Earlier this month, Microsoft announced its European Security Programme, leaning in to lend a hand to Europe’s Cyber Frontline.
With everything happening in the world right now, from global conflicts and rising geopolitical tensions, to spiralling AI hype and big-name breaches like the Marks & Spencer cyberattack, the landscape can appear somewhat daunting at times. Microsoft's commitment to bolstering cybersecurity and collaborative efforts across europe, which was announced earlier this month, signals a renewed effort to tackle cybercrime on a global scale.
Our walk through at InfoSecurity Europe made it clear. AI-powered threats, supply chain breaches, foreign influence campaigns and national infrastructure attacks are not future risks. They’re happening now.
The Marks & Spencer hack was a blunt reminder. No brand is immune. And while the cause hasn’t been confirmed, the signs are familiar. Persistent access, data exfiltration and delayed detection.
Add in rising global tensions involving Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. Cyberwarfare isn’t a looming threat. It’s already in motion.
Microsoft has launched a free, Europe-wide security programme available to all EU countries, the UK, EFTA members and a few others. This is not surface-level support. It’s a serious, AI-powered investment in regional cyber defence. The goals outlined according to Microsoft are as follows:
1. AI-driven threat intelligence
Country-specific alerts, tailored intelligence feeds, early warnings about foreign influence campaigns and guidance on patching vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. It’s like adding a live threat radar to your infrastructure.
2. Strengthening resilience and capability
Microsoft is embedding experts inside Europol’s cybercrime centre and partnering with the UK’s Lab for Advanced Security Research. This is not just reactive help. It’s long-term investment in defence capability across the region.
3. Disrupting cybercrime at speed
From malware takedowns like Lumma to a new “Statutory Automated Disruption” tool targeting malicious domains and IPs, this is about acting quickly and preventing damage before it spreads.
The UK is right at the centre of this. Microsoft has explicitly included the UK as a partner in the programme, offering direct access to intelligence, collaboration on AI-powered defence research and tailored support for critical national infrastructure.
The partnership with the Lab for Advanced Security Research means more UK-based R&D, deeper collaboration with law enforcement and faster access to high-value threat intelligence.
This is not just good news for the public sector. It builds stronger digital resilience for UK businesses across the board.
Whether you’re a household name or a growing SME, this programme should, in time, give you more protection and more insights. But only if you’re ready to act on them.
Security is about preparation. It’s about having the right systems, the right awareness and the ability to move quickly. Microsoft’s programme gives the region better visibility. What you do with it is what matters.
At Intercity, we keep things clear. The cyber threat landscape is shifting fast. This announcement should be a wake-up call. Not just for governments, but for anyone responsible for protecting people, data and operations.
This is the moment to ask the hard questions. Are your defences where they need to be? Are your people equipped to respond quickly? Are you prepared for the risks AI introduces?
We’re already working with organisations across the UK to modernise their security and build resilience for what’s next. If you want a clear, practical view of your position, let’s have that conversation.