Doris Maingi

Microsoft Azure Sphere hits general availability finally Azure Sphere has launched in general availability at last. Microsoft announced the Internet of Things (IoT) security and cloud services platform in April 2018. The system has three main components: microcontroller unit (MCU), Linux-based operating system (OS), and a cloud-based security service. Cloud security is a key part of Azure Sphere’s architecture As people get connected via the internet, devices are also getting similar connectivity thanks to the IoT. But cloud security has been a major impediment to the wide-scale adoption of IoT. It is the main challenge that Microsoft set out to address with the Azure Sphere project. The IoT world is big data rich, and that is the primary reason it is a sure target for cyber attackers. Dishwashers, refrigerators, surveillance cameras, and even wearables, which are some of the devices that can benefit from IoT technology, collect a lot of data that is vulnerable in the cloud. According to Microsoft, the Azure Sphere Security Service protects such data by ensuring that IoT devices connect and communicate securely. One way the platform does this is by authenticating all connections to keep intruders out of the network. Also, it will be a lot difficult for unsigned software updates to penetrate Azure Sphere’s security architecture. That protection would help in various scenarios, such as if a hacker or any other bad actor tried to introduce malicious code into IoT equipment software. Microsoft partnered with MediaTek to develop cross-over MCUs for its IoT security platform. While Azure Sphere was in preview, some appliance manufacturers deployed these chips on their products. Failure reporting Azure Sphere adopts a preemptive strategy to failure reporting. Rather than wait until a device fails, the system will be scanning each IoT device’s operational data for indicators of potential breakdown. It appears that the platform incorporates artificial intelligence into operational data analysis. As such, it can predict possible equipment failure after detecting predisposing factors like overheating. The approach makes remote servicing and updates possible in IoT. Customer-facing apps Microsoft said that appliance makers can also create mobile or online user portals that leverage Azure Sphere data. Customers may access such interfaces to track device data, for example, usage or status, in real time. Azure Sphere has to prove that it can effectively addresses key IoT security concerns, from denial of service attacks to spoofing. That is one way to persuade more skeptical manufacturers or device/appliance makers to sign up for the service.