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4.1.5.3. Configure Custom Domains and SSL Certificates

šŸ’” First Principle: Establishing a custom domain and securing it with an SSL/TLS certificate are fundamental for creating a professional, trusted, and secure web presence, ensuring data confidentiality and authenticity for users.

Scenario: You have deployed a new web application to Azure App Service, which is currently accessible via a .azurewebsites.net URL. Your marketing team wants the application to be accessible via www.mycompany.com, and your security team requires that all traffic to this domain be encrypted using HTTPS.

What It Is: Custom domains allow you to use your own branded URL for your Azure App Service, and SSL/TLS certificates encrypt the communication.

Custom Domains: By default, Azure App Services use a .azurewebsites.net address. Assigning a custom domain enables users to access your app via your own branded URL.

Mapping Process:
  1. In the Azure Portal, go to your App Service and select "Custom domains."
  2. Add your domain name.
  3. Verify ownership by adding a DNS record (CNAME or TXT) at your registrar.
  4. Update DNS records to point to the App Service.

SSL/TLS Certificates: SSL/TLS encrypts web traffic and authenticates your site, protecting users and building trust.

Binding Process:
  1. Obtain a certificate:
  2. Upload the certificate (PFX format if custom).
  3. Bind the certificate to your custom domain under "TLS/SSL settings."
Visual: Custom Domain and SSL/TLS for App Service
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āš ļø Common Pitfall: Forgetting to update DNS records at the domain registrar. The custom domain will not resolve to the App Service until the correct CNAME or A records are configured.

Key Trade-Offs:
  • Managed Certificate (Free) vs. Custom Certificate (Paid): The free managed certificate is easy and automated but has limitations (e.g., no wildcard certs). Custom certificates offer more flexibility (like Extended Validation) but require manual purchase, upload, and renewal.

Reflection Question: How does configuring a custom domain and binding an SSL/TLS certificate fundamentally establish a professional, trusted, and secure Azure App Service deployment, ensuring data confidentiality and authenticity for your web application?