Microsoft unveils Azure confidential computing

Microsoft has unveiled Azure confidential computing to provide enterprises with a first-of-its- kind level of data security amid increased cybercrime.

Azure confidential computing is a set of features and services that provides protection that to date has been missing from public clouds: encryption of data while in use. Today, Azure delivers cutting-edge support for encryption of customer data both at rest and in transit. This next level of “encryption in use” will help customers further protect their data from several threat scenarios –

· Malicious insiders with administrative privilege or direct access to hardware on which it is being processed.

· Hackers and malware that exploit bugs in the operating system, application or hypervisor.

· Third parties accessing it without their consent.

This hardware-based cloud solution, leveraging the Intel SGX technology, is a direct result of over four years of work from Azure, Microsoft Research, WDG and close collaboration with partner, Intel.

Azure confidential computing is now available in private preview as part of a special early access program.