Microsoft launches new cyber security tool

Microsoft will be launching Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA), an onsite security tool used to uncover potential cyber hazards in a company network or system.

The tool works by evaluating, learning and recognising the actions of users, resources, and devices, and reporting whether that behaviour is normal or abnormal.

The platform, lined up to be released in August, finds security issues and malicious attacks before offering the data in a timeline not unlike that of a social network. ATA also offers behavioural analytics, mobile support and email alerts.

The software is influenced by technology from Aorato, an enterprise security company that Microsoft purchased in November last year.

Microsoft said about the product:

“Without a strong defence system in place, the identities and bank accounts of individuals can be hacked, businesses stand to lose customers, and companies can lose control of trade secrets.”

The enterprise client’s vice president, Brad Anderson, said that businesses need to be provided with clearer, more detailed information regarding security threats, and claimed that current security platforms have proven to be hard to manage.

The platform will make life easier for businesses in terms of being able to thwart any potential attacks from hackers. However, they will still need someone on site to be able to operate the tool and have a good understanding of online security. This means that those companies planning to use it without offering cyber security jobs to professionals able to use the tool may not be getting the full benefits.