Microsoft offers AccountGuard in Europe

On 20/02/2019, Microsoft announced the expansion of its AccountGuard cybersecurity service to 12 additional European markets ahead of the May 2019 European Parliament elections. The service, offered at no additional cost, was designed to protect political candidates, parties, campaign offices, think tanks, and non-profit organizations focused on democracy and electoral integrity. The expansion extended protections to France, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovakia, and Spain. Microsoft said the rollout followed detection of cyberattacks targeting 104 accounts associated with European democratic institutions. The activity was attributed to the group known as Strontium, also referred to as Fancy Bear. The company stated that the attacks focused on organizations involved in policy, governance, and election-related work, prompting the broader availability of AccountGuard protections in additional countries. With the February 2019 expansion, Microsoft AccountGuard became available in 14 European countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland where the service had previously launched. The program provided monitoring for nation-state attacks, security notifications, and guidance to help organizations strengthen defenses during the election period.