Microsoft announced on Wednesday it is providing a free cybersecurity programme to European governments aimed at strengthening their defences against cyber threats, including those supported by artificial intelligence (AI). The programme comes amid a rise in cyberattacks across Europe, many attributed to state-sponsored actors from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. Microsoft President Brad Smith said the programme will enhance intelligence-sharing on AI-based threats and support efforts to prevent and disrupt cyberattacks. "If we can bring more to Europe of what we have developed in the United States, that will strengthen cybersecurity protection for more European institutions," he told Reuters. Attackers increasingly use generative AI to scale up operations that range from disrupting critical infrastructure to spreading disinformation. Despite this, Smith said AI remains a valuable defensive tool. "Our goal needs to be to keep AI advancing as a defensive tool faster than it advances as an offensive weapon," he added. Microsoft monitors the misuse of its AI models and restricts access to cybercriminals. Recent AI-driven deepfakes include a fake video of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appearing to surrender to Russian demands in 2022 and a manipulated audio recording that influenced Slovakia's 2023 election. Smith noted that audio deepfakes have been easier to produce than video so far. Attribution: Reuters Subediting: M. S. Salama
