Azure Security: The Complete Cheat Sheet

Introduction: Understanding Azure Security

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform offering various services including computing, analytics, storage, and networking. Security in Azure is crucial as it protects your organization’s data, applications, and infrastructure from threats and unauthorized access. Implementing proper security measures helps maintain compliance, prevents data breaches, and ensures business continuity in the cloud environment.

Core Security Concepts & Principles

Azure Security Services & Components

Identity & Access Management

• Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)
  • Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all users
  • Use Conditional Access policies to control access based on signals
  • Enable Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for just-in-time access
  • Implement role-based access control (RBAC) across resources

Network Security

• Azure Firewall
  • Deploy in hub-spoke network topologies
  • Create application and network rules to filter traffic
  • Enable threat intelligence for enhanced protection
• Network Security Groups (NSGs)
  • Apply at subnet and NIC levels
  • Use service tags to simplify rule management
  • Create inbound/outbound rules with appropriate priorities
• Azure DDoS Protection
  • Enable Standard tier for critical workloads
  • Configure alerts and monitoring

Data Protection

• Azure Key Vault
  • Store secrets, keys, and certificates
  • Enable purge protection and soft delete
  • Use managed identities for secure access
• Azure Information Protection
  • Classify and protect sensitive data
  • Define and enforce protection policies
• Storage Security
  • Enable encryption at rest and in transit
  • Implement Shared Access Signatures (SAS) with expiration
  • Use Private Endpoints to secure storage access

Step-by-Step Security Implementation Process

1. Assessment & Planning

   • Identify critical assets and data classifications
   • Define security requirements and compliance needs
   • Document current security posture and gaps

2. Identity Foundation

   • Implement Azure AD and configure MFA
   • Establish RBAC strategy and permissions model
   • Configure Conditional Access policies

3. Network Security Implementation

   • Design secure network architecture with proper segmentation
   • Deploy Azure Firewall and configure NSGs
   • Implement private links and service endpoints

4. Data Protection Configuration

   • Set up Key Vault for secrets management
   • Implement encryption for data at rest and in transit
   • Configure backup and recovery solutions

5. Monitoring & Response

   • Deploy Azure Security Center and configure security policies
   • Set up Azure Sentinel for SIEM capabilities
   • Establish incident response procedures

6. Continuous Improvement

   • Perform regular security assessments
   • Update security policies based on threat intelligence
   • Conduct security awareness training

Security Posture Assessment Tools

Common Security Challenges & Solutions

Challenge: Excessive Permissions

Solution:

• Implement Just-in-Time (JIT) access with PIM
• Regularly review and audit role assignments
• Use custom RBAC roles to provide precise permissions

Challenge: Protecting Sensitive Data

Solution:

• Implement data classification and labeling
• Use Azure Information Protection
• Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit

Challenge: Securing DevOps Pipelines

Solution:

• Scan code and container images for vulnerabilities
• Use managed identities for pipeline authentication
• Implement infrastructure as code security checks

Challenge: Cloud Visibility

Solution:

• Deploy Azure Security Center across all subscriptions
• Configure centralized logging with Log Analytics
• Implement custom alert rules and dashboards

Best Practices & Security Tips

Identity & Access

• Enforce MFA for all administrative accounts without exception
• Implement Conditional Access policies for risk-based authentication
• Use Azure AD B2B for external access rather than shared accounts
• Regularly review privileged access and remove unnecessary permissions

Network Security

• Implement a hub-spoke network design for centralized security controls
• Use NSGs at both subnet and NIC levels for defense in depth
• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) for internet-facing applications
• Limit virtual network peering to necessary connections only

Data Protection

• Use customer-managed keys for critical data encryption
• Implement Private Link for PaaS services to avoid public endpoints
• Use Storage Account Firewalls to restrict access to specific networks
• Implement automated key rotation for all secrets and encryption keys

Operational Security

• Enable Azure Defender for all critical subscription resources
• Implement Just-in-Time VM access to reduce attack surface
• Use Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with security validation
• Implement automated vulnerability scanning and remediation

Azure Security Compliance Framework

Resources for Further Learning

• Official Documentation

  • Azure Security Documentation
  • Azure Security Best Practices

• Training & Certification

  • AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies
  • SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

• Community Resources

  • Azure Security Center GitHub Repository
  • Microsoft Security Community Webinars

• Monitoring Tools

  • Azure Security Center Secure Score
  • Azure Advisor Security Recommendations
  • Microsoft Secure Score

This cheatsheet provides a comprehensive overview of Azure security best practices, but always refer to the latest Microsoft documentation for the most current recommendations and features as the Azure platform continually evolves.