Microsoft promises EU companies more protection against US access to their data

A new option is available for customers to encrypt data in the Microsoft cloud using their own hardware security module (HSM), thus controlling access. Nadella said they are working with Aachen-based security specialist Utimaco, among others, on this. Solutions from Futurex and Thales are also supported.

Access only with European authorization

Where access is unavoidable, Microsoft attempts to allay concerns with its so-called "Data Guardian." This approach generally requires only Microsoft employees residing in Europe to control remote access to the systems. Should access from outside the EU nevertheless be necessary, it would have to be approved by European employees and stored in a tamper-proof storage system.