Microsoft to inform users targeted by state-sponsored hacks

Microsoft has pledged to inform users of its email and cloud storage services if their account has been targeted by state-sponsored hackers,

The company said it was expanding its policy because it was likely the attacks could be more sophisticated or sustained than other intrusions. Microsoft already informs customers if accounts have been compromised or targeted by a third party.

The tech company made the announcement in a blog post written by corporate vice president Scott Charney.

“The evidence we collect in any active investigation may be sensitive, so we do not plan on providing detailed or specific information about the attackers or their methods,” he wrote. “ But when the evidence reasonably suggests the attacker is ‘state sponsored’, we will say so.”

Among Microsoft’s services are Outlook.com email and OneDrive online storage.

The company joins rivals including Google in advising customers when they suspect state-backed groups attacked their accounts. Countries seeking access to personal communications often use anti-terrorism efforts or protecting national security as motives.

The US Congress in June passed a bill curbing the National Security Agency's power to collect phone calls, part of a backlash against state spying highlighted after revelations by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden about US government monitoring of electronic communications.

Apple is among the global technology companies that have publicly pushed back against government attempts to access personal communications, saying a proposed UK surveillance law would weaken privacy and isn't justified by national security threats.

“The creation of back doors and intercept capabilities would weaken the protections built into Apple products and endanger all our customers,” Apple said in a submission to the parliament this month. “A key left under the doormat would not just be there for the good guys. The bad guys would find it too.”

Additional reporting: Bloomberg