The cloud has become the go-to destination for most enterprises, and naturally, security is a priority to make the best out of this Platform.
Azure cloud security is one of the leading cloud service providers that address the advanced needs of cloud computing that demand multilayer security implementations and more vigilance. You need them irrespective of whether you are migrating workloads from premises or are dealing with just born cloud applications.
What is Azure Cloud Security?
Azure is a public cloud service platform that has gained a name for its wide variety of security capabilities and tools.
The Azure Platform supports a huge range of programming languages, operating systems, tools, frameworks, devices, and databases.
It can run the Docker-integrated Linux containers, build apps like Python, JavaScript, PHP, .NET, Java, and more, along with building up back-ends for Android, iOS, and Windows devices.
Azure public cloud services seek to support the similar technologies that millions of IT professionals and Developers already rely on.
When you migrate or build on your IT assets to a specific Cloud Service Provider, you rely on the organization’s capability to keep your data and applications protected with the help of their services and controls to manage the security risks of your cloud-based assets.
Azure infrastructure is designed to facilitate applications to host millions of customers all at the same time. It offers a trustworthy foundation on which businesses can meet the requirements of security.
Added to that, Azure also offers a plethora of configurable security options and the capability to control them to empower you to customize security tailor-made to meet your organization’s deployments. This flexibility in the infrastructure makes it a useful security platform.
How Does Azure Security Work?
The Azure cloud security foundation works under a security responsibility model that is shared. This implies that security is a joint effort between the customers and Azure, except on-premise environments, where the customers execute all the responsibilities. Again with the transfer of customers into the cloud, a few Azure customer security charges are also transferred.
This is how the division of responsibility transforms across different models of Cloud Service.
- In infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Azure takes over physical security (networks, hosts, and datacenter).
- In Platform as a Service (PaaS), Azure takes over the operating system and physical security. Azure shares directory infrastructure and identity, applications, and network controls with customers.
- In the Software as a Service (SaaS) scenario, Azure takes up more responsibilities: Operating system, physical security application, and network controls. Azure still shares directory infrastructure and identity with the customers.
To conclude, it can be said that Azure guards the physical base, and consequently, the division of responsibilities transforms based upon the model of cloud delivery. As compared with PaaS or SaaS, customers are seen to have more responsibilities in IaaS. Irrespective of whether it is IaaS, SaaS or PaaS, or on-premise, customer service is responsible for these three main factors – account and access management, rights management and data governance, and endpoint protection.
To use Azure in the best way, here are some tips to get you started–
- Upgrade the subscription to Azure Security Centre Standard to enjoy more extra functions like identifying and repairing security vulnerabilities, identifying threats with Intelligence and Analytics, and enabling quick response to the attack.
- Store the keys in the key vault of Azure. This first is designed for supporting database credentials, passwords, and other secrets.
- Go for installing a web application firewall.
- Use Azure Multi-Factor Authentication for MFA, especially for the admin accounts.
- Encrypt the virtual hard disk files.
- Connect the Azure virtual networks or VMs to other network devices by their placement on Azure virtual networks.
- Use Azure’s DDoS services for preventing and mitigating Distributed Denial of Service or DDoS attacks.
- Security policies for preventing abuse. Azure can also auto-generate a security policy to assist you in getting started as per the Azure subscription.
- Review the Azure security Centre dashboard regularly. The dashboard can offer a Central View of the Azure resources and recommend actions as needed.
- Implement the Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) of Azure security center. Five built-in roles are present: Resource Group owner, Subscription owner, Resource Group contributor, Subscription contributor, and two exclusive roles of security – Security Reader and Security Administrator. These roles can differ in permissions.
Keep in mind that Azure cloud security is a shared responsibility between Azure and you. Based on the cloud delivery model, the responsibilities shared with Azure will transform. Remember also to implement the security practices as recommended by Microsoft.
