Do you use Azure as your cloud environment? Then part of the security is managed by Microsoft. For example, Microsoft takes care of the physical security of the data centers. At the same time, you also have control over the security of your cloud environment. This also depends on the settings, user permissions and applications you use. It is therefore important to carefully consider what you can do yourself to keep the cloud environment as secure as possible.
Make sure everyone has the right permissions
It’s important to clearly define in advance what tasks each member of your team is responsible for. This helps you maintain an overview and prevents mistakes and security risks. If people have more permissions than necessary, this can cause problems. For example, create different roles such as “reader” and “administrator.” This way, it’s clear which permissions each team member has. It’s also wise to regularly check whether everyone still has the correct roles — especially when employees leave the company or change positions.
Encrypting data
By encrypting data, you prevent unauthorized people from being able to read it. It’s therefore always important to properly encrypt data within Azure. This applies to data in transit as well as data at rest. The system also provides built-in options such as Azure Disk Encryption and Azure Key Vault. Make sure that only authorized people have access to the keys. In addition, it’s important to regularly check that everything is still properly encrypted, especially when using new applications and storage locations.
Limit public access as much as possible
Public connections can make management easier, but they also introduce security risks. It’s therefore advisable to review which services truly need to be publicly accessible. For example, check whether any management ports are open to everyone. It’s best to use secure connections such as private endpoints or a VPN. You can also set up network rules using Network Security Groups (NSGs). This allows you to control which traffic is permitted.
Ensure proper logging
To detect security issues in time, you also need a good understanding of what is happening. That’s why it’s important to enable logging for key components. This includes user activities, network traffic and access to sensitive data. With the help of Microsoft Defender or Azure Monitor, you can automatically receive notifications of suspicious actions. If you receive such a notification, it’s wise to investigate it immediately.
Want to know more about a secure cloud environment?
Would you like to get more information about how to keep your cloud environment secure? Then you can find many useful blog articles on the Intercept website. Are you curious about the differences between Azure and Amazon Web Services? Read the blog on Intercept.cloud to get more information. It clearly explains the differences between these cloud solutions, making it easier for you to choose.