Preventing Data Leaks in Azure Cloud Environments
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Security Advisory: Preventing Data Leaks in Azure Cloud
Environments
Overview
Cloud misconfigurations—especially in storage services like
Azure Blob Storage—are among the most common causes of data leaks. This
advisory outlines key steps to secure your Azure environment and avoid
accidental exposure of sensitive data.
Best Practices for Azure Cloud
Security
1. Storage Access Controls
- Disable
public access to Blob Storage unless explicitly required.
- Use Shared
Access Signatures (SAS) for temporary, scoped access.
- Apply role-based
access control (RBAC) to restrict permissions.
2. Data Encryption
- Enable
encryption at rest using Azure-managed keys or customer-managed
keys.
- Use TLS
encryption in transit for all data transfers.
3. Configuration Management
- Implement
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, Bicep) with
version control.
- Use Azure
Policy to enforce compliance (e.g., deny public access to storage
accounts).
4. Monitoring & Alerts
- Enable
Azure Monitor and Log Analytics to track access and changes.
- Set up
alerts for anomalous activity, such as large data transfers or
permission changes.
5. Regular Audits
- Conduct
automated scans for misconfigurations using tools like:
- Microsoft
Defender for Cloud
- Wiz,
Orca, or Prisma Cloud
- Perform
manual reviews of storage permissions and access logs.
6. Incident Response Planning
- Maintain
a CSIRT contact directory and escalation procedures.
- Use Azure
Security Center to centralize threat detection and response.
7. Employee Training
- Train
engineers on secure cloud deployment practices.
- Emphasize
the risks of default settings and manual overrides.
Optional Tools to Enhance Security
- Azure
Blueprints: Enforce governance across subscriptions.
- Microsoft
Purview: Classify and protect sensitive data.
- Azure
Key Vault: Secure secrets, keys, and certificates.
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