Microsoft’s staff in China will only be allowed to use iPhones at work after September for security reasons
From September, Microsoft employees in China will only be allowed to use iPhones for work.
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What you need to know
Microsoft staffers in China will soon be forced to ditch their Android phones for iPhones.The Windows 11 Android integrationprovides a better user experience thanthe iPhone, making the move rather odd.
According toa Bloomberg report, the move is slated to take effect in September later this year. This doesn’t mean that Microsoft will require its employees to buy iPhones out of their pockets. The Redmond giant will provide an iPhone 15 for its employees using Android phones.
The move is part of Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative, designed to help “prepare for the increasing scale and high stakes of cyberattacks.” As you may know, the iPhone is well-known for its privacy and security features.
Microsoft employees in China access IT infrastructure via Microsoft multi-factor authentication (MFA) apps. After September, employees will be restricted from using these apps on Android devices, hence the big push for the iPhone.
Does this mean the iPhone is more secure than Android phones? While the answer remains debatable, Apple has stringent rules about the apps that make it to its App Store compared to Google’s Play Store on Android phones. However,the EU pressured Apple to allow third-party apps on its platform, placing it in the same boat as Google.
Microsoft has a security problem it’s determined to fix
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says, “Security underpins every layer of the tech stack, and it’s our No. 1 priority. We are doubling down on this very important work, putting security above all else before all other features and investments.”
In the past few years, the tech firm has been riddled with cascades of security failures, including a cyberattack thatallowed hackers to access confidential emails belonging to high-ranking government officials.
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As part of Microsoft’s broader plan, the company recently announced that it willhold top executives accountable for cybersecurityby tying a portion of their compensation packages to meeting security goals and metrics. It also plans to accelerate its response time and remediation when handling security issues.
Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. You’ll also catch him occasionally contributing at iMore about Apple and AI. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.
