Week in Review — Naming with Microsoft and CrowdStrike, Cybersecurity Training in Africa

June 07, 2025 by Robert Lemos Categories : Week in Review

Microsoft and CrowdStrike have launched a joint initiative to harmonize the naming of cyber threat groups, aiming to reduce confusion caused by differing labels across security vendors. By publishing a mapping of over 80 threat actor aliases, such as aligning Microsoft's "Canary Typhoon" with CrowdStrike's "Circuit Panda," they seek to streamline threat intelligence and improve response times. However, this effort faces skepticism, as similar attempts have been made before, and questions remain about its effectiveness in addressing emerging threats and achieving broader industry adoption.

With a rise in cyberattacks — up 23% in 2023 — and a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals, international organizations are collaborating with nations throughout the continent on initiatives like the UNDP's Tech4Peace and Carnegie Mellon University's picoCTF-Africa. The collaborative efforts are training thousands of students across the continent in cybersecurity skills. These programs aim not only to bolster digital defenses but also to provide economic opportunities and deter youth from joining armed groups.