Make Your Data Secure in the Microsoft Azure Cloud
Keeping data secure in the Microsoft Azure cloud is just as important as keeping it secure in the data center. Although cloud means handing off many operational responsibilities to the cloud provider, information security isn’t one of them. While Azure provides physical security and monitoring, there are many aspects of security that remain wholly your responsibility. Some responsibilities, including data governance and access control, always belong to you; other responsibilities, such as identity management infrastructure and applications, may belong either to you or to Azure.
Protecting Data in Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure provides features that help you protect your data in Microsoft Azure both at rest and in transit. Azure virtual machines can be encrypted, as can files and SQL data storage through Azure Disk Encryption and Azure Storage Service Encryption. Data in transit can be encrypted and sent through secure connections.
Encryption is made more secure by using Azure Key Vault to manage your encryption keys. You can comply with geographic restrictions related to data protection by storing data in the appropriate Microsoft Azure region. Azure offers built-in compliance with many compliance standards such as HIPAA and PCI DSS.
Protecting Networks in Microsoft Azure
When you use the cloud, your data isn’t local, so making sure the network used to access it is secure is critical. Using encrypted desktops and a direct connection to Microsoft Azure ensures the security of communication across the network. You can use virtual network appliances to implement firewalls, intrusion prevention, and other security measures on your Azure network.
Protecting Account & Access Management in Microsoft Azure
Access to Azure resources can be effectively managed through several measures. Role based access control ensures that users have only the privileges needed to perform their functions, while multifactor authentication adds an additional layer of verification to the access process. Single sign-on makes user identities easier to manage as well as making it easier for users to access the systems they use.
In addition to the account security controls you establish, Azure monitors usage and identifies unusual access patterns that can indicate a threat.
Manage Security from Azure Security Center
The many aspects of cloud security are easily managed from the Microsoft Azure Security Center. Security Center lets you define policies and apply them consistently across the cloud, as well as review the specific security controls you’ve established.
In addition to letting you control security settings, Azure Security Center provides alerts regarding security events to help you respond to genuine threats.
Build on Azure’s Controls
Between the built-in security controls Microsoft Azure applies and the security measures you add on top, you can keep your data as safe in the cloud as in your own data center. Prescient Solutions can help you make sure you’re applying all the controls you need. As a Microsoft Partner, we’re experts in Microsoft software and solutions, including Microsoft Azure. Our certified security experts will review your needs and make sure you have the cybersecurity you need both on premises and in the cloud. Contact us to learn more about the ways you can keep your data safe.
Additional Microsoft Azure Resources
What CFOs Need to Know: Microsoft Azure Can Replace Your Computer Room
Choose Microsoft Azure to Transform Your Business
