DevOps teams are deploying more workloads on Azure virtual machines (VM) than ever before. With this, security and compliance have become even more crucial. Azure provides a secure foundation to build on, but it is up to the DevOps team to configure and manage the environment to ensure that the VMs are secure and compliant with relevant regulations.
In this article, we will outline some of the best practices that DevOps teams can follow to enhance security and compliance on Azure VMs.
1. Implement strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
One of the primary ways to secure an Azure VM is by implementing strong passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all user accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security to the login process, making it much harder for attackers to gain access to user accounts. Strong passwords should meet specific requirements and include a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
2. Regularly patch and update your VMs
Another essential security practice is keeping your VMs up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Microsoft provides security updates and patches regularly as new threats emerge, which have been identified and fixed. Remaining on top of these developments is a vital part of the DevOps team’s job. It is essential to install these updates regularly to avoid vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers.
3. Segment your networks and implement firewalls
It is crucial to segment your network to reduce the risk of attackers moving laterally through your system if a breach is initiated in one area. It is also necessary to implement intrusion detection and prevention systems and firewalls between these segmented areas to provide extra security.
4. Encrypt sensitive data and implement access controls
Encrypting data is a crucial security practice, especially when it involves sensitive and confidential information. Azure VMs allow you to encrypt the data in transit and at rest. Only authorized users should have access to sensitive information, and access controls should be put in place on a need-to-know basis.
5. Monitor and log all activities
Logging all activities and monitoring your VMs is vital to detect potential breaches and respond to them quickly. Azure provides monitoring and alerting tools, and you can also integrate various third-party tools to provide extra layers of protection.
6. Regularly test your system for vulnerabilities
Security testing your Azure environment regularly is vital to identify vulnerabilities and detect attack activities. You can perform penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and other security assessments to identify weaknesses in the system.
Conclusion
Securing Azure VMs requires a collaborative approach between the DevOps team and the cloud provider. Following these best practices, such as strong passwords, updating your VMs, implementing access controls, encrypting sensitive data, and regularly monitoring and logging activities can help ensure that your Azure environment is secure and compliant with relevant regulations. As attackers become more sophisticated, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with security provisions and put security first when developing on Azure.