4.1.3. Implement VM Security

💡 First Principle: A defense-in-depth approach to VM security requires protecting both the data at rest on its disks and the administrative access pathways to the machine itself, fundamentally reducing the attack surface.

Scenario: You are deploying a new Virtual Machine that will host sensitive customer data. You need to ensure its disks are encrypted and that administrative access to the VM is secure without exposing it directly to the internet.

This task delves into the practical application of VM security. You'll explore how to:

• Configure Azure Disk Encryption (ADE): Protect data at rest on VM disks.
• Configure Azure Bastion: Enable secure, browser-based RDP/SSH connectivity to VMs without exposing them to the public internet.

Mastering these concepts is crucial for the AZ-104 exam, as it assesses your ability to implement fundamental VM security controls.

⚠️ Common Pitfall: Opening RDP (3389) or SSH (22) ports to the internet on a VM's Network Security Group. This is a major security vulnerability and a common target for brute-force attacks.

Key Trade-Offs:

• Direct Access vs. Secure Access: Direct RDP/SSH access is convenient but insecure. Secure access methods like Azure Bastion or Just-In-Time (JIT) access add a layer of security but require more configuration.

Reflection Question: How do Azure Disk Encryption and Azure Bastion collectively enhance VM security by protecting data at rest and providing secure, just-in-time administrative access, fundamentally reducing the attack surface for your Virtual Machines?