In order to ensure the security of all of its customers, the multinational technology company Microsoft has secretly barred bitcoin mining from its online cloud services.
The cloud computing network that is a component of Microsoft Azure, which is part of Microsoft’s online services, now enables cryptocurrency mining for a few different sorts of subscriptions.
“Updated Acceptable Use Policy to clarify that mining cryptocurrency is banned without prior Microsoft permission,” reads the text that can be found in the Summary of Changes section of the Universal License Terms for Online Services. This alteration becomes active on the first of December in 2022.
The “Acceptable Use Policy” specifies that “Neither Customer nor those that access an Online Service through Customer may use an Online Service: to mine cryptocurrency without Microsoft’s prior written approval.” Neither Customer nor those that access an Online Service through Customer may use an Online Service: to store cryptocurrency.
An advisory from Microsoft is sent out to its business partners, informing them that “the Acceptable Use Policy has been updated to explicitly prohibit mining for cryptocurrencies across all Microsoft Online Services unless written pre-approval is granted by Microsoft.” this pre-approval must be obtained before mining can begin.
In addition to this, it states that “We strongly recommend obtaining formal pre-approval from Microsoft before utilizing Microsoft Online Services for mining cryptocurrencies, regardless of the period of a subscription.”
As a result of the fact that crypto mining can cause disruption or even impairment to online services and its customers, as well as the fact that it is frequently linked to cyber fraud and abuse assaults such as unauthorized access and use of customer resources, reports indicate that Microsoft implemented the change as a result of these two factors.
According to a statement published by Microsoft, “We implemented this adjustment in order to better secure our customers and limit the risk of interrupting or degrading services on the Microsoft Cloud.” It’s possible that permission to mine cryptocurrency may be granted in the name of testing and research into potential security flaws.
Microsoft has now joined Google in its policy of not allowing users to mine cryptocurrencies without first acquiring prior written approval from the firm. Oracle has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to cloud mining, whereas Digital Ocean requires users to get permission first.
Compiled by Coinbold
