Overview
Microsoft Azure is a comprehensive cloud computing platform offering over 200 products and services for building, deploying, and managing applications. For cybersecurity professionals, Azure provides integrated security tools including Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Azure Active Directory, Azure Firewall, and Azure Sentinel for security information and event management (SIEM).Days 71-77 of the 90 Days of Cybersecurity program focus on building cloud platform skills. Azure is one of three recommended platforms - it’s particularly relevant if you work in Microsoft-centric environments.
Azure Learning Resources
Microsoft Learn Platform
Azure Fundamentals
Start Here: Microsoft’s official learning platform with free, self-paced training modules covering Azure basics and advanced topics.
Hands-On Labs with Sandbox Environments
Microsoft Learn Azure Labs
Complete interactive labs with free Azure sandbox environments - no credit card required. Practice real Azure configurations without worrying about costs.
Key Security Services to Master
Focus on these essential Azure security services:- Azure Active Directory (AAD) - Cloud-based identity and access management
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud - Cloud security posture management (CSPM) and threat protection
- Azure Firewall - Cloud-native network security and filtering
- Azure Sentinel - Cloud-native SIEM and security orchestration automated response (SOAR)
- Azure Key Vault - Secure storage for secrets, keys, and certificates
- Network Security Groups (NSGs) - Traffic filtering for Azure resources
- Azure DDoS Protection - Protection against distributed denial of service attacks
- Azure Security Center - Unified security management and advanced threat protection
Azure Learning Path
Start with Azure Fundamentals
Begin with the Azure Fundamentals learning path to understand cloud concepts, Azure services, and basic security principles.
Practice in Sandbox Environments
Use Microsoft Learn’s free sandbox environments to:
- Create and configure Azure resources
- Set up network security groups
- Configure Azure Active Directory
- Enable security monitoring
Complete Security-Focused Modules
Work through security-specific training modules covering:
- Azure identity and access management
- Network security and segmentation
- Data protection and encryption
- Security monitoring and threat detection
Azure Security Fundamentals
As you learn Azure, understand these core security concepts:Identity and Access Management
- Azure Active Directory (AAD) fundamentals
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Conditional access policies
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
Network Security
- Virtual Network (VNet) design
- Network Security Groups (NSGs)
- Application Security Groups (ASGs)
- Azure Firewall and Web Application Firewall (WAF)
- Service endpoints and private links
Data Protection
- Azure Storage encryption
- Azure Disk Encryption
- Key Vault for secrets management
- Azure Information Protection
- Data classification and labeling
Security Operations
- Azure Monitor and Log Analytics
- Azure Sentinel for SIEM
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Security alerts and incident response
- Automated remediation with Logic Apps
Microsoft Learn Benefits
Free Sandbox Access
Practice in real Azure environments without credit card or personal subscription
Structured Learning Paths
Follow role-based paths for security engineer, administrator, or architect
Achievement Badges
Earn badges and certifications to showcase your Azure skills
Interactive Exercises
Learn by doing with hands-on labs integrated into each module
Next Steps
After completing Azure fundamentals:- Design secure Azure architectures for common scenarios
- Practice security incident response using Azure Sentinel
- Implement security automation with Logic Apps and Azure Functions
- Explore integration between Azure and Microsoft 365 security
- Consider pursuing Azure Security Engineer Associate certification
Azure for Cybersecurity Careers
Azure skills are particularly valuable if you’re targeting:- Organizations with Microsoft 365 or Office 365
- Enterprises in finance, healthcare, or government (strong Azure adoption)
- Security operations center (SOC) roles using Azure Sentinel
- Cloud security engineer or architect positions
- DevSecOps roles in Azure-based environments