Microsoft exec vows to fix security gaps that let China-linked hackers get federal emails, but defends presence in China

Microsoft’s president told Congress on Thursday his company accepted responsibility for major security failures that let China-linked hackers penetrate federal government computer networks, but defended his company’s presence in China.

Brad Smith struck a humble tone in his testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee and promised that the giant tech firm would fix security gaps in its products, which are widely used across federal agencies.

Republican lawmakers, however, focused on Microsoft’s activities in China, questioning how the company could shore up its cybersecurity while also operating in a country where the government demands access to data from businesses and other organizations.