CrowdStrike and Microsoft link threat actor names to help defenders respond faster

CrowdStrike and Microsoft are syncing threat actor names to reduce confusion and speed up response.

CrowdStrike and Microsoft are working together to simplify how cyber threat actors are identified across the security industry. The goal is to reduce confusion caused by different naming systems and make it easier for security teams to respond to threats.

Over the years, cybersecurity vendors have developed their own ways of labeling threat actors. These systems are based on each company's data, intelligence sources, and methods. While they offer important context, the lack of a shared reference point can slow down incident response. A single threat actor might go by several names across different platforms, which makes it harder to connect the dots quickly.

To address that, CrowdStrike and Microsoft have created a shared mapping system. It links threat actor names between their platforms without forcing a single naming standard. This effort helps analysts understand that names like COZY BEAR and Midnight Blizzard refer to the same group. With that clarity, defenders can make quicker decisions, match threat reports across tools, and take action sooner.

The two companies have already worked together to align the names of more than 80 known adversaries. That includes confirming overlaps such as Microsoft's Volt Typhoon and CrowdStrike's VANGUARD PANDA, both tied to Chinese state-sponsored activity. They also matched Secret Blizzard with VENOMOUS BEAR, which point to a Russia-linked group. These early results show that shared attribution can improve accuracy and speed in threat detection.

The effort starts with joint work between threat research teams at both companies. Analysts compare intelligence and decide when different names refer to the same group. While the project focuses on Microsoft and CrowdStrike for now, they plan to open it to others in the industry. The goal is to create a shared resource that the wider security community can use and maintain.

This move reflects a broader shift in cybersecurity: making intelligence more usable, not just more detailed. As threats grow more complex, defenders need to sort through large volumes of data fast. A common reference point can save time and reduce errors when responding to an active threat.

Instead of each vendor working in a silo, this collaboration helps unify their views without erasing differences in how they analyze threats. CrowdStrike and Microsoft are combining their strengths—one known for tracking adversaries, the other for its visibility across systems—to help defenders focus on what matters.

The shared mapping effort isn't about setting a new standard. It's about helping people navigate the ones that already exist. If more vendors join in, security teams could spend less time guessing which actor is which—and more time stopping attacks.