Preparation Guide for Microsoft Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500) Exam

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Azure Cloud Security empowers organizations to swiftly safeguard data, applications, and infrastructure through integrated security services, featuring advanced security intelligence for promptly detecting emerging threats in their nascent stages. This enables agile responses for timely mitigation.

Azure Security helps organizations to: 

  • Firstly, apply a layered defense in-depth strategy across identity, data, hosts and networks. 
  • Secondly, unify security management and enable advanced threat protection across hybrid cloud environments.

Microsoft Azure stands as a prominent player among leading cloud service providers. Recently, Microsoft underwent a transformation in its Cloud certification program, transitioning from the traditional MCP, MCSA, MCSE certifications to Role-based programs. Notably, Microsoft introduced Role-based Cloud Security certifications, placing a significant emphasis on pertinent skills. Within Azure Cloud Security, distinct tracks have emerged within the Azure cloud infrastructure certifications, aligning with specific roles or areas of interest.

Since the inception of Role-based Cloud Security Certifications, there has been a rapid surge in demand for Azure security engineer positions. Attaining the Security Engineer Associate certification necessitates the successful completion of a single exam, AZ-500. In today’s landscape, the specter of security breaches, encompassing data loss, system downtime, and other critical issues, looms over organizations globally. These risks magnify the overall impact of security incidents. Neglecting the security aspects of a cloud infrastructure can lead to unforeseen costs and repercussions for organizations.

These factors have catalyzed an escalating demand for professionals well-versed in Azure cloud security skills and technologies.

What it takes to become an Azure Cloud Security Engineer?

Security Engineers are tasked with the responsibility of proficiently identifying and remedying vulnerabilities, leveraging an array of security tools and a solid foundation in Azure essentials. For candidates aspiring to acquire a comprehensive grasp of fundamental Azure concepts, the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification stands as an ideal resource. Successfully navigating the AZ-900 exam for Microsoft Azure Fundamentals empowers candidates by establishing a strong bedrock of knowledge, thus enhancing their confidence as they embark on pursuing role-based Azure certifications.

Who should take AZ-500 Exam?

The job of Security engineer is ideal for:

  • Applicants engaged in deploying security measures, safeguarding data, networks, applications, as well as overseeing identity and access management.
  • Candidates possessing the expertise to detect and rectify vulnerabilities through the utilization of security tools.
  • Individuals with a proven track record in executing threat protection measures, both within the on-premises environment and system management.

Skills Required to become Azure Security Professional

To begin their preparations for the AZ-500 exam, candidates should always concentrate on the fundamentals of Azure security engineer skills.

The primary skills that are essential to become a security engineer are: 

  • Comprehension of essential principles in cloud security and infrastructure administration.
  • Foundational grasp of implementing security measures.
  • Proficiency in maintaining a robust security stance.
  • Adeptness in managing identity and access.
  • Demonstrated teamwork capabilities are expected from candidates.
  • Competence in safeguarding data, applications, and networks.
  • Capability to carry out security operations for the Azure infrastructure is required.

These skills will allow the candidates to develop and strengthen their understanding of the essential principles of Azure Cloud Security. 

Role-Defined Skills

As Azure Security Engineer is a job role related to the designation of a security engineer, therefore there are certain skills that are similar to that of security engineers and works as important additions among Azure security engineer skills. The role-specific skills that are required to become Azure security engineering professionals are:

  • In-depth knowledge of cloud features and services 
  • Good flow in scripting and automation.
  • Complete understanding of Microsoft Azure products and services.
  • Acquaintance with operating in cloud and hybrid environments.
  • Mastery in virtualization, networking and N-tier architecture.
  • Experience with working in end-to-end infrastructure.

How to become Azure Security Engineer?

Take Practice test & Exam :- Start Preparing for AZ-500 Exam Now!

The Microsoft Azure Security Technology exam is well-suited for security experts engaged in implementing security measures, ensuring data, network, application security, managing identity and access, and executing threat protection strategies. Attaining the Azure AZ-500 certification is crucial for individuals aspiring to secure a position as an Azure Security Engineer.

Exam Information: 

NameAZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies
Exam CodeAZ-500
TechnologyMicrosoft Azure
PrerequisitesNone
Number of Questions40 to 60
Exam Fees$165 USD
LanguageEnglish

What are the AZ-500 exam prerequisites?

There are basically no prerequisites for AZ-500 Certification Exam. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certificate proves your knowledge of Azure basics. Still, there are some prerequisites that are necessary to appear for the AZ-500 certification exam.

  • Candidates are expected to be skilled in scripting and automation.
  • Candidates must have a strong knowledge of N-tier architecture, networking and virtualization.

Microsoft AZ-500 Exam Course Outline

The objectives allow candidates to know the exact topics that will form the foundation of questions in the AZ-500 certification exam.  The AZ-500 exam topics include:

Manage identity and access (25–30%)

Manage Microsoft Entra identities

  • Secure Microsoft Entra users
  • Secure Microsoft Entra groups
  • Recommend when to use external identities (Microsoft Documentation: External Identities in Azure Active Directory)
  • Secure external identities
  • Implement Microsoft Entra ID Protection

Manage Microsoft Entra authentication

Manage Microsoft Entra authorization

  • Configure Azure role permissions for management groups, subscriptions, resource groups, and resources (Microsoft Documentation: What are Azure management groups)
  • Assign Microsoft Entra built-in roles
  • Assign built-in roles in Azure
  • Create and assign custom roles, including Azure roles and Microsoft Entra roles
  • Implement and manage Microsoft Entra Permissions Management (Microsoft Documentation: What’s Permissions Management?)
  • Configure Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management
  • Configure role management and access reviews by using Microsoft Entra (Microsoft Documentation: What are access reviews?)
  • Implement Conditional Access policies (Microsoft Documentation: What is Conditional Access?)

Manage Microsoft Entra application access

Secure networking (20–25%)

Plan and Implement security for virtual networks

Plan and implement security for private access to Azure resources

Plan and implement security for public access to Azure resources

Secure compute, storage, and databases (20–25%)

Plan and implement advanced security for compute

Plan and implement security for storage

Plan and implement security for Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance

Manage security operations (25–30%)

Plan, implement, and manage governance for security

Manage security posture by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Configure and manage threat protection by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Configure and manage security monitoring and automation solutions

Numerous reputable online certification training providers offer their expertise to assist candidates in preparing for the Azure Cloud Security Exam. Regardless of your chosen preparation method, engaging in a practice run or two can yield unexpected benefits. In conjunction with ensuring adequate rest and a nutritious breakfast on the exam day, incorporating AZ-500 practice tests into your study regimen serves as a valuable approach to diversify your strategies and optimize your performance for the actual assessment.

Start preparing for AZ-500 exam using the AZ-500 Study Guide!
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