Cloudy with a Chance of Insights | A Microsoft Cloud (Azure, M365) Show for Architects & Engineers

Just a quick update for subscribes to the  @CloudyWithaChanceofInsights  podcast. As you know we tend to record the episodes on a Thursday/Friday and release on the following Monday.

This week we are doing something a little different and using LinkedIn Live to Live Stream the episode.

Why LinkedIn and not YouTube, I don't hear you ask, well there is a work reason behind this which we will explain during the recording.But please join us for Cloudy with a Chance of Insights Live on LinkedIn on the 30th May, 15:00 UK Time and 10:00am Eastern.

If you are unable to join the show will be published as usual onto all the platforms on Monday.

The link to join the live session can be found below.https://www.linkedin.com/events/cloudywithachanceofinsights-liv7333098990311268353/comments/

In this episode of 'Cloudy with a Chance of Insights', thehosts discuss various topics including the recent tech layoffs affectingMicrosoft and other companies, the importance of community support during thesetimes, and valuable resources for Azure solution design.

They also explore new features in Windows Server 2025 andthe implications of Sovereign Cloud in Europe. In this conversation, RichardHogan and Cyrus Irandoust discuss the recent updates in backup solutions forMicrosoft 365, particularly focusing on SharePoint, Exchange, and OneDrive.They explore the implications of these updates for data recovery andsovereignty, emphasising the importance of local data control and thechallenges posed by regulations like the US Cloud Act. The discussiontransitions into the concept of sovereign cloud, detailing its significance inensuring data residency and compliance with local laws.

The conversation concludes with reflections on the future ofdata sovereignty and the evolving landscape of cloud solutions.

#MicrosoftCloud, #techlayoffs, #Azure, #WindowsServer,#SovereignCloud, #architecturedesign, #technologynews, #M365,#backupsolutions,  #datasovereignty,#Microsoft, #SharePoint, #Exchange, #OneDrive, #cloudsolutions,#datarecoverysoftware

Blog

https://themicrosoftcloudblog.com

Socials

X.Twitter: https://x.com/richardihoganBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/richardihogan.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardhogan/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Cloudy with a Chance of Insights

03:01 Tech Layoffs and Industry Impact

09:09 Azure Solution Design and Self-Learning Resources

16:00 Navigating Tech Layoffs: Community Support and Networking

19:59 Windows Server 2025 Features and Enhancements

24:03 Sovereign Cloud and European Directives

24:37 Backup Solutions for N365

32:13 Understanding Sovereign Cloud

41:24 The Future of Data Sovereignty and Cloud Solutions

LINKS

Microsoft 365 Backup

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/backup/?view=o365-worldwide

ASKIAM

https://youtu.be/Qef1Ly4-s8I

GitHub CSDSkilling / Blueprints

https://github.com/CSDSkilling/blueprints

Microsoft Build

https://build.microsoft.com/en-US/home

Windows Server Summit

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/event/techcommunitylive/windows-server-summit-2025/4361618

