Organizations are shifting business-critical assets and workloads to cloud environments and increasing their adoption of Azure cloud security tools for risk mitigation and security management. As establishing a well-defined cloud security strategy becomes a priority, vendors are introducing the latest Azure Security Tools to help out companies.
Microsoft Azure uses a shared responsibility model when it comes to cloud security and is in charge of handling critical resources and applications on the Azure platform. In this blog, we will cover the top Azure Security Tools, their features, and a brief overview of each so that you know which tools are right for your business.
Table of Contents:
- What is Cloud Security?
- What are Azure Security Tools?
- Best Azure Security Tools in 2023
- How do you choose the best Azure Cloud Security Tool?
- Conclusion
What is Cloud Security?
Cloud Security can be described as a collection of technologies used to monitor and protect various cloud services, platforms, and assets. Organizations can scale their resources and offload their tasks by relying on reputed cloud hosting services for infrastructure management. The most popular types of cloud services are IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), SaaS (Software as a Service), and PaaS (Platform as a Service), and cloud security entails safeguarding all three of them and supporting their functions.
What are Azure Security Tools?
Microsoft Azure is a hybrid cloud platform that enables enterprises to be future-ready and helps run their business operations across multiple cloud environments. Azure offers various products related to compliance and governance, threat detection and monitoring, identity and access management, and network security. Its various features lay a strong foundation for building secure cloud infrastructures worldwide.
Azure Security Tools are software programs designed to enhance the platform’s native capabilities and provide proactive protection against emerging cloud security threats. The key features of these tools will vary depending on what sensitive information and assets they are designed to protect and defend.
Best Azure Security Tools in 2023
As dependence on the cloud increases, so does the need for strong cloud security. Many organizations rely on Azure security tools to protect their cloud infrastructures and safeguard sensitive information. Azure security tools provide businesses with the best resources and robust security features to mitigate potential threats. Here is a collection of the top cloud security tools in Azure for meeting your different business and enterprise needs.
#1. PingSafe
PingSafe is the No. 1 advanced Cloud-Native Application Protection (CNAPP) Platform that bundles Azure security tools and a host of unique enterprise features. It can scan server-based and serverless containers and orchestration modules like ECS, AKS, Fargate, Kubernetes, Docker images, and more. The platform implements out-of-the-box policies to identify configuration drifts across various cloud devices and features CI/CD integration support. It can detect embedded secrets in host VMs, auto-remediate misconfigurations, and generate reports on demand. PingSafe issues history tracking throughout its lifecycle and has role-based access control provisions. The platform supports multi-tenancy for users as well.
Features
- Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) can automatically detect and remediate misconfigurations before deployments and provide continuous visibility into security posture by flagging security defaults.
- Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP) offers 360-degree security for containers, cloud VMs, and serverless functions. It can generate graph-based visualizations of ECS and Kubernetes clusters and generate SBOM for all container images across connected clusters.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) supports Terraform, Helm, and CloudFormation templates. It can monitor IaC scripts for misconfigurations across GCP, Microsoft Azure, and AWS. The feature can report hardcoded requests and includes CI/CD integration support.
- Cloud Detection and Response (CDR) enables real-time threat discovery and investigations. CNAPP has an offensive security engine that facilitates real-time attack simulations and replicates threat vectors from the attacker’s mindset for practical zero-day vulnerability assessments.
Pros
- Easy to implement, quick cloud scans, and intuitive user interface
- Automatic updates, single sign-on capabilities, and multi-tenancy support
- Bug tracking feature integrates with PagerDuty and JIRA and streamlines multi-cloud compliance
- Single pane of view, centralized security management, and secret scanning
Cons
- There are no cons as of right now
Pricing
PingSafe’s Starter plan commences at 2000 USD per month.
#2. CyberArk
CyberArk Privileged Access Manager is one of the leading cloud security tools in Azure because of its flawless integration with the Azure Active Directory. It is a reliable solution for storing passwords, can track, govern, and verify cloud accounts, and has excellent capabilities when it comes to deployments.
Features
- Has a password vault and can manage cloud service accounts
- Keeps cloud privilege accounts compliant with the latest regulations
- Includes licensing, supports remote authentication, and automatically signs users in
Pros
- Easy to use, intuitive, and simple setup
- Automatically locates new servers on networks and vaults local admin passwords.
- Can generate one-time use passwords and automatically roll out new ones with each cloud configuration
Cons
- Reporting tools and insights could be a bit better
- Performance speeds may be slow and experience lag sometimes.
#3. CloudFlare Web Application Firewall
The CloudFlare Web Application Firewall can prevent malicious attacks and protect business-critical web applications. It is designed to be a top Azure cloud security tool and enhances cloud security with active DDoS protection. CloudFlare can be deployed with Microsoft Azure to improve performance, reliability, and security, drastically reducing egress expenses.
Features
- Enterprise-grade cloud security and top-level Microsoft Azure performance
- Customizable security rules and CloudFlare WAF integration with Azure Active Directory B2C
- The unified control plane and optimized egress costs
- Serverless computing, DDoS protection, and enhanced content acceleration with a full product stack
Pros
- Great load-balancing capabilities
- Easy to configure
- Prevents web application attacks
Cons
- Lacks granular reporting
- Some limitations with third-party integrations
#4. ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus
ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus is a more robust Azure security tool for safeguarding sensitive cloud information. It stops insider attacks and offers advanced data loss protection by identifying vulnerabilities across all endpoints. The software instantly responds to alerts and has a robust data classification engine that keeps track of all digital assets.
