Microsoft has achieved Tier 3 certification of the Multi-Tier Cloud Security Standard for Singapore (MTCS SS) for Azure and Office 365. In addition, Microsoft’s Dynamics CRM Online has also been assessed and certified as complying with Tier 2 of MTCS.

This improves on a Tier 1 certification awarded in late 2014 for Azure and Office 365, and makes Microsoft the first global cloud service provider to have obtained the MTCS certification across its infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings.

cyber security 2

Singapore standard

MTCS SS is a cloud security standard developed by the Information Technology Standards Committee (ITSC) in Singapore and published in November 2013. The objective was to help businesses understand the different cloud service providers’ (CSPs) offerings better, and as a means to drive cloud adoption by certifying the security that they offer.

Tier 3 was designed for regulated organizations with specific requirements and more stringent security requirements. Industry specific regulations may be applied in addition to the baseline controls in order to supplement and address security risks and threats in high impact information systems.

Although Microsoft is first to get the cerfication for multiple service,s Amazon Web Services (AWS) was the first global cloud provider to get a Tier 3 certification for its cloud services, awarded in mid-October 2014.

Microsoft says it will also be working with the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) to share its certification journey with others. As part of Support for Cloud-enabled Certified Secure SaaS (SUCCESS), Microsoft will help vendors undertake MTCS certification with the necessary support and training.

“The speed with which we have brought the most complete and comprehensive cloud portfolio in the market to MTCS reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to accelerate Singapore’s cloud adoption and cloud innovation across industries,” said Jessica Tan, managing director for Microsoft Singapore in a statement sent to Datacenter Dynamics.

Aside from MTCS, Microsoft also recently received the United States Defence Information System Agency (DISA) Level 2, Japan Financial Industry Information Systems (FISC), and New Zealand Government Chief Information Officer (GCIO).

“Microsoft’s cloud portfolio is the most trusted with 22 certifications, self-attestations and guidance framework adoptions from around the world, more than any other hyper-scale cloud platform provider,” she said.