Microsoft Online Services vs Crypto Mining

Microsoft is tightening up its cloud services by forcing new limits on how people use them. It hopes to improve the stability of its cloud offerings. According to a policy change that went into effect on December 1, the technology giant will not allow its users to mine cryptocurrencies on its online services. Users must now get company approval before using Microsoft Azure to mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Microsoft’s hosted software solution, which is part of the company’s software as a service strategy, is Microsoft Online Services. Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing network, known to offer cryptocurrency mining on specific subscription plans, is one of these services. Microsoft tested blockchain services on Azure, as previously stated, but quietly stopped its Azure Blockchain Service experiment in September last year.

No Online Service user may utilize the service to mine crypto, according to the British technology news outlet The Register. The update stated there’s no more cryptocurrency mining without Microsoft’s prior written approval.

The firm offered minimal details on its new crypto-mining policy. The Summary of Changes page and a document provided to its partners were used to notify customers about the updated use policy. According to an Azure update, Microsoft’s most recent crypto mining limits are intended to safeguard online services from hazards such as cyber fraud, intrusion, and unauthorized access to customer data. According to the business, permission to mine cryptocurrencies for testing and research purposes for security detections may be considered later.

Microsoft Joining the Other Giant Tech Players’ Game

Microsoft is one of numerous cloud computing companies to accept the new limits. Unlike Microsoft, Google and other technology firms have long prohibited crypto mining in cloud computing. As a result, The Register believes that the deterioration in digital assets has prompted the change. The Register was the first to break the Microsoft embargo.

Google has a similar rule prohibiting mining without specific company approval. Google said that most malicious actors used compromised cloud accounts to mine crypto and launched a mining malware threat detection service for compromised cloud accounts earlier this year.

During its free trial period, AWS also prohibits cryptocurrency mining. Customers who choose to mine on AWS may have their account suspended and be charged a fee. Cloud mining is prohibited on certain platforms, such as Oracle, while Digital Ocean requires specific authorization.

To guarantee “players have a safe and inclusive experience,” Microsoft-owned video game Minecraft prohibited non-fungible tokens (NFT) earlier this year.