What is Azure Sphere?
Azure Sphere is a comprehensive IoT security solution consisting of three components: a hardened microcontroller (MCU), a secure Linux-based operating system, and the Azure Sphere Security Service for continuous monitoring and updates.
The platform was designed to protect and securely operate connected devices from hardware to cloud.
Core Features
- Hardware-based security with Pluton Security Subsystem
- Hardened Linux-based operating system
- Automatic over-the-air updates
- Continuous threat monitoring
- Certificate-based authentication
- Secure boot and runtime attestation
Typical Use Cases
Smart home devices: Secure connectivity for household appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, or HVAC systems with automatic security updates.
Industrial IoT: Securing sensors and controllers in production environments where security vulnerabilities can lead to production outages.
Retail and point of sale: Secure payment terminals and connected cash register systems with hardware-anchored trust.
Benefits
- Defense-in-depth approach across all layers
- Automatic updates without manual intervention
- 10 years of security updates from Microsoft
- Integration with Azure IoT Hub and IoT Central
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Azure Sphere cost?
Costs consist of hardware (MCU) and security service. The Azure Sphere Security Service is included for the device lifetime (up to 10 years) in the MCU purchase price.
Which microcontrollers are available?
Azure Sphere MCUs are manufactured by partners like MediaTek. The MT3620 is the first available MCU with integrated Wi-Fi. Additional variants for different connectivity options are available.
Can I retrofit existing devices?
Azure Sphere requires special hardware with the Pluton Security Subsystem. Existing devices can be retrofitted as Guardian Modules, where the Azure Sphere MCU functions as a security gateway.
How do over-the-air updates work?
Updates are delivered through the Azure Sphere Security Service. Devices regularly check for updates, download them, and install them securely using a dual-boot process.
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you with Azure Sphere: hardware selection, application development, IoT integration, and deployment strategies.
