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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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4.2.3. Azure Files and Blob Storage Security

💡 First Principle: Different storage types have different access methods. Azure Files supports SMB/NFS protocols; Blob Storage supports REST APIs. Each has specific security considerations.

Azure Files Authentication

ProtocolAuthentication Options
SMBMicrosoft Entra Domain Services, on-premises AD DS, storage key
NFSVirtual network controls (no user authentication)

Blob Storage Public Access

SettingEffect
Storage account: Allow Blob public accessMaster switch for the account
Container: Public access level = BlobAnonymous read for blobs only
Container: Public access level = ContainerAnonymous read for container and blobs
Container: Public access level = PrivateNo anonymous access

⚠️ Exam Trap: Setting container access to "Blob" when trying to follow least privilege. For public anonymous access to a single file, "Blob" level is more restrictive than "Container" level—"Container" allows listing all blobs.

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Alvin Varughese
Written byAlvin Varughese
Founder20 professional certifications