Microsoft has introduced a number of new cloud computing services across its UK Azure regions to improve data security and enable innovation through the use of robots, Internet of Things (IoT) and other technologies.

The company has released 10 new services for its cloud platform, including some that utilise cyber security technology to help protect systems as the cyber crime threat rises during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Azure Bastion limits threats by letting users securely connect to virtual machines in Azure without using public IP addresses, reducing exposure to the public internet and risks such as malware that could be targeting virtual machines.

Another new feature is Azure Confidential Computing. It is common practice to encrypt and protect data while it is sitting in a data centre and being moved across a network, but Azure can now secure information while it is being used. This means it is possible for multiple organisations to combine their data sets and analyse them without being able to access each other’s data.

Azure Private Link offers a secure connection to Microsoft’s cloud with no public internet access, and can also help users meet compliance regulations in certain markets.

Michael Wignall, Azure business lead at Microsoft UK, said: “Azure is helping organisations, both large and small, adapt to a new way of working, and our cloud experts continue to help them at this challenging time."

Microsoft said it was continuing to invest in its Azure network across Europe. The company recently announced a $1 billion investment plan in Poland that includes a new Azure region in the country.

It also unveiled a $1.5 billion, five-year investment plan in Italy that includes the first cloud region in the nation, located in Milan.

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