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Azure Server Security Checklist (20 Key Items)

2 min read

A practical security checklist of hosting servers in Microsoft Azure

  1. Enable Azure Security Center
    • Configure Security recommendations and auto-provisioning.
  2. Apply Latest OS and Azure VM Updates
    • Keep the server OS and Azure VM extensions up to date.
  3. Configure Network Security Groups (NSGs)
    • Restrict inbound/outbound traffic to only necessary ports and IPs.
  4. Use Just-In-Time (JIT) VM Access
    • Enable JIT in Azure Security Center to minimize exposed RDP/SSH ports.
  5. Enable Azure Firewall or Azure DDoS Protection
    • Protect your network perimeter from attacks.
  6. Implement Azure Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
    • Grant least privilege access to administrators and users.
  7. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    • Enforce MFA for admin accounts and Azure portal access.
  8. Configure Azure Disk Encryption (ADE)
    • Encrypt disks at rest with Azure Disk Encryption or Azure Storage Service Encryption.
  9. Enable Azure Security Policies & Baselines
    • Enforce security best practices using Azure Policy.
  10. Configure Diagnostic Settings and Log Analytics
    • Collect logs for audit, security, and troubleshooting.
  11. Implement Backup and Disaster Recovery
    • Use Azure Backup to regularly back up VMs and data.
  12. Deploy Antivirus/Endpoint Security
    • Use Azure Security Center recommended endpoint solutions (e.g., Microsoft Defender for Endpoint).
  13. Disable Unnecessary Services/Ports
    • Remove or disable any non-essential services and open ports.
  14. Configure Secure Remote Access
    • Use Bastion Host or VPN for RDP/SSH instead of exposing to the internet.
  15. Limit Public IP Exposure
    • Use internal load balancers or private endpoints where possible.
  16. Configure Azure Private Link / Service Endpoints
    • Secure communications to Azure PaaS resources.
  17. Set Up Alerts for Suspicious Activities
    • Use Security Center and Log Analytics to create alerts for unusual activities.
  18. Use Managed Identities
    • Utilize Azure Managed Identities for automated and secure resource access.
  19. Audit and Review Access Regularly
    • Regularly review user access, roles, and audit logs.
  20. Implement Encryption for Data in Transit
    • Ensure all communications use TLS/SSL (for RDP/SSH, APIs, etc.).
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