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It was retired on August 31, 2026. It was replaced by SC-500 (Microsoft Cloud and AI Security Engineer). Go to the SC-500 study guide →
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1.2.1. Azure's Security Layers
Visual: Defense in Depth Layers
Each layer addresses different attack vectors:
| Layer | Protects Against | Key Azure Services |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Credential theft, privilege escalation | Entra ID, PIM, Conditional Access |
| Perimeter | DDoS, web attacks, unauthorized access | Azure Firewall, WAF, Front Door |
| Network | Lateral movement, data exfiltration | NSGs, Private Link, VNet segmentation |
| Compute | VM compromise, container escape | Bastion, JIT, Defender for Servers |
| Application | Injection, authentication bypass | App Service auth, API Management |
| Data | Data theft, tampering | Encryption, RBAC, immutable storage |
⚠️ Exam Trap: Questions may ask which control is "most important" or "should be implemented first." There's rarely a single right answer—defense in depth means all layers matter. Look for answers that acknowledge multiple controls working together.
Written byAlvin Varughese
Founder•20 professional certifications