A privileged endpoint (PEP) is a Windows PowerShell interface in Azure Stack Hub that permits access to under-the-hood operations. It’s an important part of your Azure Stack Hub environment that helps with disaster recovery, system diagnostics, and other operational tasks.
However, maintaining open sessions in PEP can be a security risk. Unauthorized users can potentially manipulate these endpoints, resulting in a breach. Consequently, it’s essential to close the sessions after completing your tasks to protect your Azure environment.
Now, let’s see how to close a session in PEP:
First, you should know how to connect to a privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub:
$cred = Get-Credential
Enter-PSSession -ComputerName
In this instance, you’ll use the Get-Credential
cmdlet to create a new object that contains your username and password. You will then use Enter-PSSession
to start an interactive session on a remote computer.
After successfully connecting to the PEP and completing your tasks, use the command below to close the session:
Exit-PSSession
The Exit-PSSession
cmdlet is used to end an interactive session.
Keep in mind that the steps outlined are foundational and may vary depending on the nature or complexity of your infrastructure.
Taking extra precautions in closing sessions would notably reduce your attack surface. By doing such, you’re not just securing your service, you’re giving the clients, whose important data are stored and backed up in your infrastructure, the value of peace of mind.
In conclusion, understanding how to close a session on a privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub is vital. This is not just a test requirement for the AZ-600 Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack Hub exam but a necessity in the actual field of cloud security management.
For additional readings and in-depth study on other hybrid cloud security topics, you can visit Microsoft’s official documentation.
Practice Test
Closing a session on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub requires the user to reboot the operating system.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Closing a session on the privileged endpoint doesn’t require a reboot of the operating system. It can be achieved by simply entering the “Exit” command.
The Privileged Endpoint in Azure Stack Hub is intended for operations that can’t be performed through the administrator portal.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Privileged Endpoint (PEP) is a pre-configured remote PowerShell interface dedicated for advanced troubleshooting and configuration options not available through the Azure Stack Hub administrator portal.
The “Exit” command is used to close a session on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The “Exit” command is the proper command to close a session opened on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub.
Leaving an open session on the privileged endpoint poses no security risks.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Keeping a privileged endpoint session open may pose a security risk as it provides a powerful interface to your Azure Stack Hub deployment.
Which of the following best practices should be maintained when closing a session on the privileged endpoint?
- Keep the session open for a long time
- Exit the session as soon as the task is done
- Never close an open session
- Keep at least three sessions open
Answer: b. Exit the session as soon as the task is done
Explanation: It is recommended to close a privileged endpoint session once a task is completed to reduce potential security risks.
In Azure Stack Hub, more than one session can be open on the privileged endpoint at a time.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Stack Hub supports multiple concurrent sessions on the privileged endpoint.
How can a remote session be opened on the Privileged Endpoint in Azure Stack Hub?
- Using RestAPI
- Using PowerShell
- Using Azure CLI
- Using SSH
Answer: b. Using PowerShell
Explanation: The Privileged Endpoint can only be accessed using a remote PowerShell session.
Privileged Endpoints in Azure Stack Hub are used for basic user tasks.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Privileged Endpoints in Azure Stack Hub are intended for advanced troubleshooting, not basic user tasks.
Only administrators can create sessions on the Privileged Endpoint.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Only users with satisfactory administrative rights can initiate sessions on the Privileged Endpoint in Azure Stack Hub.
Role-based access control does not apply to the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Privileged Endpoint in Azure Stack Hub doesn’t support role-based access control; it is intended to be a last resort for advanced troubleshooting and operations.
Interview Questions
What does closing a session on a privileged endpoint entail in Azure Stack Hub?
Closing a session on a privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub involves exiting the PowerShell session that was used to manage and configure the Azure Stack Hub infrastructure.
What command is used to close a session on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub?
The command used to close a privileged endpoint session is ‘Exit-PSSession’.
What is a privileged endpoint (PEP) in Azure Stack Hub?
The privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub is a PowerShell interface that provides system operators with the ability to carry out infrastructure administrative functions in Azure Stack Hub deployment.
Why is it important to close a session on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub?
It’s important to close a privileged endpoint session in Azure Stack Hub to maintain security. By closing the session, it ensures that no unauthorized individual can access and manipulate the Azure Stack Hub configuration.
What permissions are required to access the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub?
Only Azure Stack Hub operators with the correct permissions are able to access the privileged endpoints.
What are some of the operations that can be performed with privileged endpoint sessions in Azure Stack Hub?
The operations that can be performed include but are not limited to system diagnostics and restoring, configuration of network settings, restarting components of the Azure Stack Hub, and package management.
Can you run multiple privileged endpoint sessions simultaneously in Azure Stack Hub?
Yes, multiple privileged endpoint sessions can be run simultaneously, but it’s recommended to use only one session at a time to prevent potential conflicts.
How can an operator open a privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub?
An operator can open a privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub using the ‘Enter-PSSession’ command.
Besides ‘Exit-PSSession’, is there another way to close a session on the privileged endpoint?
Yes, simply closing the PowerShell window can also end the session. However, the ‘Exit-PSSession’ command is more recommended.
Can I reopen a closed session on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub?
No, once a session on the privileged endpoint is closed, it cannot be reopened. You’ll need to open a new session if you need to continue working.
Why would a user need to access a privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub?
A user typically accesses a privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub when the default Azure Stack Hub tools do not provide necessary exposure for diagnosing and remediating operational issues.
What type of information is essential to gather before closing the session on the privileged endpoint?
It is crucial to retrieve any relevant diagnostic information that pertains to the task performed during the session before closing it.
Are privileged endpoint sessions logged in Azure Stack Hub?
Yes, all operations performed in a privileged endpoint session are logged, enhancing the security and accountability of privileged access.
What are the requirements to access an Azure Stack Hub privileged endpoint?
The Azure Stack Hub needs to be operating, the operator needs to have a valid account with the necessary permissions, and access to a Windows-based system to launch PowerShell.
What happens if a privileged endpoint session in Azure Stack Hub times out?
If a privileged endpoint session times out, it is automatically ended and the operator will need to start a new one.