Microsoft agrees to Windows 10 adjustments with Swiss data watchdog

Microsoft agrees to Windows 10 adjustments with Swiss data 

watchdog

Switzerland's data protection czar will not take Microsoft to court after the U.S. company agreed to adopt recommendations for improving data processing transparency for its Windows 10 operating system, the government agency said.The Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) said on Wednesday it had concluded an investigation into the operating system begun in 2015, which it said revealed data protection gaps under Swiss law."The FDPIC investigations revealed that data processing in connection with Windows 10 did not conform in every respect with the data protection legislation," the authority said in a statement.In response, Microsoft made proposals to the commissioner which had been agreed after adjustments by the FDPIC."The technical implementation of the modifications requested by the FDPIC will be carried out worldwide as part of the two Windows 10 software releases planned for 2017," the FDPIC said.The Swiss government agency said the agreement with Microsoft meant there was "no need for court proceedings".A Microsoft spokesman said the company appreciated the opportunity to discuss Windows 10 with the Swiss Data Protection Authority."As a global business, Microsoft is committed to complying with all applicable laws in the countries in which we offer our services and products," he said.Microsoft says in a blog on its website that it is committed to protecting consumers' privacy with the product.In its 2015-2016 annual report, the FDPIC said the system's quick installation or "get going fast" option automatically activated nearly all data transfer and access processes, which meant user data, including location details, browser and search history, keyboard entries and nearby WiFi networks, automatically went to Microsoft.In concluding its investigation, the FDPIC said the Windows 10 "quick access" and "customize settings" pages had not fully met transparency requirements. Information was lacking on the content of browser, feedback and diagnostic data, as well as on the length of time that transmitted data would be stored, it said.(Reporting by Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi; Editing by Adrian Croft)

Microsoft, Qualcomm back Israel's Team8 cybersecurity firm

Microsoft, Qualcomm back Israel's Team8 cybersecurity firm

The venture arms of Microsoft (MSFT.O) and Qualcomm (QCOM.O) have invested in Team8, an Israeli creator of cybersecurity start-ups, as big multinational companies get behind Israel's burgeoning cyber industry in the face of growing threats.
Team8, which also announced on Monday a strategic partnership with Citi (C.N) to help develop its products, said the most recent investment brings its total raised to more than $92 million.Its other investors are Cisco, AT&T, Accenture, Nokia, Singapore's Temasek, Japan's Mitsui, Bessemer Venture Partners, Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt's Innovation Endeavors and Marker LLC.
While the number of attempted cyber attacks was 20,000 a week two or three years ago, that figure had now risen to 600,000-700,000, said Yoram Yaacovi, general manger of Microsoft Israel's development center.Israel has some 450 cyber start-ups, which receive 20 percent of global investment in the sector. Although the need for security is growing quickly, the proliferation of start-ups means that several companies compete in every subsector."A large part of companies created won't get to the finish line," Nadav Zafrir, Team8 chief executive and former commander of the Israeli army's technology and intelligence unit 8200,told a news conference.He said he believes Team8's strong partners and its plan to build a portfolio of different technologies gives it an edge. Team8 confirmed that Microsoft had been an investor since last June."The expectation of our investors is to build independent companies that will lead their sectors," he said.Israel has a well established high tech industry, using skills of workers trained in the military and intelligence sectors. Tax breaks and government funding have encouraged start-ups, and also drawn in entrepreneurs from abroad.