These tweets quickly went viral.

One user tweeted, “Trump on Fox & Friends, the screaming, the Crowdstrike Cloud Servers…. The Simpsons got it all right again.” Another added, “Of course!! The Simpsons predicted the human error in Crowdstrike that affected Windows computers worldwide.” A third person asked, “Did The Simpsons predict this?” Despite the widespread attention these tweets received, it is crucial to clarify that these claims are entirely false. The Simpsons have never made such predictions.

Por supuesto que si!!
Los Simpson predijeron el error humano en Crowdstrike que afectó a computadoras con windows a nivel mundial: pic.twitter.com/edP9RWdkDg

— Carlos Morales (@carlo5m0rAl35) July 19, 2024

This theory emerged a day after a widespread technology outage affected companies and services across various industries, grounding flights, knocking banks and hospital systems offline, and disrupting media outlets. CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm, was central to the situation. The company explained that the problem occurred when it deployed a faulty update to computers running Microsoft Windows, clarifying that the issue was not a security incident or cyberattack.

What is CrowdStrike? How Did It Lead to Global IT Outage? – Explained

July 20, 2024, 5:27 am

A global technology outage on Friday grounded flights, disrupted health services, crashed payment systems, and blocked access to Microsoft services in what experts believe is one of the largest IT failures in history.

The cause of the disruptions originated from a cybersecurity firm called CrowdStrike, which provides software to a wide range of industries. An update to one of CrowdStrike’s software products, Falcon Sensor, malfunctioned, leading to major tech failures worldwide. This botched update affected computers running Windows, resulting in significant disruptions across various sectors.

CrowdStrike, an American cybersecurity firm founded in 2011 and based in Austin, Texas, has grown rapidly by offering a range of security services using cloud-based software. It boasts on its website that it protects 538 out of the Fortune 1000 companies. Despite its rapid growth and a market value of around $83 billion at market close on Thursday, CrowdStrike’s share value declined dramatically, falling by as much as 13% on Friday following the outage.

The company’s primary products are designed to block hackers and malware, but CrowdStrike has also been hired to investigate major data breaches. Notably, it was tasked with investigating the Russian hack of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) servers in 2016 and a 2014 cyberattack on Sony Pictures linked to North Korea. CrowdStrike’s investigation into the DNC hack also played a role in the first impeachment of Donald Trump and the special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The global outage stemmed from an update to CrowdStrike’s cybersecurity platform, Falcon. This update caused a malfunction that disabled systems and software worldwide. CrowdStrike’s CEO, George Kurtz, apologized for the outage, which the company attributed to a faulty piece of code. Kurtz emphasized that this was not a security incident or cyberattack and that the issue had been identified, isolated, and fixed. He directed customers to the support portal for updates and assured continuous updates on the company’s website.

Compounding the chaos on Friday, another outage hit Microsoft’s Azure cloud services, causing additional failures. Microsoft stated that the two outages were unrelated and that its Azure services were back online. Kurtz mentioned on NBC’s Today show that it could take some time before systems fully recover from the outage caused by his company.