How comfortable can we be when it comes to the security of the systems our government relies on?
By Brad Boney
AUSTIN, Texas (Texas Insider Report) — In my years of working in and around politics, one thing is abundantly clear: we must strongly support law enforcement (#BackTheBlue) while also taking a firm stance against China – especially when it comes to safeguarding our online security. This is critical because data today represents not only an invaluable asset but also a significant vulnerability that can be exploited.
The United States cannot afford to jeopardize the privacy and security of its citizens by allowing foreign governments access to sensitive information.
Unfortunately, recent events have shown us that this is becoming a real risk.
Did you know that Microsoft employs nearly 10,000 people in China who are directly involved in developing and maintaining their software products, including Office, Exchange, Teams, Windows, and Azure – the very same tools used by U.S. government agencies at all levels?
Think about that for a moment.
How comfortable are we with the relationship between Microsoft and China when it comes to the security of the systems our government relies on? This is not just a theoretical concern; it's a tangible risk. Under Chinese law, companies like Microsoft are required to share their source code with Chinese government authorities, which means that the Chinese government may have direct access to sensitive data and security infrastructure within these widely-used systems.
The situation gets even more alarming when we examine Microsoft’s track record when it comes to cybersecurity. Over the years, the company’s security practices have proven to be inadequate in preventing several high-profile cyberattacks.
For example, in 2023, Chinese hackers were able to breach Microsoft’s systems and access sensitive communications from U.S. officials – some of whom held high-ranking positions within the government.
Following the breach, an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security revealed that the security lapse resulted from a "cascade of avoidable errors" in Microsoft’s internal protocols, further exposing the risk posed by the company’s relationship with China.
For example, in 2023, Chinese hackers were able to breach Microsoft’s systems and access sensitive communications from U.S. officials – some of whom held high-ranking positions within the government.
Following the breach, an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security revealed that the security lapse resulted from a "cascade of avoidable errors" in Microsoft’s internal protocols, further exposing the risk posed by the company’s relationship with China.
This breach highlights a disturbing trend: Microsoft's security efforts, despite the company's size and influence, have been consistently insufficient when protecting the data of American citizens and government entities.
Despite the mounting evidence of Microsoft’s security failures and the growing concerns over its ties to China, many American organizations – both public and private – remain dependent on Microsoft products. This is because these tools, including Office 365 and Azure, have become ubiquitous in both government and business operations. For many, the cost of switching to alternative platforms, the lack of viable alternatives, or simply the entrenched nature of Microsoft products creates a situation where they feel they have no choice but to continue using them. But just because these tools are pervasive doesn't mean we should overlook the risks they present.
Thankfully, there are Senators in Washington who take our national security seriously. Senator Ted Cruz, in particular, has made holding Big Tech accountable and confronting China a central part of his agenda. Senators Cruz and John Cornyn both understand that the issues we face with tech giants and foreign influence extend far beyond Washington, D.C., and require immediate attention at the federal level.
That is why the time for action is now.
With President Trump back in the White House and a Congress that Americans have elected to enact his “America First” agenda, there is an opportunity to make meaningful changes to protect our nation’s technology landscape.
That is why the time for action is now.
With President Trump back in the White House and a Congress that Americans have elected to enact his “America First” agenda, there is an opportunity to make meaningful changes to protect our nation’s technology landscape.
However, until those changes are made, governments at every level will continue to watch with growing concern as sensitive U.S. data flows through platforms that the Chinese government may be able to access.
The security of our nation depends on our ability to confront this problem head-on and enact policies that protect our citizens, our data, and our sovereignty.
Brad Boney is the Principal of Bradshaw Boney Mediation & Pubic Affairs, and has received state appointments by two different Texas Governors.
