Securing Azure Functions

1. Securing Azure Functions

In this video, you'll learn how to secure Azure Functions and protect sensitive data.

2. Why security matters

Serverless functions often connect to critical systems like databases, storage accounts, or APIs. If credentials or configurations are exposed, attackers can exploit them to gain access. Proper security ensures that your functions run safely, protecting both your users and your business. For instance, leaving a database key in plain text could allow anyone with access to your code repository to misuse it. Security is not optional - it's a core part of reliable development.

3. Application settings

Azure Functions use application settings to store values such as connection strings, API keys, or environment-specific variables. These settings act like secure configuration parameters, so you don't hard-code secrets into your functions.

4. Application settings

A payments function, for example, could securely store the gateway's API key in application settings, keeping it separate from the function code. This separation makes your function safer and easier to update without redeploying.

5. Azure key vault integration

For highly sensitive data, Azure Key Vault offers an extra layer of protection. Instead of placing secrets directly in app settings, you store them in Key Vault and reference them from the function. Key Vault handles encryption and access control, so even administrators only see what they're authorized to use.

6. Azure key vault integration

A healthcare provider, for instance, might use Key Vault to store sensitive patient data, ensuring compliance with strict data privacy regulations.

7. Managed identity

Managed Identity allows your function to authenticate securely to other Azure services without needing to store credentials at all. Azure generates and manages the identity, so you don't handle usernames or passwords. A function can use Managed Identity to connect directly to a database or storage account, with access granted by role-based permissions. This reduces risk and eliminates secret management headaches.

8. Network security

Beyond identity and secrets, you can also restrict network access. Azure Functions can be limited to private endpoints, virtual networks, or IP address ranges. This ensures only trusted sources can reach your function.

9. Network security

For example, an internal payroll function might be configured so only the corporate network can trigger it, blocking all external traffic. Network rules add an important defense-in-depth layer to your security strategy.

10. Best practices

Effective security comes from combining these techniques: store secrets securely, prefer Managed Identity over manual credentials, integrate Key Vault for sensitive values, and apply network restrictions where possible. By layering protections, you minimize the risk of accidental exposure or targeted attacks. Think of it as building multiple security gates - if one fails, others are still in place. Importantly, all these security configurations are also applicable to Azure Web Apps, providing consistency across your cloud solutions.

11. Let's practice!

Now it's your turn to apply security measures to your Azure Functions.

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