“Literally no one seems to know anything about this” — Microsoft used China-based engineers to maintain DoD systems with high impact data

Microsoft logo on a building, obscured by trees.

Microsoft used engineers in China to maintain computer systems of the United States Defense Department for almost 10 years. Those engineers were overseen by "digital escorts," but even some government officials were unaware of the practice.

Several of those who were aware of the use of digital escorts warned the government about the potential threat caused by the system. A contributing factor to the risks was the fact that the digital escorts often did not have the technical expertise required to perform their role.