Microsofts greed gives China keys to vital US defense systems

It’s a national betrayal: Microsoft, actively exploiting loopholes in federal guidance, has effectively handed Xi Jinping the keys to sensitive US defense systems — by using cheap Chinese labor to maintain them.In July, for example, ProPublica reported that Microsoft has long employed engineers based in Communist China to maintain and support cloud systems used by the US Department of Defense.Microsoft’s role as a trusted contractor for our federal government means this is not a routine cyber vulnerability, but a direct threat to our national security.When China gains insight into Department of Defense systems — whether through direct system access, negligent cybersecurity practices or recklessly lax contracting policies — it isn’t just a hypothetical risk.It gives the Chinese Communist Party the ability to map and disrupt US military operations, logistics networks, and critical infrastructure.It allows Beijing to build comprehensive surveillance profiles on American servicemembers, government employees and private citizens, and to undermine our technological advantage by stealing proprietary information, research and defense innovations.In short, it’s putting American lives at risk.This is not a stand-alone incident, but part of an alarming pattern in which Microsoft has consistently ignored or dismissed security risks, allowing Chinese and Russian hackers to exploit its software.The pattern is clear, and the implications are devastating: These breaches have compromised sensitive government operations, exposed personal data and jeopardized mission-critical systems.Worse yet, this is espionage facilitated not just by foreign adversaries’ aggression, but by the greed and negligence of an American corporation.Time and again, Microsoft has knowingly prioritized its profit margins over the safety of our warfighters, the confidentiality of our intelligence operations and the integrity of America’s military readiness.Subscribe to our daily Post O...