In a bold move to fight the rising wave of cyberattacks sweeping across Europe, Microsoft announced a free cybersecurity program aimed at strengthening European governments’ defenses—especially against the growing threat posed by artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cyberattacks.
The program, unveiled on June 4, 2025, comes at a critical time when Europe faces an alarming increase in cyber threats, many linked to state-sponsored hacking groups from countries such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. These cybercriminals are leveraging AI to escalate the scale and sophistication of their attacks, targeting everything from critical infrastructure to public information systems.
Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized the urgency and ambition behind the initiative in a recent interview with Reuters. “If we can bring more of what we’ve developed in the United States to Europe, it will significantly boost cybersecurity protection for European institutions,” Smith said. He hinted at further enhancements planned to roll out later this month, promising ongoing support for European governments in their fight against cyber threats.
The new program is designed to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing on AI-based threats, enabling governments to better detect, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks. This comes amid a broader trend where attackers use generative AI to automate hacking operations and amplify disinformation campaigns.
While AI has been weaponized by malicious actors, Smith underscored its crucial role as a defensive tool as well. “So far, AI hasn’t outpaced our ability to detect its misuse or the broader cyber threats,” he noted. Microsoft’s approach focuses on developing AI-driven detection and defense tools that evolve faster than the offensive capabilities used by hackers.
The company actively monitors the misuse of its AI models and restricts access to individuals or groups known for cybercriminal activities. This approach aims to minimize the risks associated with AI falling into the wrong hands.
One of the more alarming consequences of AI misuse is the rise of deepfake technology, which creates convincing but fake audio and video content.
Microsoft cited notable incidents, such as a deepfake video showing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy supposedly surrendering to Russian forces, and a fabricated audio recording that influenced the Slovakian election.
Smith pointed out that audio deepfakes are currently easier to produce than video ones, highlighting the need for advanced detection technologies to keep pace with these threats.
As Europe grapples with increasing cyberattacks, Microsoft’s free cybersecurity program could become a vital shield for governments and citizens alike. By combining AI-powered defenses with collaborative intelligence sharing, this initiative aims to create a more resilient digital ecosystem.
With cyber threats evolving rapidly, especially through AI, Microsoft’s latest effort offers hope that technology itself can be harnessed as a powerful ally against malicious forces.
