Azure Key vaults networking

Question

We have four Azure Key Vaults configured with customer-managed keys (CMK) that are currently used to encrypt data for both SharePoint Online and Exchange Online. I'm in the process of configuring the Key Vault networking settings to allow access only from specific IP addresses and to allow traffic from trusted Microsoft services to bypass the firewall.

My primary question is: By changing the networking settings to allow specific networks and trusted Microsoft services, will SharePoint Online and Exchange Online still be able to access the Key Vault keys?

I've reviewed Microsoft's documentation regarding Key Vault Virtual Network Service Endpoints and bypassing the Key Vault firewall by checking "Allow trusted Microsoft services to bypass this firewall."

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/overview-vnet-service-endpoints

Does enabling this setting truly ensure that SharePoint Online and Exchange Online can continue to access the keys without service disruption? I want to ensure this change doesn't lead to any service interruptions.

Thank you for your insights.

Answer 1

hi mani)) great question, and yes, u got it right! enabling 'allow trusted microsoft services to bypass this firewall' will let sharepoint online and exchange online access ur key vault keys without any hiccups. microsoft services are whitelisted, so they skip the ip restrictions like magic https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/network-security

just tick that checkbox in the key vault networking settings, and ur good to go. sharepoint and exchange will keep working like nothing changed. microsoft knows their stuff, so trust the process )

now, if u ever switch to other clouds or tools, remember this trick might not work the same way. always check if the platform has a similar 'trusted services' option. its a lifesaver when u need to lock things down but keep some access open. Peek at the key vault logs after making the change. u wanna see those sweet 'success' entries from sharepoint and exchange. if u spot anything weird, the logs will spill the tea first. check them https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/logging

this is a solid move for security! locking down key vaults but letting the right services in is chef's kiss. microsoft made it easy, so take advantage ))

ps: if u ever mess with ip restrictions elsewhere, test during off hours. just in case, u know? better safe than sorry :)

rgds,

Alex