Microsoft's Asia-Pacific cyber security council to unite policy makers

Microsoft has announced the creation of an Asia-Pacific cyber security council in a bid to improve communications between the public and private sector when it comes to dealing with cyber threats and implementing best practices.

The council, which is set to meet virtually on a quarterly basis, is made up of 15 policy makers from Brunei, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, as well as Microsoft and its cyber security advisors from across the technology industry.

The forum will include best practice workshops and hands-on lab sessions, as well as seminars on how to improve digital skills across any given workforce in a bid to reduce the talent gap in the cyber security sector.

The council will also seek to build on existing efforts to strengthen cyber security partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Global Forum on Cyber Expertise.

A key priority for the council will also be to foster a "community where threat intelligence, technology, and resources can be shared in a timely and open manner", according to a Microsoft blog.

"Cyberthreats and attacks are inevitable in this interconnected world, which is why our collective strength and collaboration as a community is imperative," said Sherie Ng, general manager of the public sector at Microsoft Asia Pacific. "Our joint mission is to build a strong coalition, to strengthen our cyber security defense."

Microsoft hopes this marks a significant commitment towards accelerating public-private partnerships in cyber security, but also provides the opportunity to promote broader sharing of threat intelligence to help the countries respond to cyber attacks.