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In Azure, securing your infrastructure involves multiple layers of protection. This post will guide you through understanding when to use Azure Firewall, NSGs, and WAF for optimal security architecture.
Azure Firewall: A centrally managed network firewall that protects your entire organization from incoming and outgoing Internet traffic. It acts as a perimeter protection layer, filtering traffic based on rules you define.
Network Security Groups (NSGs): Used for subnet-level traffic control, NSGs allow or block network traffic to resources within your Azure Virtual Network.
Web Application Firewall (WAF): Provides application protection by monitoring and filtering web traffic based on rules. It can be added to the Application Gateway or Front Door to protect web applications.
To create a defense-in-depth architecture, layer all three components: NSGs for subnet control, Azure Firewall for perimeter security, and WAF for application protection.
Misconfiguration Mistakes: Common misconfigurations include overly permissive rules in NSGs and Azure Firewall, as well as missing or incorrect WAF rules. It’s crucial to regularly review and update your rules to maintain optimal security.
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Written by Mohammed Akhter
Founder of ITP Training. 50,000+ students trained across 30+ countries in Microsoft endpoint and cloud security. Learn more →