Secure Azure Key Vault with defense in depth for the cloud and AI workloads

  • Learning Path
  • 4 Modules

At a glance

Implement a defense-in-depth security strategy for Azure Key Vault. In this learning path, you apply security-hardened vault configuration, enforce least-privilege access with just-in-time activation, manage the full lifecycle of keys, secrets, and certificates, and use Microsoft Defender for Cloud to detect exposed credentials and malicious access patterns targeting your vaults.

Prerequisites

  • Working knowledge of Azure Key Vault, including deploying and using a vault
  • Understanding of Azure role-based access control (RBAC) and managed identities
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Defender for Cloud at a foundational level

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Modules in this learning path

Configure and secure Azure Key Vault

Configure a security-hardened Azure Key Vault for enterprise workloads. Apply soft delete and purge protection, enforce least-privilege RBAC access with just-in-time activation, and secure the network perimeter using firewall rules and private endpoints.

Manage keys and secrets in Azure Key Vault

Manage the security lifecycle of cryptographic keys and secrets in Azure Key Vault. Configure HSM-backed keys, implement Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) for regulatory scenarios, set up automated key rotation, and build zero-downtime secret rotation using dual-credential patterns.

Manage certificates and monitor Azure Key Vault

Manage certificate lifecycle in Azure Key Vault through integrated certificate authority issuance and autorenewal. Enable diagnostic logging to create an investigation-ready audit trail, configure log-based alert rules, and integrate Event Grid for real-time lifecycle automation.

Protect Azure Key Vault with Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Protect Azure Key Vault with Microsoft Defender for Cloud. Use Defender CSPM agentless secret scanning to discover exposed credentials across virtual machines (VMs) and cloud deployments, enable Microsoft Defender for Key Vault to detect malicious access patterns, and respond effectively to Key Vault security alerts.

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