Starting today, Microsoft is tying employee performance reviews to their contributions to security efforts. This new policy, emphasized in an internal memo from Kathleen Hogan, Chief People Officer, states, "Everyone at Microsoft will have security as a Core Priority. When faced with a tradeoff, the answer is clear and simple: security above all else."
Employees must now prioritize security in their daily work, and this will influence promotions, salary increases, and bonuses. Security has been elevated alongside diversity and inclusion as essential elements of performance evaluations.
Technical staff, in particular, are expected to embed security into product design from the start, follow best practices, and ensure products are secure by default for customers.
This move reflects Microsoft's commitment to addressing ongoing security challenges and criticisms, reinforcing a culture where security is paramount.
