Today, Microsoft announced a new cybersecurity effort that it calls the Secure Future Initiative. It will have three main goals that the company says should offer better protection against the threat of cybercriminals. Microsoft Brad Smith stated in a blog post that this new initiative came about because the company has decided "that the increasing speed, scale, and sophistication of cyberattacks call for a new response." He summarized this new initiative by stating it will have "three pillars, focused on AI-based cyber defenses, advances in fundamental software engineering, and advocacy for stronger application of international norms to protect civilians from cyber threats."