The Microsoft paradox

Recent security incidents, such as the Microsoft Exchange zero-day exploit of Rackspace servers, have put Microsoft’s security efforts into focus. In 2022, the tech giant announced it would increase yearly security spending from $1 billion to $4 billion. Since then, many have questioned the Microsoft approach to security – with some saying Microsoft is focusing on the cure rather than prevention. This focus on fixing problems rather than avoiding them has been labelled the “Microsoft Paradox”. Critics have said that Microsoft should instead release new code more slowly – only after more thorough testing. Others have suggested Microsoft should work to discontinue old services sooner, or work with users to introduce more rigorous security features.