Welcome to the latest instalment of Cloudy with a Chance of Insights, a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to exploring developments in the Microsoft cloud ecosystem and related technologies.In this episode, hosts Richard Hogan, David Rowley, and Cyrus Irandoust examine key topics shaping Microsoft’s technological landscape. The discussion offers insights on:➡ AI Innovations: A summary of a recent hackathon and its focus on advancing artificial intelligence solutions.➡ Cybersecurity: Updates on the importance of automatic attack disruption and its role in improving digital security.➡ Changes to SharePoint Licensing: Analysis of the subscription model, its impact on legacy system migrations, and considerations for enterprises maintaining older technology.➡ Sovereign Cloud Initiatives: An exploration of Microsoft’s commitments to European data sovereignty and the broader implications for global cloud strategies.➡ Future of BizTalk: Insights on the prospects for this established integration tool within evolving IT infrastructures.The hosts also delve into updates to Microsoft’s Security Reference Architecture, the unification of security tools, and advancements in Intune’s capabilities for enterprise environments. This episode provides a comprehensive overview for IT professionals and technology enthusiasts alike, offering valuable perspectives on the future of cloud technology and cybersecurity#Microsoft, #cloud, #cybersecurity, #AI, #SharePoint, #digitalsovereignty, #datacenters, #IBM, #technologynews, #podcast, #Microsoft365, #migration, #securityarchitecture, #BizTalk, #Intune, #automaticattackdisruption, #cloudsolutions, #legacysystems, #microsoftcloud, #microsoftazure Bloghttps://themicrosoftcloudblog.comSubscribe https://www.youtube.com/@CloudyWithaChanceofInsightsSocialsX.Twitter: https://x.com/richardihoganBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/richardihogan.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardhogan/Audio VersionsSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3D5jBLsApple: https://apple.co/49kBxxLCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Cloudy with a Chance of Insights03:06 Hackathon Insights and AI Innovations05:55 Cybersecurity Trends and Observations09:12 IBM's New Microsoft Practice Announcement11:51 Microsoft's European Digital Commitments15:02 Sovereign Cloud and Data Center Expansion17:54 SharePoint Licensing Changes and Future Implications32:46 Navigating SharePoint's Subscription Model36:34 Challenges of SharePoint Migration40:18 Legacy Systems and Their Implications41:44 The Future of BizTalk and Microsoft Solutions43:38 Microsoft Security Reference Architecture Updates48:20 Unifying Microsoft Security Tools50:16 Recent Developments in Intune and Security54:58 Automatic Attack Disruption in Microsoft SecurityLINKSIBM Launches Microsoft Practicehttps://newsroom.ibm.com/2025-04-29-ibm-launches-microsoft-practice-to-deliver-transformative-business-value-for-clientsIBM Threat Intelligence Indexhttps://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/report/2025-threat-intelligence-indexUK Cyber Week Conference & Expohttps://www.ukcyberweek.co.uk/Microsoft announces new European digital commitmentshttps://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2025/04/30/european-digital-commitments/Microsoft Security Bloghttps://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftthreatprotectionblog/monthly-news---april-2025/4401552Microsoft MCRA Updateshttps://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/manage/windows-autopatch-hotpatch-updates

In this week’s episode of 'Cloudy with a Chance ofInsights', the hosts discuss various recent developments in the Microsoft Cloud, including the new Copilot Studio features. The conversation also touches on security vulnerabilities and the implications of the CVE program. The hosts share insights on navigating technology changes and the importance of data privacy.

They explore the significance of Student Security OperationsCentres (SOCS) in bridging the skills gap in cybersecurity education. The discussion also delves into the rise of agentic AI in cybersecurity, highlighting its potential to enhance security measures and the implications of AI in the context of popular culture, particularly referencing the Matrix.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Cloudy with a Chance of Insights

07:20 Navigating Microsoft Support Challenges

13:04 Exploring Copilot Studio's New Features

17:29 CVE Program and Government Funding Drama

22:23 The Importance of Student Security Operations Centres

26:57 Bridging the Skills Gap in Cybersecurity Education

30:53 The Rise of Agentic AI in Cybersecurity

38:53 Reflections on AI and the Matrix

LINKS

Microsoft Customer Digital Experiences

https://cdx.transform.microsoft.com/

The Microsoft 365 Developer Program

https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/dev-program

Announcing new computer use in Microsoft Copilot Studiofor UI automation

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/blog/copilot-studio/announcing-computer-use-microsoft-copilot-studio-ui-automation/

Introducing r1, a pocket companion that moves AI fromwords to action

https://www.rabbit.tech/newsroom/introducing-r1

Releasing Windows 11 Build 26100.3902 to the ReleasePreview Channel

https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/04/10/releasing-windows-11-build-26100-3902-to-the-release-preview-channel/

Uncle Sam kills funding for CVE program. Yes, that CVEprogram

https://www.theregister.com/2025/04/16/homeland_security_funding_for_cve/

Student SOCs turn college experience into careerreadiness

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/blog/2025/04/student-socs-turn-college-experience-into-career-readiness/?msockid=2db0be1eba176e053806ab29bbf76ff3 

