Microsoft
Questions may cover - spam emails, two-factor authentication, reCAPTCHA, common issues, steps individuals should take to protect their data, data privacy, ways to protect individual computers and computers managed by an organisation, policies or practices
Spam Email
Microsoft provides various tools and guidance to help users identify and deal with spam emails:
Outlook and Microsoft 365:
Microsoft's Outlook email client and Microsoft 365 suite have built-in spam filters that automatically detect and move spam emails to the spam or junk folder.
Users can mark emails as spam to help train the filter and improve its accuracy over time.
Phishing Protection:
Microsoft also offers advanced protection against phishing attempts. It uses machine learning and other techniques to identify potentially harmful emails and warn users about them.
Security Notifications:
Microsoft may send legitimate security notifications to users to alert them about suspicious activity on their accounts. These notifications are typically not considered spam and should be taken seriously.
Reporting Spam:
Users can report spam emails directly to Microsoft. This helps them improve their filters and catch similar emails in the future.
Education and Resources:
Microsoft provides educational resources to help users recognize phishing and spam emails. They offer tips on what to look for and how to stay safe.
two-factor authentication
Two-step verification helps protect you by making it more difficult for someone else to sign in to your Microsoft account. It adds an extra layer of protection beyond just a username and password. It uses two different forms of identity: your password, and a contact method (also known as security info). Even if someone else finds your password, they'll be stopped if they don't have access to your security info. This is also why it's important to use different passwords for all your accounts.
Microsoft's CAPTCHA
A CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) is a security measure used to determine whether a user is a human or a computer program (bot). Microsoft, like many other companies, has used CAPTCHAs to protect their online services from automated abuse.
Microsoft has utilized various forms of CAPTCHAs over the years to ensure the security and authenticity of interactions on their platforms. These CAPTCHAs often involve challenges that require users to prove their humanity by completing tasks that are easy for humans but difficult for bots, such as identifying distorted letters or selecting specific images from a grid.
COMMON ISSUES
Windows Vulnerabilities: Microsoft Windows operating systems have faced numerous security vulnerabilities over the years, leading to frequent security patches and updates to address these issues. (Source | 2020)
Ransomware Attacks: Microsoft products and services have been targeted by ransomware attacks, impacting users and organizations worldwide.
Steps Microsoft takes to deal with these issues?
Patch Management: Microsoft has implemented a robust patch management system to address Windows vulnerabilities. They release regular security updates and patches, often on "Patch Tuesday," to address known vulnerabilities promptly. Users are encouraged to install these updates to keep their systems protected.
Security Software: Microsoft offers a range of security software and tools, such as Windows Defender Antivirus and Microsoft 365 Defender, to protect users from malware and ransomware attacks. These solutions provide real-time threat detection and response, enhancing overall security.
