Implementing Zero-Code Backend Auth with Edge JWT Validation for Microsoft Foundry Agents
The article presents a Zero‑Code Backend Authentication pattern for Microsoft Foundry Agents by validating JWT tokens at the network edge instead of inside backend services. Azure Application Gateway performs signature checks, claim enforcement, and header sanitization before traffic reaches Azure Container Apps, eliminating duplicated auth logic and preventing compute waste on unauthorized requests. The architecture uses Entra ID, Application Gateway, Container Apps, and Terraform/AzAPI to deliver a secure, scalable, perimeter‑first model. Best practices include internal‑only ingress, JWKS rotation, token caching, and centralized monitoring.
