Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Application Proxy is a feature of Azure AD that enables users to access on-premises web applications from a remote client. This service serves as a reverse proxy to establish a secure connection between remote users and local applications.
Configuring Azure AD Application Proxy
Here is an outline of how you can get started with configuring Azure AD Application Proxy:
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Enabling Application Proxy Service
To enable application proxy, sign-in to the Azure portal. Go to ‘Azure Active Directory’ > ‘Application proxy’. Click on ‘Enable Application Proxy’.
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Installing Application Proxy Connector
This requires setting up a proxy connector on the server. The connector communicates with your apps and the Application Proxy servers.
To install the Application Proxy connector, go to ‘Azure Active Directory’ > ‘Application Proxy’ > ‘Download Connector service’. After downloading, install the connector by opening the installation file and accepting the terms and conditions.
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Publishing an Application
To make your application accessible to users, you need to publish it. To do so, navigate to ‘Azure Active Directory’ > ‘Enterprise Applications’ > ‘New Application’ > ‘On-premises application’.
Provide details for internal URL, pre-authentication method (Azure Active Directory), and connector group. Click ‘Add’ to publish your application.
Examples of usage
Conditional Access
Azure AD Application Proxy allows you to enforce Conditional Access policies on your on-premises applications. These policies enable you to control access based on user location, device status, or sign-in risk level.
For example, you can create a policy that blocks access from outside your corporate network or allows it only from devices that are compliant with your organization’s standards.
Single Sign-On
This service also offers Azure AD Single Sign-On (SSO), giving users a smooth sign-in experience. Once users are signed in to the network, they don’t have to reauthenticate when accessing other apps.
For instance, an employee can use their workplace credentials to access both their Office 365 portal and the on-premises web apps published through Application Proxy.
Analytics and Monitoring
Azure AD Application Proxy provides rich signals and insights about application usage. You can monitor application access patterns and behaviors, audit logs and usage analytics. These insights can help detect potential security threats and improve your access policies.
Conclusion
Configuring Azure AD Application Proxy allows you to secure and manage your on-premises applications with the same tools and standards used for your cloud applications. It brings the advantages of cloud resources to your local applications, making them accessible for remote users and enabling Conditional Access and SSO functionalities.
Understanding the capability to configure and utilize Azure AD Application Proxy is key knowledge for the MS-100 Microsoft 365 Identity and Services exam. Whether setting up for the first time, or managing an organization’s remote application access, the steps outlined can serve as a foundational starting point.
Always refer to Azure’s most up-to-date and comprehensive documentation for the latest information and deeper insights into configuring Azure AD Application Proxy.
Practice Test
True/False: Azure AD Application Proxy allows you to publish on-premise applications to external users.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure AD Application Proxy provides single sign-on (SSO) and secure remote access for web applications hosted on-premises.
Multiple select: Which of the following are benefits of Azure AD Application Proxy?
- a) Remote access and SSO for all your web applications
- b) Protects on-premises applications from common web attacks
- c) IT doesn’t need to manage VPN
- d) Allows users to access applications from anywhere
Answer: All options are correct
Explanation: Azure AD Application Proxy provides remote access, SSO, protection from attacks and allows anywhere access.
Single select: Can you use Azure AD Application Proxy for applications that use custom security protocols?
- a) Yes
- b) No
Answer: b) No
Explanation: Azure AD Application Proxy is not designed for applications that use custom security protocols.
True/False: Azure AD Application Proxy requires inbound connections to be configured in your corporate network.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Azure AD Application Proxy only requires outbound connections from the connector installed within your corporate network.
Single select: What do you need to establish if you want to use Azure AD Application Proxy?
- a) Public IP
- b) Connector
- c) VPN
- d) Azure AD Connect
Answer: b) Connector
Explanation: To use Azure AD Application Proxy, you need to install a connector on your on-premises network.
True/False: You can publish multiple applications through a single Azure AD Application Proxy connector.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: An Azure AD Application Proxy connector can handle requests for multiple applications, routing traffic for each to the appropriate target servers.
Multiple select: Which application types are not supported by Azure AD Application Proxy?
- a) Web applications that use integrated Windows authentication
- b) Applications that require VPN access
- c) Web applications that use form-based authentication
- d) Applications that use custom protocols
Answer: b) Applications that require VPN access and d) Applications that use custom protocols
Explanation: Azure AD Application Proxy supports applications using Windows and form-based authentication, but not custom protocols or VPN access.
Single select: Which Azure service can be combined with Azure AD Application Proxy to provide additional security?
- a) Azure AD Connect
- b) Azure Security Center
- c) Azure Information Protection
- d) Azure Multi-Factor Authentication
Answer: d) Azure Multi-Factor Authentication
Explanation: Azure Multi-Factor Authentication can be used in conjunction with Azure AD Application Proxy for added security.
True/False: Azure AD Application Proxy can provide preauthentication for on-premises applications.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure AD Application Proxy can provide preauthentication services, meaning that it ensures the user is authenticated before they can access the applications.
Multiple select: Which are the preauthentication methods provided by Azure AD Application Proxy?
- a) Azure AD
- b) Passthrough
- c) SSO
- d) MFA
Answer: a) Azure AD, b) Passthrough
Explanation: Azure AD Application Proxy provides two preauthentication methods – Azure AD, which means Application Proxy only sends requests to your application from authenticated users and Passthrough, which allows all traffic through and relies on your application to handle authentication.
Interview Questions
What is the main purpose of using Azure AD Application Proxy?
Azure AD Application Proxy is primarily used to provide secure remote access to web applications from outside your network.
Which types of applications are supported by Azure AD Application Proxy?
Azure AD Application Proxy supports applications that use Integrated Windows Authentication, Form-based authentication, and OAuth.
How does Azure AD Application Proxy protect applications?
Azure AD Application Proxy leverages Azure Active Directory’s strong authentication and Conditional Access policies, including Multi-Factor Authentication and geo-fencing for protection.
Which Azure service tier do you need to use Azure AD Application Proxy?
To use Azure AD Application Proxy, you need to have Azure Active Directory on the Premium P1 or Premium P2 service tier.
Can you use Azure AD Application Proxy with on-premises applications?
Yes, Azure AD Application Proxy is designed to provide secure remote access even for on-premises applications.
How does Azure AD Application Proxy handle user sign-ins?
Azure AD Application Proxy redirects users to sign in with Azure AD, which enables you to enforce Conditional Access policies before granting access to your application.
Does Azure AD Application Proxy require you to open inbound connections in your network firewall?
No, Azure AD Application Proxy uses outbound connections, which means you do not need to open inbound connections through your firewall.
Can Azure AD Application Proxy be used for load balancing across multiple servers?
Yes, you can configure Azure AD Application Proxy for load balancing by deploying multiple connector machines.
Can Azure AD Application Proxy support automatic app registration?
No, Azure AD Application Proxy does not support automatic app registration. Each application must be registered manually.
How does Azure AD Application Proxy manage sessions for pre-authenticated access?
For pre-authenticated access, Azure AD Application Proxy establishes a session for the user and each session is tied to the user’s token.
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