Global Scans · Microsoft · Weekly Summary

• [New] Threat level: A recent Microsoft report found that AI-automated phishing emails achieved a 54% click-through rate, compared with 12% for phishing lures that did not use AI. Mimir's Well
• [New] The push for seamless AI integration into software, as with Microsoft Copilot, will likely lead to truly intelligent operating systems and applications that learn and adapt to individual user behaviour over time. AI Tools Insights
• [New] Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, Apple and Amazon will provide essential perspectives on artificial intelligence investment returns and consumer technology demand. IG
• [New] 90 organizations using Microsoft Copilot found it could save an average of 43 minutes per staff member per day or more, equivalent to five weeks per person annually. UKAuthority
• [New] Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Google could spend an estimated $320 billion on capex, primarily for AI-related needs. Business Insider
• [New] AI's contribution to GDP growth could rise to as much as 1.5 percentage points in 2026 as the so-called hyperscalers-Alphabet, Amazon.com, Meta Platforms, Microsoft and others-dial up their investments from $400 billion in 2025 to as much as $600 billion. Communications Today
• [New] Microsoft flags skills gaps as AI could unlock 230 million digital jobs in Africa by 2030. Data Centre News with Andy Davis
• [New] Companies heavily investing in data centers and specialized hardware for AI training, like Microsoft and Alphabet, could see reduced costs associated with expanding their computational capabilities. FinancialContent
• [New] Reputable cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure have multi-billion dollar security infrastructures that far exceed what most individual businesses could afford. Golden Info Systems Limited
• [New] In February, Microsoft unveiled a new chip that it said showed quantum computing is years, not decades away, while IBM in June said it plans to have a practical quantum computer by 2029. 1450 AM 99.7 FM WHTC | Holland
• [New] Microsoft processes over 100 trillion security signals daily, blocking 4.5 million malware attempts and analyzing 38 million identity risk detections. Forensic Focus
• [New] Microsoft, particularly with its Dynamics 365 offerings and Copilot initiatives, will find itself in an even more direct and fierce battle for enterprise AI dominance, potentially needing to further integrate its various AI components to match Salesforce's unified vision. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] AI-enabled PCs are projected to make up 43% of all PC shipments by the end of 2025, transforming personal computing with features like Microsoft Co-Pilot and Apple's AI features. FinancialContent
• [New] Capital expenditure from hyperscalers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet will signal long-term confidence in AI demand, alongside the rise of Sovereign AI initiatives by nations. Poteau Daily News
• [New] Chestnut signed a long-term agreement to acquire and restore 60,000 acres of native biodiversity with Microsoft Corporation to help them achieve their goal of being carbon negative by 2030. Oxbow Partners
• [New] Microsoft Edge's Internet Explorer Mode Causes Vulnerability: Hackers exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Edge's Internet Explorer (IE) mode, allowing malicious websites to force victims' browsers to reload in IE mode and execute arbitrary code. Medium
• [New] Investments will surge even higher in 2026, with Oracle, Microsoft and Broadcom signaling continued growth in AI infrastructure. TheFencePost.com
• [New] As AI models continue to evolve, they highlight the need for robust frameworks like the one Microsoft previewed, creating a synergy that could lead to more innovative software solutions. Coaio Limited
• [New] Microsoft recommends stronger identity controls, better visibility into third-party risk and supply chain transparency. Bizclik Media Ltd
• [New] Microsoft periodically releases security patches that address vulnerabilities in various products: Windows, Office, cloud services, network components, among others. Cibersafety
• [New] Supply-chain and software ecosystem risk: Microsoft flags that attackers increasingly aim at the software supply chain (developers, CI/CD, package registries) as a force multiplier. News, Events, Advertising Options
• [New] Microsoft processes more than 100 trillion signals daily, blocks around 4.5 million new malware attempts, analyses 38 million identity risk detections, and screens 5 billion emails each day for potential threats. SecurityBrief Australia
• [New] Microsoft has already decided to move manufacturing of most new products; including Surface laptops and data center servers; outside of China, possibly as early as 2026. GreatAndhra

Last updated: 02 November 2025