Huntress has announced a collaboration with Microsoft to enhance cybersecurity for businesses of all sizes, addressing the growing sophistication of cyberattacks. Huntress, known for its enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions, will integrate its services with Microsoft environments, providing essential protections for endpoints and identities. . The integration includes features such as Endpoint Detection and Response, Identity Threat Detection, and a 24/7 Security Operations Center, which will allow organizations to respond to cyber threats more efficiently.
And speaking of Microsoft, Microsoft is discontinuing the use of its Authenticator app for storing and autofilling passwords, effective July 2025. Users will need to transition to Microsoft Edge or alternative password management solutions for these functions. The company will also delete saved payment information in Authenticator this July, followed by the removal of password storage in August. Microsoft Authenticator, initially launched in 2016 as a multifactor authentication tool, introduced password storage capabilities in 2020. As part of this transition, Microsoft will automatically sync saved passwords to users’ accounts for access via Edge, and users are encouraged to export their passwords to other services by August if they prefer not to use Edge.
Microsoft has confirmed a significant issue affecting Windows Server Update Services, or WSUS, that prevents organizations from syncing with Microsoft Update and deploying the latest Windows updates. Since last night, many Windows administrators have reported synchronization failures, with error messages indicating connection issues or timeouts. The problem stems from a problematic update revision identified in the storage layer, which is impacting the synchronization process. Microsoft has stated that updates cannot be deployed using WSUS or Configuration Manager until a fix is implemented. Currently, there are no workarounds available, and the company is actively working on resolving the issue.
Why do we care?
Huntress aligning with Microsoft is a logical move for both parties. Huntress brings hands-on-keyboard threat hunting and MDR-level expertise to Microsoft’s massive install base. For MSPs, this creates:
- An opportunity to build layered security offerings in Microsoft environments. The integration means Huntress tools can plug more natively into Azure AD and Intune-managed devices.
- A differentiator for smaller MSPs competing with larger players: leveraging Huntress’ SOC and EDR means providing enterprise-grade protection without standing up your own 24/7 NOC.
But it’s also a warning: as Microsoft deepens partnerships like this, it tightens its ecosystem. Vendors outside Microsoft’s orbit may find themselves marginalized unless they offer niche or cross-platform capabilities.
The other two stories are more tactical, although MSPs should use these developments as a springboard to audit their Microsoft dependencies, update client roadmaps for identity and patching, and lean into vendor relationships that deliver multi-layered security.