Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul of its security practices in response to a series of high-profile attacks.

CEO Satya Nadella has emphasized that security is now the company's "top priority," acknowledging past shortcomings highlighted by the US Cyber Safety Review Board.

In a memo obtained by The Verge, sent on Friday to Microsoft's over 200,000 employees, Nadella outlined three core principles guiding Microsoft's Secure Future Initiative: secure by design, secure by default, and secure operations.

These principles will inform all aspects of the initiative, including protecting identities and secrets, securing networks, and accelerating threat response.

Nadella also stressed the importance of collaboration across sectors and learning from adversaries to strengthen overall security posture.

"If you're faced with the tradeoff between security and another priority, your answer is clear: Do security," Nadella stated in the memos. "In some cases, this will mean prioritizing security above other things we do, such as releasing new features or providing ongoing support for legacy systems."

He added: "This is key to advancing both our platform quality and capability such that we can protect the digital estates of our customers and build a safer world for all."

Strengthening Security: Nadella's Vision For Microsoft's Secure Future Initiative

The memo acknowledges recent security breaches, including attacks by Chinese and Russian hackers targeting Microsoft's systems and infrastructure.

Nadella highlighted the seriousness of these threats and the company's responsibility to defend against them.

Furthermore, he announced plans to double down on the Secure Future Initiative, mobilizing the entire organization to implement and operationalize new security standards and guidelines.

Additionally, Nadella revealed that part of the senior leadership team's compensation will be tied to progress in meeting security goals.

Image credits: Muhammad Alimaki on Shutterstock.