Microsoft Unveils New Cyber Security Protections; Hartford Insurance Takes Note.

With cyber attacks in the news and both companies and governments on edge, Microsoft has taken the initiative with a variety of new security features to Office 365 and Windows 10. One feature is a new Secure Score tool on Office 365 that companies’ IT professionals can use to benchmark their efforts at protecting their systems. The feature provides guidance and recommendations on what new Office 365 security features IT professionals can use to improve their systems.

The success of the new features has yet to be seen, but at least one company already intends to use the scores to help its bottom line. Hartford Insurance plans to use the score feature to evaluate applicants for cyber-security insurance in its underwriting process. If other insurers follow suit, the financial benefit of lower premiums could serve as yet another incentive for companies to take a closer look at their systems to protect their own bottom line. These efforts should become less intimidating as companies such as Microsoft develop additional tools and strategies to help companies deal with cyber threats.