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Azure P is a cloud-based platform that offers a wide range of services for enterprises.
Azure P can be a bit overwhelming for those new to the platform, but don't worry, getting started is easier than you think.
To begin, you'll need to sign up for an Azure account, which is free for the first 30 days.
This will give you access to all the services Azure P has to offer, including storage, networking, and security.
Azure Configuration
Azure Configuration is a crucial step in setting up your Azure infrastructure. You can create a Terraform directory in your repository and define the main configuration file, `main.tf`, which contains the Terraform configuration for deploying Azure VMs.
The `main.tf` file includes a provider block to specify Azure as the provider, and several resource blocks to define the Azure resources, such as resource groups, virtual networks, subnets, network interfaces, and virtual machines. For example, you can create a resource group named `myResourceGroup` in the `East US` location.
A virtual network named `myVNet` can be created with an address space of `10.0.0.0/16`, and a subnet named `mySubnet` can be created within the virtual network with an address prefix of `10.0.1.0/24`. Additionally, a network interface named `myNIC` can be created with an internal IP configuration, and a virtual machine named `myVM` can be created with a standard size of `Standard_DS1_v2` and an Ubuntu Server image.
Here are the basic Azure resources that can be created using Terraform:
Terraform Configuration
To configure Azure VMs using Terraform, you'll need to create a Terraform directory in your repository. This directory will contain the Terraform configuration files.
The main Terraform configuration file, `main.tf`, should be created in this directory. This file will contain the Terraform configuration for deploying Azure VMs.
You'll need to define the provider for Azure, which in this case is `azurerm`. You can do this by adding the following code to your `main.tf` file:
`provider “azurerm” { features = {} }`
This will allow Terraform to interact with Azure.
Next, you'll need to define the resources for your Azure VM. This includes the resource group, virtual network, subnet, network interface, and virtual machine. Here's an example of what this might look like:
- Resource group: `resource “azurerm_resource_group” “rg” { name = “myResourceGroup” location = “East US” }`
- Virtual network: `resource “azurerm_virtual_network” “vnet” { name = “myVNet” address_space = [“10.0.0.0/16”] location = azurerm_resource_group.rg.location resource_group_name = azurerm_resource_group.rg.name }`
- Subnet: `resource “azurerm_subnet” “subnet” { name = “mySubnet” resource_group_name = azurerm_resource_group.rg.name virtual_network_name = azurerm_virtual_network.vnet.name address_prefixes = [“10.0.1.0/24”] }`
- Network interface: `resource “azurerm_network_interface” “nic” { name = “myNIC” location = azurerm_resource_group.rg.location resource_group_name = azurerm_resource_group.rg.name ip_configuration { name = “internal” subnet_id = azurerm_subnet.subnet.id private_ip_address_allocation = “Dynamic” } }`
- Virtual machine: `resource “azurerm_virtual_machine” “vm” { name = “myVM” location = azurerm_resource_group.rg.location resource_group_name = azurerm_resource_group.rg.name network_interface_ids = [azurerm_network_interface.nic.id] vm_size = “Standard_DS1_v2” storage_image_reference { publisher = “Canonical” offer = “UbuntuServer” sku = “18.04-LTS” version = “latest” } storage_os_disk { name = “myOSDisk” caching = “ReadWrite” create_option = “FromImage” managed_disk_type = “Standard_LRS” } os_profile { computer_name = “myVM” admin_username = “azureuser” admin_password = “P@ssw0rd1234!” } os_profile_linux_config { disable_password_authentication = false } }`
Here's a summary of the resources you'll need to define:
By defining these resources, you'll be able to deploy a fully configured Azure VM using Terraform.
Configure AD
To configure Azure AD, you'll need to collect some essential information.
First, click on the Overview menu item to return to the main App registration screen for your new app, and copy the Application (client) ID unique identifier.
This value is crucial for the tenant's idp configuration.
Next, click on the Endpoints button in the horizontal menu of the overview, and copy the OpenID Connect metadata document endpoint URI.
This endpoint URI is necessary for the tenant's IdP configuration.
You'll need to have both the Application (client) ID and the OpenID Connect metadata document endpoint URI ready for the next steps in configuring Azure AD.
