AZ-500 Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Exam

Plan and implement Private Endpoints

DNS Resolution and Network Policy Configuration

Private Endpoints use a private IP address in your virtual network to connect to Azure services through Private Link. When you enable a private endpoint, you override the default public DNS resolution and direct service FQDNs to Private DNS Zones. This approach ensures traffic remains on the Azure backbone and enforces least-privilege network access. It also removes public internet exposure by mapping service names directly to private IPs.

When configuring DNS resolution, you can choose from several methods that fit different scenarios. Common options include:

• Host file overrides for quick, temporary testing.
• Private DNS Zones to automatically manage A-records or CNAMEs for each endpoint.
• Azure Private Resolver for advanced forwarding and split-horizon DNS.

After creating your Private DNS Zones, you must link them to your virtual networks using virtual network links. Best practices include:

• Using a single private DNS zone per service type to avoid duplicate records.
• Creating separate zones for each private endpoint in peered networks.
• Disabling automatic registration when using custom DNS servers to prevent unintended updates.

For network policy configuration, apply Network Security Group (NSG) rules and Azure Firewall policies to restrict traffic flows. Key steps involve:

• Blocking inbound and outbound traffic on public endpoints.
• Allowing only required ports and subnets for the private endpoint IP.
• Enabling diagnostic logs to monitor access and policy enforcement.

Validate your setup by running nslookup and performing connection tests. Confirm that the service FQDN resolves to the private IP and review logs to ensure policies are correctly applied.

Conclusion

In summary, planning and implementing private endpoints hinges on correct DNS resolution and strict network policy enforcement. By using Private DNS Zones and linking them to virtual networks, you ensure secure, private connectivity within Azure. Applying NSG rules and Azure Firewall policies helps maintain a least-privilege stance and blocks unwanted access. Finally, validating with nslookup and diagnostic logs confirms that your private endpoints function as intended and remain isolated from the public internet.