Microsoft and CrowdStrike Team Up to Simplify Hacker Naming

Ever tried watching a TV series where the villain goes by four different names? Confusing, right?

That’s exactly how the cybersecurity world often feels. The same hacker group can be called completely different things depending on who’s talking—whether it’s Microsoft, Google, CrowdStrike, or another security company.

This jumble of names isn’t just frustrating—it can actually slow down how quickly experts (and the businesses they protect) respond to attacks.

One Name for Each Hacker Group

To fix this, Microsoft and CrowdStrike are creating a unified naming system for cybercriminal groups. The goal? Give each hacking group a single, agreed-upon name so everyone—from security pros to business owners—can instantly understand who’s behind an attack.

Right now, a single group might be called Salt Typhoon by Microsoft, GhostEmperor by another company, and Operator Panda somewhere else. Unless you already know these are the same people, it’s easy to miss crucial details. And in cybersecurity, missing details can mean missing the chance to stop a threat in time.

How the New Naming System Works

The new approach will use weather-themed labels based on the group’s type and origin:

• Typhoon – Chinese state-backed hackers

• Blizzard – Russian groups

• Tempest, Storm, Tsunami – Ransomware gangs, spyware developers, and other cybercriminals

It’s a straightforward idea, but it will make identifying and tracking hackers faster and easier.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Clearer names mean clearer communication. That helps your IT team or cybersecurity provider spot patterns, connect the dots, and act sooner when something suspicious happens.

The result?

• Better threat detection

• Fewer missed warnings

• A faster, stronger response to attacks

And while this may sound like an industry-only change, it actually levels the playing field for smaller businesses. You don’t need to be a tech expert—just knowing that major security players are speaking the same language makes everyone safer.

The Bottom Line

This behind-the-scenes change might not grab headlines, but it could have a big impact on keeping your business secure. It’s one more step toward making cybersecurity less chaotic—and a lot more effective.

If you want to make sure your business is ready for evolving threats, my team can help you put the right protections in place. Get in touch today.

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