AZ-500 Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Exam

Implement Azure AD and RBAC for Storage Accounts

Access keys grant full control of a storage account to anyone who possesses them, and Shared Access Signature (SAS) tokens offer scoped permissions and expiration. Both methods lack identity binding, making them a security risk if compromised. SAS tokens also add operational overhead because you must manage their creation, rotation, and expiration in code. To keep storage secure, avoid relying on account keys or SAS tokens when possible.

Azure RBAC provides a centralized, fine-grained access control system with identity binding that lowers security exposure. With Role-Based Access Control, you can enforce the principle of least privilege by assigning only the permissions a user needs. RBAC lets you change or revoke permissions dynamically without rotating keys. This model is easier to maintain and improves your overall security posture.

To enable Azure AD integration and implement RBAC for storage accounts, follow these steps:

• Assign built-in or custom RBAC roles at the storage account, container, or blob level.
• Use built-in roles such as Storage Blob Data Owner, Storage Blob Data Contributor, and Storage Blob Data Reader.
• Create custom roles when you need more specific permissions.
• Define attribute-based conditions, like container name, blob path, or custom security attributes in Microsoft Entra ID.

After assigning roles, always validate effective permissions.

• Use access simulations in the Azure portal to test how role assignments affect a user’s rights.
• Monitor audit logs and diagnostic settings to track who accessed which resources and when.
• Conduct periodic reviews of role assignments and ABAC conditions to ensure they still enforce least privilege.
• Update roles or conditions promptly based on audit findings or changing requirements.

Conclusion

Configuring access control for storage accounts in Azure hinges on moving away from identity-less keys and SAS tokens towards Azure AD integration and RBAC. By assigning built-in or custom roles at precise scopes and defining attribute-based conditions, you enforce the principle of least privilege. Regularly validating permissions through access simulations and audit logs keeps your security posture strong and up to date.