Security for Databases
Learn how to secure databases in Azure
Database authentication with Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Azure offers various authentication and authorization choices in response to the growing demand for safe and dependable database administration. One of these options is called Azure Database Authentication using Microsoft Entra ID. It offers a smooth interaction between the Azure SQL Database and Microsoft Entra ID. This helps to ensure robust security and compliance.
Point to ponder
Can we avoid managing different usernames and passwords for database authentication?
Azure Database Authentication with Microsoft Entra ID comes with several advantages, including the following:
Management of identities and credentials: Microsoft Entra ID simplifies managing numerous identities and credentials by enabling centralized identity management for the Azure SQL Database.
Protected access to Azure SQL database: The stringent security measures offered by Microsoft Entra ID protect Azure SQL database access from unauthorized use, including multifactor authentication (MFA), conditional access controls, and identity protection.
Compliance is improved: When we use Microsoft Entra ID for authentication, we can enforce regulatory compliance policies such as password complexity, password expiration, and password lockout. This helps ensure that our business complies with industry standards and regulations.
Easier application development: Microsoft Entra ID offers developers a smooth integration experience, allowing them to use the same authentication framework for both on-premises and cloud apps. This simplifies the process of developing applications.
To make our database available for use with Azure SQL Database, we must configure Microsoft Entra ID as an authentication provider. After the configuration is complete, users can authenticate themselves using their Microsoft Entra ID credentials, and Azure SQL Database will manage the authentication process. This removes the requirement that user credentials be stored locally within the database.
Enable private endpoint
Azure SQL is a cloud-based relational database service that offers excellent performance and scalability. However, like all cloud services, it must be protected against cyber threats. One way to do this is by using private endpoints. Private endpoints allow us to create a secure connection between our Azure SQL instance and our virtual network.
We can protect our Azure SQL instance from unauthorized access and data exfiltration by using private endpoints. This is because private endpoints provide an additional layer of security by ensuring that all data sent between our virtual network and Azure SQL remains within the confines of our own private network. As a result, it’s much harder for attackers to gain access to sensitive data or perform malicious activities.
Follow the steps given below to create an SQL database with Microsoft Entra ID authentication and private endpoint enabled:
Navigate to the “SQL databases” service in Azure and click the “Create” option.
Select an Azure subscription and a resource group from their respective drop-down lists.
Select the options that are shown in the “Set database details” slide below, and click the “Create new” link under the “Select a server” drop-down list.
Name the server, select a location, and then select “Use Microsoft Entra-only authentication” for the “Authentication method” option.
Click the “Set admin” link for the “Set Microsoft Entra admin” option.
Search and select a user, click the “Select” button, and then click the “OK” button.
Click the “Configure database” link for the “Compute + storage” option, select “Basic (For less demanding workloads)” from the “Service tier” drop-down list, and click the “Apply” button.
Scroll down, select “Locally-redundant backup storage” for the “Back storage redundancy” option, and click the “Next : Networking >” button.
Select “Private endpoint” for the “Connectivity method” option.
Click the “Add private endpoint” option, select the options shown in the “Create a private endpoint I” and “II” slides and click the “OK” button. We can set up custom subscriptions, resource groups, virtual networks, and subnets.
Click the “Review + create” button and click the “Create” button.
Microsoft Azure’s Database auditing
Database auditing in Azure allows users to monitor and log events that occur within an Azure SQL database. It is a safety feature that generates an audit record of database activity, such as reading, writing, and altering the schema. The auditing of Azure databases is adjustable, allowing customers to select which events should be audited and where the audit logs should be stored.
Auditing logs record numerous occurrences, including failed logins, successful logins, and database queries. These logs provide a complete perspective of who accessed the database, when, and what they did. By monitoring these logs, users can spot suspicious actions and unauthorized access attempts and take proactive measures to prevent security breaches.