Description

Use private endpoints for your Azure Storage accounts to allow clients and services to securely access data over an encrypted Private Link. The private endpoint uses an IP address from the VNet for each service. Network traffic between services traverses the VNet and is encrypted in transit. This VNet can also link address space, extending your network and accessing resources on it. It can also act as a tunnel through public networks to connect remote infrastructure. This creates additional security by segmenting network traffic and preventing outside sources from accessing it.

Rationale

Securing traffic between services through encryption protects the data from easy interception and reading.

Impact

If an Azure Virtual Network is not implemented correctly, this may result in the loss of critical network traffic.

Private endpoints are charged per hour of use. Refer to https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/private-link/ and https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/calculator/ to estimate potential costs.

Audit

This policy flags an Azure Storage Account as INCOMPLIANT if the related Azure Private Endpoint Connection for Storage Account is either not linked to an existing Private Endpoint or its Service Connection Status is not set to Approved.

Default Value

By default, Private Endpoints are not created for Storage Accounts.

References

1. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-private-endpoints
2. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-networks-overview
3. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/private-link/create-private-endpoint-portal
4. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/private-link/create-private-endpoint-cli?tabs=dynamic-ip
5. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/private-link/create-private-endpoint-powershell?tabs=dynamic-ip
6. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/private-link/tutorial-private-endpoint-storage-portal
7. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/security/benchmark/azure/mcsb-network-security#ns-2-secure-cloud-native-services-with-network-controls

Additional Information

A NAT gateway is the recommended solution for outbound internet access.

This recommendation is based on the Common Reference Recommendation Ensure Private Endpoints are used to access {service}, from the Common Reference Recommendations > Networking > Private Endpoints section.