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Private endpoints give Azure services a private IP address inside your virtual network, connecting through Private Link instead of the public internet. When you enable a private endpoint, the system changes how DNS resolves the service name: instead of pointing to a public address, it points to the private IP in your network. This keeps traffic on Azure's backbone and removes the exposure that comes with public endpoints.
Three options exist for DNS resolution. A host file works for quick tests on a single machine. Private DNS Zones automatically create and manage the A-records or CNAMEs that map service names to private IP addresses—each Azure service creates its own zone, such as privatelink.blob.core.windows.net for Blob storage. The Azure Private Resolver handles more complex scenarios where you need to forward DNS queries between networks.
Private DNS zones must connect to your virtual networks through virtual network links. This link lets any virtual machine in that network resolve private endpoint addresses without extra configuration. Best practices include using one zone per service type to prevent duplicate records, creating separate zones for each endpoint in peered networks, and disabling automatic registration when you run custom DNS servers to stop unintended record changes.
For network security, Network Security Group (NSG) rules and Azure Firewall policies control what traffic can reach the private endpoint. The goal is to block all public traffic while allowing only the specific ports and subnets that need access. You should log both NSG and firewall activity to monitor who tries to connect and catch any policy violations.
Validate your setup by running nslookup to confirm the service name resolves to the private IP address, then test actual connections to verify traffic flows correctly. Review the diagnostic logs afterward to ensure your security policies are working as intended and that only authorized sources can reach the endpoint.
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Prepare and test your skills
The three DNS resolution options are a host file for quick tests on a single machine, Private DNS Zones that automatically create and manage A-records or CNAMEs mapping service names to private IP addresses, and the Azure Private Resolver for complex scenarios requiring DNS query forwarding between networks.
Private DNS Zones connect to virtual networks through virtual network links, which enable any virtual machine in that network to resolve private endpoint addresses without additional configuration.
Network Security Group rules and Azure Firewall policies control what traffic can reach the private endpoint, with the goal of blocking all public traffic while allowing only the specific ports and subnets that need access.
Validate the setup by running nslookup to confirm the service name resolves to the private IP address, then test actual connections to verify traffic flows correctly, and review diagnostic logs afterward to ensure security policies are working as intended.
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