Microsoft and CrowdStrike Unify Hacker Naming System to Strengthen Cybersecurity

Ever tried keeping track of a story where the villain keeps changing names? Confusing, right?

That’s been the reality in cybersecurity. The same hacking group can be tracked under multiple names depending on which security company is reporting. Microsoft might call them one thing, CrowdStrike another, and Google something else entirely. For businesses trying to stay secure, this inconsistency makes it harder to see the full picture of a threat.

Now, that’s about to change.

Microsoft and CrowdStrike are teaming up to create a standardized naming system for hacker groups. The goal? To give each group one clear, universally recognized label—making it easier for IT teams and cybersecurity providers to share intelligence, connect the dots, and respond to attacks faster.

The new system uses weather-themed categories to identify threat actors by origin and type:

• Typhoon → Chinese state-backed groups
• Blizzard → Russian groups
• Tempest, Storm, or Tsunami → ransomware gangs and spyware operators

This shift might sound technical, but the benefits for businesses are huge:

• Faster threat recognition – no more confusion over which name refers to which attacker.
• Stronger defenses – clear labels make it easier to track patterns and prevent attacks.
• Level playing field – even smaller organizations benefit from improved intelligence sharing across the cybersecurity industry.

Cybersecurity is often complex, but this change brings clarity. With big players like Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and Google uniting under one system, businesses of all sizes will have a better chance to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

It’s a behind-the-scenes update you may not hear about in the headlines—but it could play a major role in protecting your business.

Want to make sure your company is ready for today’s evolving cyber threats? Let’s talk.