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CUPERTINO (dpa-AFX) - An internal Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) memo leaked to
Bloomberg reveals that starting in September 2024, all employees based in China
and Hong Kong will be mandated to use an iPhone 15 for authentication when
logging into company systems. The change is partly attributed to the
unavailability of the Google Play Store in mainland China, despite its
accessibility in Hong Kong.

In China, Android users typically rely on app stores operated by Huawei or
Xiaomi, which Microsoft has now restricted access to. As a result, the company
will require its Chinese-based employees to use Apple devices exclusively for
identity verification when accessing work computers or phones. This policy aims
to ensure that all employees adopt the Microsoft Authenticator password manager
and Identity Pass app to bolster security.

The decision to implement this security-focused policy for Microsoft's Chinese
team members follows a string of significant security breaches in the company's
systems. One breach occurred in the summer of 2023 when a Chinese-based group
gained unauthorized access to Outlook email accounts in the US and Europe.
Subsequently, Microsoft rolled out the Secure Future Initiative program in
November 2023 to fortify its cybersecurity measures. However, in early January
2024, the company revealed that a Russia-based hacker group had infiltrated the
email accounts of some of Microsoft's senior executives. Consequently, Microsoft
emphasized that security would be its top priority going forward and indicated
that employees' compensation and bonuses could be affected by their
contributions to cybersecurity, as per neowin.

As per the memo, employees who currently use an Android smartphone will be
provided with an iPhone 15 by the company. Microsoft is in the process of
establishing designated locations within its Chinese facilities where employees
can pick up their new iPhones.



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