Microsoft Azure Cloud Apps Get Key Deployment Service

Users of Microsoft’s Azure Cloud Applications can now benefit from a Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) deployment service, launched today by security firm Thales.

The BYOK Deployment Service Package means that users can use Thales’ Azure tool to create and securely transfer keys to Microsoft Azure cloud.

Keys in the cloud

The service package includes an nShield hardware security module (HSM) and the services to quickly get users cloud-ready and in control of sensitive data and keys in the cloud.

A spokesperson from Microsoft said: “Our collaboration with Thales on BYOK puts the customer in control of their keys. Organisations can generate their RMS master keys on-premises, using their own Thales HSMs, and then securely transfer those keys to our Azure-hosted Thales HSMs.”

Microsoft and Thales outlined some key benefits of the BYOK package. These included protection and management of the keys with FIPS 140-2 certified hardware and “expert guidance” on how to securely generate and transfer your keys to the cloud.

A VP from Thales Richard Moulds, highlighted the company’s opinion that control over critical security assets such as cryptographic keys remains with the customer.

Moulds said: “The goal for any security-oriented cloud service is to convey confidence that sensitive data in the cloud is protected.”

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