INTRODUCTION TO AZURE PENTESTING

Why should you test the security of your Azure Cloud?

When it comes to the Azure cloud, penetration testing has important differences from private cloud audits.  This array of unique tech across the platform often leads to complications in security topology and config – as well as the penetration testing method itself.

However, the incorporation of new technologies brings about new security threats as well.  By pen testing your Azure cloud architecture, you can isolate and remove these security vulnerabilities – including those unique to your on-premise or private data centre estate.

Microsoft Azure comes with a large quantity of security defenses for skilled users. Microsoft also recommends adhering stringently to compliance and endures consistent third-party assessments. While this is a sound place to begin, it is each administrator’s duty to maintain security.

Azure offers the ability to create virtual machines, apps and networks but it is the administrator that has the responsibility for ensuring they provide a benefit to the business and are secure. This is why it is essential that your Microsoft Azure instances are subject to regular penetration testing to protect your most critical assets.

What can be pentested in Azure?

Several elements of data centre / Cloud platforms cannot be audited. One of the most well-known examples is that it is strictly forbidden to perform DDoS attack simulations on a managed network.  This is because such a a test may cause unintended downtime for many business staff. However, there are also many technologies that must receive a regular security test. Aside from Azure we also test other Microsoft services such as Office 365. 

Azure pentest - the logistics

Pre-approval is no longer required for conducting penetration tests on Azure cloud services. Although handy in terms of saving time during the setup stage, there are still plenty of things to bear in mind before initiating a pen test on your Azure cloud.

It is imperative to note that particular testing techniques are prohibited to protect the vast number of Microsoft Azure customers globally. Some methods are more clearly harmful, such as the aforementioned execution of a Denial of Service (DoS) attack on an Azure server.

Other techniques, such as operating a scanner that produces extreme traffic, can also have undesirable effects on the Azure user base.

These rules of engagement exist to protect other clients of Microsoft Azure from being disturbed by an otherwise scheduled security audit.

It is essential to only procure the support of experienced security penetration testers to aid in testing your Azure environment because it significantly decreases the likelihood of widespread damage.

What’s the output of an Azure security test?

You will find that the Azure pen test reports from PrimoConnect are similar to our network, web application, mobile application, IoT, wireless, AWS and Google Cloud Platform pentest reports – an example available for download here.

Our reports importantly include both a board level executive summary to provide strategic understanding for the business leadership team along with the technical breakdown to assist engineers in their remediation.

Our penetration testing reports produced following our security audits undertaken on the Azure cloud include vulnerabilities that are specific to the Microsoft Azure platform. Alongside these you will be provided with tactical suggestions and recommendations for your own instances of Azure, and any further hybrid cloud.

Schedule your Azure penetration test

Executing a penetration test on your Microsoft Azure estate can be a complicated process. Let PrimoConnect engineers and consultants do the heavy lifting and construct a more secure environment for your business.

Require more information?  Get a Quote for penetration testing your Azure cloud environment.