Microsoft introduces security lab to test vulnerabilities, attacks

Microsoft has introduced the Azure Security Lab, a dedicated customer-safe cloud environment, at the Black Hat USA 2019 conference which convened this week.

The Microsoft logo is shown on the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles [File photo: Reuters via VCG/Mike Blake]

The Azure Security Lab is a set of dedicated cloud hosts, aimed at allowing security researchers to aggressively test attacks against infrastructure-as-a-service scenarios.

It also allows participants to identify research vulnerabilities in Azure and do their best to emulate criminal hackers, according to Microsoft.

In addition to offering a secure testing space, the lab program will enable participating security researchers to engage directly with Microsoft Azure security experts.

Researchers will not only research vulnerabilities in Azure, they can also attempt to exploit them, according to the tech giant.

Applications to join the Azure Security Lab are open, with Microsoft offering researchers up to 300,000 U.S. dollars if they can hack its Azure public-cloud infrastructure, according to Microsoft.

"Microsoft is committed to ensuring our cloud is secure from modern threats. We built Azure with security in mind from the beginning, and work to help customers secure their Azure cloud environment with various solutions," said Kymberlee Price, principal security PM manager for Microsoft Security Response Center's Community Programs.

Tens of thousands of the world's best cybersecurity professionals gathered in Las Vegas this week for the Black Hat USA 2019 cybersecurity conference, which focuses on the latest development and new trend in cybersecurity.

Now in its 22nd year, Black Hat USA is the world's leading information security event, providing attendees with the very latest in research, development and trends.