AZ-305 Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions Exam

Recommend a Solution to Optimize Network Security

Integrate and Optimize Azure Network Security Services

Azure offers a suite of network security services designed to protect cloud workloads. At the core, Virtual Networks (VNets) create isolated network environments. Network Security Groups (NSGs) provide basic IP- and protocol-based filtering. To shield against large-scale attacks, Azure DDoS Protection observes regular traffic patterns and mitigates volumetric threats. For application-level security, Web Application Firewall (WAF) inspects HTTP(S) traffic using OWASP rule sets.

To enforce a defense-in-depth strategy, it's important to analyze workload requirements and appropriately place security services. Use NSGs near VM subnets for economical stateful packet filtering. Deploy Azure Firewall at network boundaries for centralized Layer 3 to Layer 7 rule management and logging. Integrate DDoS Protection Standard on VNets managing public endpoints to automatically detect and mitigate attacks.

Optimizing Azure Firewall involves choosing the right SKU—Basic for simple filtering, Standard for threat intelligence feeds, or Premium for signature-based intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS). To balance performance and cost, customize rule sets by:

• Prioritizing high-risk traffic with explicit application rules
• Enabling threat intelligence alerts for known malicious IPs
• Adjusting throughput limits through autoscaling or instance sizing

A comprehensive solution also includes Application Gateway WAF for web applications. Start in Detection mode to monitor baseline traffic, then switch to Prevention mode to actively block threats. Customize WAF policies with:

• Managed OWASP core rule sets and bot protection
• Custom rules for specific IP ranges, geo-filtering, and rate limits
• Exclusions to minimize false positives and optimize performance

By optimizing the placement, rule sets, and throughput of NSGs, Azure Firewall, DDoS Protection, and WAF, you align network security with compliance requirements and budget constraints. Use centralized logging and Azure Monitor to continuously evaluate effectiveness, make necessary adjustments, and maintain a resilient network security posture.

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In conclusion, the section on "Recommend a solution to optimize network security" in the AZ-305 exam focuses on integrating and optimizing Azure's various network security services. By understanding workload requirements and strategically placing services like Azure Firewall, NSGs, DDoS Protection, and Application Gateway WAF, organizations can achieve a secure, compliant, and cost-effective network environment. Continuous monitoring and optimization ensure that security measures remain effective and efficient over time.