Configure Qlik Sense Enterprise SaaS
Configuring Qlik Sense Enterprise SaaS is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail. You'll need to start by opening the tenant's management console and clicking on the Identity provider menu item on the left side of the screen.
To create a new identity provider, click the Create new button on the upper right side of the main panel. You'll then select OIDC from the Type drop-down menu item and Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) from the Provider drop-down menu item.
In the Application credentials section, enter the required information, which includes the Client ID and Client secret. You won't need to enter the Post logout redirect URI, as Azure AD will handle this automatically.
The Claims mapping section is where you'll confirm or alter the default claims mapping. There are five textboxes to fill in, so make sure to scroll down to this section carefully.
In the Advanced options, expand the menu and slide the Email verified override option ON to ensure Azure AD validation works. Scope is not required in this case.
To complete the configuration, click the Save button at the bottom of the screen. This will start the validation process, which involves redirecting you to the login page for the IdP.
After successful authentication, Azure AD will confirm that permission should be granted for this user to the tenant. Click the Accept button to proceed.
If the validation fails, you'll see an error message. If it succeeds, you'll see a mapped claims window. Make sure to check the email_verified switch and update the configuration if necessary.
Finally, activate the IdP by clicking the Activate button. This will disable any other identity providers configured in the tenant.
Microsoft Categories
Microsoft Categories are the backbone of Azure, comprising hundreds of products that can be grouped into several categories. Microsoft Azure contains many categories, including Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS).
IaaS is user-managed, providing raw resources to build IT environments. This category includes resources that can be used to build, deploy, and manage applications.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is another key category, offering Microsoft-managed resources that are designed to be the building blocks of applications. PaaS includes resources such as Data Services, which provide machine learning, analytics, and cognitive services.
Data Services are a subset of PaaS, offering resources that can be used for various purposes. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is also part of PaaS, providing fully usable, end-user applications written, hosted, and managed by Microsoft.
Here are the main categories of Azure services:
- Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
- Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
- Data Services (part of PaaS)
- Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
Azure Security
Azure Security provides robust protection for your cloud resources. Microsoft invests over $1 billion annually in cloud security, ensuring a high level of security and compliance for Azure customers.
Azure has a robust set of security features, including encryption, access controls, and threat protection. This is due to Microsoft's commitment to cloud security, which has led to the development of advanced security tools.
Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) provides identity and access management capabilities, allowing you to manage access to your cloud resources. With Azure AD, you can control who has access to your resources and what actions they can perform.
Azure provides network security features, including Azure Firewall, which helps protect your resources from external threats. Azure Firewall is a cloud-based network security service that can be used to filter traffic and protect your resources from malicious activity.
Azure Security Center provides threat protection, vulnerability assessment, and security recommendations. This helps you identify and mitigate potential security threats, ensuring the security and compliance of your cloud resources.
Azure provides a range of security and compliance certifications, including SOC 1, SOC 2, and ISO 27001. These certifications demonstrate Azure's commitment to security and compliance, giving you peace of mind when using the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Azure P1 and P2?
Azure AD Premium P2 includes all P1 features, plus Identity Protection and Privileged Identity Management (PIM), which adds advanced security and access control capabilities. This edition provides more robust management of conditional access to sensitive apps and data.
What is P2S and S2S in Azure?
In Azure, P2S (Point-to-Site) VPN connects individual clients to a virtual network, while S2S (Site-to-Site) VPN connects entire networks. P2S is ideal for small-scale connections, while S2S is better suited for larger networks.
What is pas in Azure?
Azure PaaS provides a cloud-based development and deployment environment, enabling you to build, deploy, and manage applications with ease. It's a comprehensive platform for creating scalable, cloud-enabled apps and enterprise applications.
Sources
- https://cloud.hacktricks.xyz/pentesting-cloud/azure-security
- https://dev.to/aidudo/automating-azure-vm-deployment-with-terraform-and-ansible-in-azure-devops-pipelines-4cph
- https://community.qlik.com/t5/Official-Support-Articles/How-To-Configure-Qlik-Sense-Enterprise-SaaS-to-use-Azure-AD-as/ta-p/1704442
- https://getnerdio.com/resources/microsoft-azure-fundamentals/
- https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/how-microsoft-azure-works/
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