Microsoft unveils Microsoft Security Copilot agents andnew protections for AI

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/03/24/microsoft-unveils-microsoft-security-copilot-agents-and-new-protections-for-ai/

Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Cybercrime (DualDegree) BSc (Hons)

https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/bsc-hons-counter-terrorism-intelligence-cybercrime-dual-degree

In this episode of 'Cloudy with a Chance of Insights', the hosts discuss various topics related to Microsoft Cloud technologies, including the innovative Microsoft Hands-Free Sound Jam, which allows users to control music through brainwave technology. They also delve into recent cybersecurity incidents, such as the potential Royal Mail dat breach, and the implications of new legislation on cybersecurity resilience.

The conversation shifts to the relationship between cyber-resiliency and traditional disaster recovery, highlighting the need for a more integrated approach.

The discussion moves to insider risk management, emphasising the importance of understanding internal threats and the tools available for monitoring and managing these risks. In this conversation, the speakers discuss recent Microsoft security announcements, focusing on data loss prevention, classification challenges, and the impact of AI tools on cybersecurity.

Finally, they explore innovations in AI, including a project toisolate copyrighted material in large language models, and the importance of critical thinking when using AI-generated content.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Cloudy with a Chance of Insights

01:23 Exploring Microsoft Hands-Free Sound Jam

06:20 Cybersecurity Updates: Royal Mail Breach and NewLegislation

10:19 Cyber Resiliency vs. Traditional Disaster Recovery

18:35 Diving into Insider Risk Management

29:22 Introduction to Microsoft Security Announcements

32:41 Data Loss Prevention and Classification Challenges

36:55 Innovations in AI and Cyber Resilience

39:31 The Role of AI in Content Generation and Analysis

43:06 Sentiment Analysis and Employee Well-being

LINKS

Microsoft Hands-Free Sound Jam

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/microsoft-hands-free-sound-jam/

Royal Mail investigates data leak claims, no impact onoperations.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/royal-mail-investigates-data-leak-claims-no-impact-on-operations/

New cyber laws to safeguard UK economy and securelong-term growth

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-cyber-laws-to-safeguard-uk-economy-secure-long-term-growth

NCSC Annual Review 2024

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/ncsc-annual-review-2024

GCHQ worker admits taking top secret data home

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y6933pp9go

Microsoft unveils Microsoft Security Copilot agents andnew protections for AI

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog

Obliviate: Efficient Unmemorization for LLMs

https://github.com/microsoft/Obliviate-Unmemorization

Microsoft Secure

https://register.secure.microsoft.com/?ocid=cmm204t3pxf

CONTACTS

https://themicrosoftclpudblog.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richardhogan/https://x.com/richardihogan  https://bsky.app/profile/richardihogan.bsky.social

This week the hosts discuss various topics related toMicrosoft Cloud, including the significance of JML processes for account security, the challenges of managing permissions and access control, the launch of serverless GPUs, strategies for infrastructure landing zones, and the increasing cybersecurity threats faced by small and medium businesses (SMBs).

The conversation emphasises the necessity for organisationsto be proactive in their security measures and to remain informed about the latest technological developments.

This discussion explores the critical issues surroundingcybersecurity for small businesses, underscoring the vulnerabilities they encounter and the significance of tailored security solutions. Cyrus addresses the alarming statistics regarding consumer attacks, the role of Microsoft in delivering security solutions for SMBs, and the broaderimplications of cybercrime on small enterprises.

The discussion also touches upon user experience incybersecurity measures and innovative methods to raise awareness about security threats.

