Microsoft to Alert Users to Suspected Government Snooping

Microsoft said it plans to begin informing users of its online e-mail and file-storage services if it suspects attackers associated with government agencies have tried to break into their accounts. The company previously offered alerts to users about computer break-ins without providing information about suspected perpetrators. Microsoft said it would notify users when it has reason to believe an attack on a customer account is “state-sponsored.” Microsoft’s new policy mirrors those recently adopted by Facebook and Twitter. Google has issued warnings about state-sponsored attacks since 2012.

These providers don’t specify what countries they believe may be responsible. The move follows a series of highly publicized computer intrusions over the past few years, as well as revelations about US government intelligence-gathering techniques disclosed by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden. In some cases, US officials and security researchers say they have uncovered evidence that links a particular attack to a certain country.