Features
- In-depth content inspections and continuous data surveillance
- Prevents unnecessary data leakages and quickly remediates false positives
- Secures email collaboration and provides data upload protection during file transfers
Pros
- Easy to use and precise
- Future-proof DLP strategies
- Centralized data management and full visibility
Cons
- Cannot create personalized dashboards
- Technical support is not reliable
#5. CrowdStrike Falcon
CrowdStrike Falcon is one of the top unified Azure security tools that offer comprehensive visibility and advanced protection against cyber threats. It stops data breaches and enables enterprises to focus on protecting their most critical assets, endpoints, workloads, and identities. The platform is powered by AI technology and can make intelligent decisions in real-time.
Features
- Advanced security consolidation, deployment, and management
- Cloud-native architecture and a single agent that offers remote deployments
- Manages cloud workloads and ensures consistent visibility across Azure environments, endpoints, and identities
- Centralizes log data and ensures compliance
Pros
- Next-gen XDR and EDR solution
- Advanced threat intelligence and risk-based vulnerability management
- Unified cloud security and identity protection
Cons
- The user interface is not intuitive
- Malware analysis and endpoint scanning are lacking.
#6. Centrify
Centrify can secure Azure Console Access and is one of the top Azure security tools out there in the industry. It can protect enterprises against various cyber threats in cloud, mobile, and on-premises environments.
Features
- Automated account management and cloud protection
- Single sign-on capabilities
- Multi-factor authentication
- Auditing and compliance
Pros
- Secures data access for hybrid enterprises and offers identity management services
- Integrates with PagerDuty, Bugsnag, Mingle, and Sentry
- Single sign-on and workflow and lifecycle management
- Mobility management and app gateway
Cons
- Cannot reference AD users and groups during provisioning
- Scripting is not beginner-friendly
#7. Zero Spam
Zero Spam helps enterprises manage their email security on every level and protect communications across cloud environments. It leverages cloud-based Azure security tools and is 100% compatible with Office 365. Zero Spam can protect against spear phishing attacks, spam messages, and even blacklist or whitelist accounts.
Features
- Cloud encryption and email attachment protection
- Fraud detection and threat intelligence
- Reporting and analytics
- Policy management, audit logging, and anti-virus defense
- Spam filters and block lists
Pros
- Easy to use, intuitive, and simple interface
- Great customer support
- Quarantines threats
- Offers cloud application and email security, including archiving services
Cons
- Spam filter and email protection services are expensive compared to other vendors
#8. Splunk Enterprise Security
Splunk Enterprise Security is a top Azure security tool with a cutting-edge log analyzer that proactively secures multi-cloud environments. It makes debugging and data visualizations easier, has an efficient querying process, and integrates Machine Learning algorithms to enhance performance on the cloud.
Features
- Offers great insights and root cause analysis
- Error alerts and continuous threat monitoring
- Insider threat detection and security incident investigation
- In-depth reporting and metrics
Pros
- Integrates with different Azure security tools and cloud services
- Very scalable, great reporting and analytics
- Automatic responses and threat modeling
Cons
- May utilize too many resources and overload systems
#9. Google Cloud Security Command Center (SCC)
Google Cloud Security Command Center proactively identifies and monitors threats in real time. It helps analyze security data, generates insights, and assists with meeting regulatory compliance requirements. As one of the best Azure security tools, it provides effective risk management, root cause analysis, audits, and governance services.
Features
- Robust security monitoring and management capabilities
- Exclusive developer tools and support third-party service integrations
- Available on-demand
- Unified cloud security and up to 99.5% SLA
Pros
- Provides encryption at rest service
- Access controls and multifactor authentication
- Built-in regulatory compliance
- Supports various query languages, including Cloud Datastore and SQL
Cons
- Accessing the advanced features comes at additional costs
#10. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Security Hub
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Security Hub offers a single pane of view for security alerts, security posture management, and other services for all AWS accounts. It is one of the most comprehensive Azure security tools and reduces the risk of data breaches with automated security checks, security controls, and simplified compliance.
Features
- Initiates Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) workflows and automatically sends findings to ticketing systems for effective remediation
- Built-in mapping with popular industry frameworks like PCI DSS, CIS, and many more
- Improves DevSecOps team security and performance with search, correlation, and aggregation services
Pros
- AWS Health Checks, Amazon GuardDuty, and Amazon Inspector
- AWS Systems Manager and Integrated APN Solutions
- End-to-end cloud and Azure security with AWS Partner services
- Builds security data lakes in minutes from multiple integrated clouds, on-premises data sources, and custom application data
Cons
- Dashboard alerts need improvement
- Very expensive
How do you choose the best Azure Cloud Security Tool?
Here are some factors to consider when going about choosing the best Azure cloud security tools for your business:
- Consider Pricing – Choosing an Azure security tool that best fits your organization’s pricing specifications is essential. You don’t want to exceed the budget and ensure you can afford a subscription without compromising the quality of your operations and overall security.
- Understand the Azure Shared Responsibility Model – Microsoft Azure has various components and segregates identity and access management, application deployment, data classification, and endpoint protection. You must prioritize which areas you want to focus on the most and select an appropriate Azure cloud security toolkit accordingly. Adopting a layered security approach, along with implementing role-based access controls and the principle of least privilege access, is advisable.
- Auditing and Compliance – Auditing and compliance features will help you avoid lawsuits and satisfy legal obligations. It can help meet regulatory requirements and improve customer trust and satisfaction.
- Don’t Neglect Key Vaults – Using a key vault, you can protect secrets, store passwords, and safeguard cryptographic keys. This cannot be hijacked, making keeping track of your secured credentials easier.
Conclusion
No right and wrong answers are related to choosing the best Azure Security Tools. Ultimately, the tool you pick will depend on your company’s infrastructure and resource management requirements. The goal is to enhance cloud security, reduce risk, and find a solution that fits your company’s vision, values, and budget. Try out our list above, and you’ll find out what works for you soon enough.
