Azure Just-In-Time (JIT) VM Access

Real-World Use Case: Implementing Azure Just-In-Time VM Access for Enhanced Security

Scenario

Imagine you are working for a company that needs to secure its Azure virtual machines from unauthorized access while allowing legitimate users to connect when necessary. To achieve this, you can use Azure Just-In-Time (JIT) VM Access to control and monitor access to your VMs.

Implementation

1. Enable JIT Access: Enable JIT access on your VMs from the Azure portal or programmatically. This involves configuring the JIT policy to specify the ports that need to be protected and the maximum duration for which access can be granted.
2. Request Access: When a user needs to access a VM, they can request access through the Azure portal or programmatically. The request must specify the ports, source IP address, and duration of access.
3. Approve Access: The request is reviewed and approved based on the user’s permissions. Once approved, the necessary network security group (NSG) rules are configured to allow inbound traffic to the specified ports from the specified IP address for the specified duration.
4. Monitor and Audit: Use Azure Monitor and Defender for Cloud to track and audit JIT access activity. This helps ensure that access is granted only when necessary and that any unauthorized access attempts are detected and addressed.

Well-Architected Framework Considerations

1. Cost Optimization: Azure JIT VM Access is part of Microsoft Defender for Cloud, which offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model. You only pay for the resources you use, making it a budget-friendly option.
2. Operational Excellence: By automating access control and monitoring, Azure JIT VM Access reduces manual intervention and allows IT teams to focus on more strategic tasks. This leads to improved operational efficiency.
3. Performance Efficiency: Azure JIT VM Access ensures high performance and low latency by allowing access only when needed, reducing the attack surface and enhancing security.
4. Reliability: Azure JIT VM Access provides high availability and fault tolerance by ensuring that access to VMs is controlled and monitored. This enhances the reliability of your security infrastructure.
5. Security: Azure JIT VM Access incorporates security best practices, such as role-based access control (RBAC), encryption at rest and in transit, and integration with Azure Active Directory (AAD). This ensures a secure environment for your VMs.

References

• Enable just-in-time access on VMs - Microsoft Defender for Cloud
• Understand just-in-time virtual machine access - Microsoft Defender for Cloud
• Request just-in-time access - Azure Managed Applications