Microsoft plans a naming system for hackers

Ever tried to follow a show where the main villain had four different names? Nearly impossible, right?

That’s exactly what it’s like in the world of cybersecurity today. One hacking group can be tracked under completely different names depending on who’s reporting on them—Microsoft, Google, CrowdStrike, or another security firm.

It’s confusing. And worse, it slows down how quickly businesses and IT experts can respond when a cyberattack is in progress.

Why Multiple Names Are a Problem

Imagine a hacker group launching a ransomware scam against U.S. businesses. Microsoft might call them Salt Typhoon. Another company, like CrowdStrike, could identify the same group as GhostEmperor or Operator Panda.

Unless you know these labels refer to the same cybercriminal gang, you only see part of the threat. That fragmented picture makes it harder to understand the group’s full tactics, how widespread their attacks are, and how to defend against them.

When every second counts in stopping an attack, confusion is a luxury no one can afford.

Microsoft and CrowdStrike’s Solution

That’s why Microsoft and CrowdStrike are teaming up to create a unified naming system for hacking groups. Think of it as giving each cybercriminal gang one official name that everyone agrees on.

This new system will use weather-themed naming conventions based on geography and type of attacker:

• Typhoon → Chinese state-backed groups

• Blizzard → Russian-backed attackers

• Tempest, Storm, or Tsunami → Ransomware gangs and spyware developers

It’s a simple but powerful idea: one name, one identity, less confusion.

Why This Matters to Your Business

You might be wondering: Does it really matter what hackers are called?

The short answer is yes.

The more clearly threats are identified and communicated, the faster your IT team or cybersecurity provider can respond. Unified

names mean:

• Better threat intelligence – No more piecing together scattered reports.

• Faster recognition – Everyone knows who’s behind an attack right away.

• Stronger defenses – Patterns are easier to spot across multiple incidents.

For small and mid-sized businesses, this matters more than you might think. Most ransomware scams don’t target Fortune 500 companies exclusively—smaller organizations are often the easier, more profitable targets.

With standardized naming, security alerts are clearer, responses are faster, and your business benefits from the same streamlined intelligence that large corporations rely on.

The Bigger Picture: Fighting Ransomware Scams

At first glance, a naming system might not sound groundbreaking. But in the fight against modern cybercrime, clarity saves time—and time saves money.

When a ransomware scam hits, every delay increases the damage. Attackers can encrypt more files, spread across more systems, and demand higher payments the longer they’re active.

By giving experts a shared language, Microsoft and CrowdStrike are helping the global cybersecurity community respond in unison. It’s a behind-the-scenes improvement that could directly reduce the impact of ransomware scams, phishing campaigns, and other threats on businesses like yours.

Collaboration Levels the Playing Field

This initiative is also part of a larger shift. Cybersecurity firms are recognizing that collaboration—not competition—is the best way to fight cybercrime. By sharing intelligence and aligning on naming, tech giants like Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and Google are building a more unified defense ecosystem.

That’s good news for small businesses. You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from this change. You simply gain the advantage of faster, clearer warnings and better protection from threats—without lifting a finger.

Don’t Wait for the Next Headline Attack

Cybercriminals are evolving quickly, and businesses that wait to react often pay the steepest price. Whether it’s a ransomware scam, a phishing attempt, or a hidden malware infection, the best defense is preparation.

And while Microsoft’s new naming system will make cybersecurity communication more effective, it doesn’t replace the need for a strong, proactive security strategy inside your business.

Get Expert Help Before It’s Too Late

At Elite Technology Solutions Group, we specialize in helping businesses like yours stay ahead of evolving cyberthreats. From strengthening your defenses against ransomware scams to ensuring your systems are monitored 24/7, our team is here to give you peace of mind.

Don’t wait until after an attack to take action. Contact Elite Technology Solutions Group today to schedule your cybersecurity prevention evaluation and make sure your business is protected.