With offices in both countries, Microsoft said on Feb 28 it is taking steps to protect its employees, support humanitarian aid, stop the spread of state-sponsored disinformation, and safeguard customers and countries from cyberattacks. The same day, Microsoft declined to answer questions on how – or if – it would make changes to its operations in Russia.
On Monday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee directed state agencies to cut ties with Russia, and recommended that companies doing business in the state do the same. BP and Shell, which operate sprawling oil refineries in northwest Washington, both announced they plan to cut ties with Russia. Also on Monday, Microsoft said it had detected a round of “offensive and destructive cyberattacks” against Ukraine’s digital infrastructure hours before the launch of missiles and movement of tanks Thursday.
Cyberattacks against Ukrainian government websites and affiliated organisations have been working to disrupt operations in the country but, so far, Ukraine’s digital infrastructure appears to be holding up.