Enhancing VM security: Azure's approach to safer connectivity for all users

When it comes to cloud security, one of the most critical aspects is managing connectivity to your virtual machines (VMs) without exposing them to unnecessary risks. To help you with this, Azure provides secure and seamless remote access to your Azure VMs over TLS – at no added cost - through Azure Bastion Developer, a fully managed, platform-native service.  

Enabling secure connectivity goes beyond just securing remote access to VMs; it plays an integral role in a broader security strategy for Azure customers under the “Secure-By-Default” initiative. By eliminating the need for public IPs on your VMs and the complexities associated with traditional remote access methods, Bastion Developer fundamentally changes how Azure customers approach security. In this blog, we will discuss how secure connectivity via Bastion Developer enhances security for all Azure customers. 

Reduced attack surface 

Public IPs and open ports are significant vulnerabilities in traditional remote access methods. They can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to your VMs, leading to data breaches, malware infections, and other security incidents. Open ports can also be scanned and targeted by malicious actors, increasing the likelihood of successful attacks. By eliminating the need for public IPs, Bastion Developer minimizes these risks and enhances the overall security of your Azure environment. This secure-by-default approach ensures that your VMs are only accessible through a secure connection to a private IP, safeguarding your sensitive data and resources from external threats. 

Simplified security management 

Bastion Developer simplifies security by removing the need for complex VPN configurations, public IPs, and agent-based installation. It’s a centralized, managed solution that integrates directly into your Azure environment, making security management much more straightforward.  

Additionally, Bastion Developer offers a one-click connection feature, allowing users to securely access their virtual machines without the need for any deployment. This feature enables developers and IT teams to connect to their VMs in just seconds, streamlining the process and enhancing productivity. With no additional infrastructure required, users can enter their VM credentials, click “Connect,” and gain secure access almost instantly in the Azure portal. Bastion Developer also offers CLI-based connectivity for SSH connections.

Reduced risk of misconfigurations 

Bastion Developer's automated and streamlined approach eliminates the risks of human error and configuration mistakes, which can be common source of security vulnerabilities. By eliminating the need for manual configuration or deployment, Azure Bastion Developer eliminates the risks of human error and configuration mistakes that could otherwise lead to insecure access points, making it an accessible option for all Azure customers, regardless of their level of networking expertise. 

No added cost 

The best part? Azure Bastion Developer is 100% free with every Azure subscription. This lightweight connectivity offering was made free under Microsoft’s “Secure-by-Default” initiative to ensure that security is accessible and affordable for all Azure users. Unlike traditional public IP methods, which can cost more than $4 per IP address per month, Bastion Developer offers secure connections to one VM at a time at zero additional cost. This affordability removes barriers to robust security by making it more economically viable for developers and IT teams. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of this service encourages widespread adoption, ensuring that even smaller organizations with limited budgets can benefit from enhanced security measures. This seamless and cost-effective approach ensures that all Azure customers can easily enhance their security posture without incurring extra expenses. 

Conclusion 

In Azure, our goal is to offer the most secure platform for our customers as the default. Cyberattacks are becoming more and more common, and exposing VM ports with public IPs increases their vulnerability. Our approach with Bastion Developer is to enable secure connectivity by default without exposing public endpoints -- at no additional cost. We received this feedback from our users, especially developers who need to make brief and limited persistent connections to VMs regularly.  

With its ability to reduce your attack surface, simplify security management, and integrate seamlessly with the Azure ecosystem, Bastion Developer is a must-have tool for any developer looking to improve their cloud security. Start using Azure Bastion Developer today to secure your Azure VMs and improve your overall security posture at no extra cost.