SHOW NOTES 

Announcing GA for Azure Container Apps Serverless GPU

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/appsonazureblog/announcing-ga-for-azure-container-apps-serverless-gpus/4394302

Level up your defense: protect against attacks usingstale user accounts

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftthreatprotectionblog/level-up-your-defense-protect-against-attacks-using-stale-user-accounts/4386290

The Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report 2024

https://www.hiscox.co.uk/cyberreadiness

Smart Choices, Strong Foundations: Selecting the RightInfrastructure Approach

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azureinfrastructureblog/infrastructure-landing-zone---implementation-decision-making/4386520/replies/4394658

Unveiling Kubernetes lateral movement and attack pathswith Microsoft Defender for Cloud

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftdefendercloudblog/unveiling-kubernetes-lateral-movement-and-attack-paths-with-microsoft-defender-f/4374958

March Windows updates mistakenly uninstall Copilot

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-march-windows-updates-mistakenly-uninstall-copilot/

FBI Cyber Internet Crime Report

https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2023_IC3Report.pdf

Lakera Gandalf

https://gandalf.lakera.ai/do-not-tell-and-block

NASA Sonification’s

https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/multimedia/sonifications/

and just for David (which is scarily accurate)

Ross from Friends showing his music/Keyboard Skills

https://youtu.be/z0PJnc8BFTk

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Cloudy with a Chance of Insights

02:15 JML Processes and Account Security

08:10 Managing Permissions and Access Control

13:17 Serverless GPUs and Cost Management

16:50 Infrastructure Landing Zone Strategies

21:26 Cybersecurity in the SMB Market

22:35 Cybersecurity Landscape for Small Businesses

30:12 Microsoft's Security Solutions for SMBs

36:04 The Impact of Cybercrime on Small Enterprises

40:35 User Experience in Cybersecurity

49:37 Innovative Approaches to Cybersecurity Awareness

In this episode of 'Cloudy with a Chance of Insights', thehosts discuss various topics related to Microsoft Cloud, AI tools, cybersecurity, and recent technological developments.

They share insights from the Microsoft AI Tour, the benefitsof accessibly from Generative AI, and experiences from an IBM Cyber Range exercise.

The conversation also delves into the implications ofgovernment requests for encrypted data and recent tech developments, including tools for reporting phishing emails and releasing classic game source codes.

LINKS

The Microsoft AI Tour - London

https://aitour.microsoft.com/en-US/london

The Kaito Project

https://github.com/kaito-project/kaito

Microsoft Dragon Copilot provides the healthcareindustry’s first unified voice AI assistant that enables clinicians tostreamline clinical documentation, surface information and automate tasks
https://news.microsoft.com/2025/03/03/microsoft-dragon-copilot-provides-the-healthcare-industrys-first-unified-voice-ai-assistant-that-enables-clinicians-to-streamline-clinical-documentation-surface-information-and-automate-task/

New sales agents accessible in Microsoft 365 Copilot helpteams close more deals, faster.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/03/05/new-sales-agents-accessible-in-microsoft-365-copilot-help-teams-close-more-deals-faster/?msockid=2db0be1eba176e053806ab29bbf76ff3

IBM Cyber Range

https://www.ibm.com/services/xforce-cyber-range

IBM Completes Acquisition of HashiCorp, CreatesComprehensive, End-to-End Hybrid Cloud Platform

https://newsroom.ibm.com/2025-02-27-ibm-completes-acquisition-of-hashicorp,-creates-comprehensive,-end-to-end-hybrid-cloud-platform

 MSFTRecon: : A Powerful Reconnaissance Tool For Microsoft 365 And Azure

https://kalilinuxtutorials.com/msftrecon/

In this episode of Cloudy with the Chance of Insights, the bi-weekly Microsoft Cloud Podcast.  The hosts discuss various topics related to Microsoft Cloud technology, including the new God Mode feature in Entra, enhancements in Intune for MAC security, and recent data breaches affecting organisations like the British Museum and HPE.

The conversation emphasises the importance of security hygiene, user access management, and the need for organisations to adapt to modern endpoint management solutions. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of technology governance, data automation, and the implications of generative AI on critical thinking.

They discuss the importance of security in technology, the challenges of managing insider risks, and the need for practical data transformation tools. The conversation also highlights the role of confidence in AI outputs and the emerging concept of shadow IT, emphasising the necessity for organisations to adapt to these changes.

