Microsoft has revealed plans to provide its employees in China with Apple’s iPhone for accessing essential authentication apps.
This decision, which will enable Microsoft to tighten its cybersecurity, is part of its Secure Future Initiative and comes in response to the absence of Google Play Store services in China, which limits the availability of essential security applications such as Microsoft Authenticator and Identity Pass.
Per Reuters, a spokesperson from Microsoft confirmed the initiative on Monday, explaining that the change to iOS is necessary to ensure employees have seamless access to the required security tools.
This development follows a series of security challenges for Microsoft, including recent incidents involving Russian hackers who breached the company’s email systems.
According to an internal memo reported by Bloomberg News, Microsoft will reportedly begin distributing iPhone 15 models to its China-based employees starting in September. This will mitigate the risks associated with the unavailability of Google’s Android services in the region and maintain strong security standards for its workforce.
Microsoft has been present in China since entering the market in 1992. The company operates a research and development centre in the country, focusing on its long-term goals in the region despite the complex regulatory environment.
Hence, the latest measure is Microsoft’s assertive approach to safeguarding its operations and ensuring compliance with regional restrictions in the country, thereby maintaining high-security standards for its global workforce.
