FX.co ★ Microsoft Reportedly Wants Its Employees In China To Ditch Android And Use IPhones

A recently leaked internal memo from Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) obtained by Bloomberg outlines a forthcoming company-wide policy change. Effective September 2024, all employees based in China and Hong Kong will be required to use an iPhone 15 for authentication when accessing company systems. This shift is partly due to the absence of the Google Play Store in mainland China, despite its availability in Hong Kong.

In mainland China, Android users typically depend on app stores operated by companies like Huawei and Xiaomi, from which Microsoft has now restricted access. Consequently, Microsoft will mandate the exclusive use of Apple devices for identity verification among its China-based employees. This policy is designed to ensure the adoption of the Microsoft Authenticator password manager and Identity Pass app to enhance security protocols.

The move to enforce this robust security policy among Microsoft’s Chinese team members follows numerous significant security breaches within the company's systems. One notable incident occurred in the summer of 2023, when a China-based group gained unauthorized access to Outlook email accounts in the US and Europe. In response, Microsoft launched the Secure Future Initiative program in November 2023 to bolster its cybersecurity defenses. Despite these efforts, in early January 2024, the company disclosed that a Russia-based hacker group had breached the email accounts of several senior executives. As a result, Microsoft reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing security, noting that employees' contributions to cybersecurity initiatives might influence their compensation and bonuses, according to neowin.

The memo also states that employees currently using Android smartphones will receive an iPhone 15 from the company. Microsoft is setting up specific collection points within its Chinese facilities where employees can obtain their new iPhones.

This strategy underscores Microsoft's intensified focus on security and its dedication to mitigating risks posed by cybersecurity threats.