In today’s interconnected world, governments face growing cyber threats from nation-states and cybercriminals, making it crucial to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data.
Microsoft Entra data shows that of more than 600 million identity attacks per day, more than 99% are password-based. 7,000 password attacks blocked per second over the past year. 775 million email messages contained malware (July 2023-June 2024).
Cybersecurity is a race against time. From the moment a user clicks on a bad hyperlink in a malicious email, it can take as little as 72 minutes, while it takes organizations an average of 277 days to detect and contain breaches. With AI enhancing cyberattacks, the stakes are higher than ever for public sector defenses.
«Government agencies and critical infrastructure organizations are prime targets for cybercrime, for obvious reasons: the vast amounts of valuable data they hold, the importance of the assets they oversee, and economics involved. All these factors underscore how crucial it is for governments to invest in advanced cybersecurity measures and collaborative frameworks to protect their assets and citizens. And AI today is one of the main trends in the field of process improvement, including security processes», – Sergey Leschenko, Microsoft CIS director noted.
To address these challenges, the Government of Kazakhstan has embraced cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance cybersecurity resilience. Despite ranking 78th in the National Cyber Security Index, Kazakhstan has achieved high results in protecting electronic identity.
AI’s role in cybersecurity
«At Microsoft, with over 30 years of AI research experience, we’re witnessing how generative AI is transforming processes: in cybersecurity, tasks are completed 22% faster with 7% greater accuracy», – Sergey Leschenko said.
Governments are leveraging AI to transform their cybersecurity frameworks, enabling faster, more precise responses to cyber threats. Key benefits include:
- Automated threat detection and incident response: AI-powered systems detect anomalies and initiate responses within seconds, reducing the window of vulnerability.
- Predictive threat intelligence: By analyzing patterns in vast datasets, AI forecasts potential risks, enabling proactive measures.
- Phishing and fraud detection: AI tools can swiftly identify phishing schemes, protecting citizens and public services.
- Data security and privacy protection: AI ensures compliance with stringent data protection standards while securing sensitive information.Microsoft’s commitment in Kazakhstan
Microsoft’s collaboration with the Government of Kazakhstan exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to public sector cybersecurity. Through initiatives like Azure Days, Microsoft shares best practices and provides in-depth training on cloud security and resilience. Furthermore, the company’s Senior Leadership Team works closely with Kazakhstani officials to implement AI-driven cybersecurity strategies tailored to the region’s unique challenges.
«It’s almost unimaginable that there are so many attacks happening every day, – Sergey Leschenko remarked. – We’re blocking over 7,000 password attacks per second, and yet the threats keep evolving. This is why it is important to work with the biggest experts in cybersecurity and share knowledge to help governments and organizations stay ahead. Kazakhstan’s proactive approach to adopting AI and cloud solutions is a testament to its commitment to cybersecurity resilience. We’re proud to partner with the country and provide tools and expertise that align with international standards».
Microsoft’s latest Didital Defense Report sheds light on the evolving cybersecurity landscape, emphasizing:
- Nation-State threats: increasingly complex attacks from actors like Russia and China targeting public sector operations.
- Rising cybercrime: a surge in ransomware and phishing attacks underscores the urgency for comprehensive defenses.
- Defensive strategies: leveraging AI and public-private partnerships to address vulnerabilities effectively.
Microsoft’s efforts ensure that governments lead by example in defending their nations, creating safer digital environments for all.
For more information about Microsoft’s cybersecurity initiatives or to participate in upcoming training events like Azure Days, please visit Microsoft Industry Blogs.