Securing DeepSeek and other AI systems with Microsoft Security

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/02/13/securing-deepseek-and-other-ai-systems-with-microsoft-security/

HPE notifies employees of data breach after Russian Office 365 hack

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hpe-notifies-employees-of-data-breach-after-russian-office-365-hack/

Google remakes Super Bowl ad after AI cheese gaffe

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2j15r1g09o

The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking: Self-Reported Reductions in Cognitive Effort and Confidence Effects From a Survey of Knowledge Workers

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2025/01/lee_2025_ai_critical_thinking_survey.pdf?msockid=2db0be1eba176e053806ab29bbf76ff3

Data Formulator: A concept-driven, AI-powered approach to data visualisation

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/data-formulator-a-concept-driven-ai-powered-approach-to-data-visualization/?msockid=2db0be1eba176e053806ab29bbf76ff3

Law firm restricts AI after 'significant' staff use

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cglyjn7le2ko

Gaining Insight into Entra's "God Mode" for Azure

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gaining-insight-entras-god-mode-azure-john-savill-yehrc/

British Museum hit by alleged IT attack by ex-worker

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd9qjde4wnqo

Intune for MAC OS - Pre-install and post-install script

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/intunecustomersuccess/understand-pre-install-and-post-install-scripts-for-macos-in-microsoft-intune/4377799

Payloadless packaged

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/intunecustomersuccess/exploring-the-use-cases-of-payloadless-packages-in-microsoft-intune-for-macos/4382728

New application types in MacOS:https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/intunecustomersuccess/understanding-application-types-in-microsoft-intune-for-macos/4373987

In this episode of 'Cloudy with a Chance of Insights', the hosts discuss the latest developments in the Microsoft Cloud space, including OpenAI's Project Stargate and its implications for AI investments.
They explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, particularly the relevance of VPNs and the emergence of SASE. The conversation also touches on the concept of Residuality Theory in software architecture, emphasizing flexibility over perfection.
The episode concludes with insights on Microsoft's innovative collaboration with Coldplay and reflections on the global tech market dynamics.

LINKS

Announcing The Stargate Project
https://openai.com/index/announcing-the-stargate-project/
Microsoft and OpenAI evolve partnership to drive the next phase of AI
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2025/01/21/microsoft-and-openai-evolve-partnership-to-drive-the-next-phase-of-ai/
UK chip firm Arm sale by Softbank collapses amid competition fears
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60297874
PM plans to 'unleash AI' across UK to boost growth
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crr05jykzkxo
Reeves Says Regulators Are Holding Back Britain’s Growth
https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/reeves-says-regulators-holding-back-124058118.html
What is secure access service edge (SASE)?
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/security-101/what-is-sase
Advanced Software Architecture with Residuality
https://ddd.academy/introduction-to-residuality-theory/
Coldplay evolves the fan experience with Microsoft AI< br />https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/coldplay-evolves-the-fan-experience-with-microsoft-ai/
Cisco AI Summit
https://www.ciscoaisummit.com/

In this episode of 'Cloudy with a Chance of Insights', the hosts discuss recent developments in Microsoft Cloud, focusing on security updates related to Exchange Online, the implications of red teaming in AI security, and the growing threat of DDoS attacks. They also touch on the challenges in the cybersecurity field, including the shortage of professionals and the costs associated with defending against attacks.

The conversation highlights the importance of proactive measures and collaboration in enhancing cloud security. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the latest advancements in AI and storage technologies.

They wrap up by discussing the importance of understanding cloud-native concepts, emphasizing the need for scalable, resilient, and portable applications. The conversation also highlights the emergence of micro VMs and the role of Rust in enhancing security and efficiency in cloud environments.

LINKS

CISA Publishes Microsoft Expanded Cloud Log Playbook.
https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/cisa-publishes-microsoft-expanded-cloud-log-implementation-playbook

Cloudflare Mitigates Record Breadking 5.6Tbps DDoS attack
https://blog.cloudflare.com/ddos-threat-report-for-2024-q4

IBM Traininghttps://skillsbuild.org

Lessons from Red Teaming 100 Gen AI Products
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-cloud/blog/2025/01/14/enhancing-ai-safety-insights-and-lessons-from-red-teaming/?msockid=2db0be1eba176e053806ab29bbf76ff3