As an Azure Stack Hub Operator, one of the key tasks you may have to undertake as part of your role is unlocking a support session. This session is essentially an elevated PowerShell session that comes packed with a number of tools that are not available under the typical operator environment. As a result, unlocking this session provides additional capabilities that are crucial when troubleshooting or dealing with complex maintenance and diagnostic tasks.
It is, however, important to note that unlocking a support session should only be undertaken by trained personnel or under guidance from Microsoft Support. Without due care, misuse of the support session can lead to system instability.
Unlocking a Support Session
To unlock a support session, you need to follow the instructions below:
- Sign in to the privileged endpoint (PEP) using Operator credentials.
Enter-PSSession -ComputerName
- Unlock the support session using the `SecretStr` parameter of the `Set-SupportSession` cmdlet.
Set-SupportSession -Key ((ConvertTo-SecureString -String "
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- You can now conduct the tasks for which you needed to unlock the session such as issuing global cmdlets not typically available to local users.
It is also useful to note that the support session is only available for 12 hours or the server reboot, whichever comes first. After this, you have to repeat the process if you need to unlock the session again.
Locking a Support Session
After completing your tasks, it is prudent to return the session to a locked state. You can use the `Remove-SupportSession` cmdlet for this purpose.
Remove-SupportSession
Considerations and Best Practices
When working with a support session on the Azure Stack Hub, it is imperative to adhere to best practices to avoid potential system issues. Some of these include:
- Regularly update your Azure Stack Hub system to keep up with the latest security and performance enhancements as Microsoft regularly roll out updates.
- Only unlock the support session when necessarily needed. Regular usage or remaining in an unlocked state for a prolonged period can expose your system to undue risks.
- Always lock the support session after completing your tasks.
- Only trained personnel or Microsoft support should unlock and work within the support session. Doing so without adequate competence can cause irreversible damage.
The support session in Azure Stack Hub is a powerful tool that provides additional capabilities beyond the normal operating environment, making it beneficial when troubleshooting or conducting in-depth configuration tasks. However, a deep understanding and caution are crucial when working in this environment to avoid potential harm to the broader system. Always ensure to follow the recommended best practices and run commands that you are well versed in unless advised by Microsoft Support.
Conclusion
This article focuses on the essentials of unlocking and locking a support session in Azure Stack Hub and should provide a solid foundation for those preparing for the AZ-600 Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack Hub exam.
Practice Test
True or False: Azure Stack Hub provides a feature to unlock a support session during troubleshooting issues.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Stack Hub provides a Support session that can be unlocked during the complex troubleshooting process, in which an expert can access the system remotely for troubleshooting issues.
What can customers do with the Support Session on Azure Stack Hub?
- A. Unlock the session for local support
- B. Unlock the session for remote support
- C. Lock the session after completing the support session
Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Customers can both unlock and lock support sessions on Azure Stack Hub. It can be unlocked for both local support and external support for remote troubleshooting.
True or False: Leveraging a support session in Azure Stack Hub decreases security as it allows all users to access it.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Only privileged users who have permission to access the support session can access it. Thus, it maintains the system’s security.
Which of the following roles have the required permissions to unlock a support session in Azure Stack Hub?
- A. Guest User
- B. Azure Stack Hub Operator
- C. Regular User
- D. None of the above
Answer: B. Azure Stack Hub Operator
Explanation: Only Azure Stack Hub Operators have the required permissions to unlock a support session in Azure Stack Hub.
True or False: The functionality to unlock a support session is available on Azure Stack Hub’s user portal.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The functionality to unlock a support session is present on Azure Stack Hub’s administrator portal, not on the user portal.
What is the main purpose of unlocking a support session in Azure Stack Hub?
- A. To allow the User to access extra features
- B. To enable external support to help with troubleshooting issues
- C. To reduce security for allowing easy access to all users
- D. None of the above
Answer: B. To enable external support to help with troubleshooting issues
Explanation: The main purpose of unlocking a support session in Azure Stack Hub is to enable the support expert to access the system remotely for troubleshooting and resolving complex issues.
True or False: A support session on Azure Stack Hub stays unlocked until manually locked by the user.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: A support session, once unlocked, stays unlocked until it is manually locked by the user again.
Multiple Choice: Which is the Azure role required to unlock a session in the Azure Stack Hub?
- A. Owner
- B. Contributor
- C. Admin
- D. Operator
Answer: D. Operator
Explanation: Azure Stack Operators are responsible for unlocking sessions in Azure Stack Hub as they have the required permission.
True or False: Azure’s external support can unlock sessions in Azure Stack Hub without the permission of the Azure Stack Operator.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The Azure support requires the permission of the Azure Stack Operator to unlock sessions.
Which of the following is true about locking a support session?
- A. Any user can lock the support session
- B. Support session can be left unlocked indefinitely
- C. The lock can only be given by the Azure Stack Operator
- D. Lock is automatic after a certain period of time
Answer: C. The lock can only be given by the Azure Stack Operator
Explanation: Only the Azure Stack Operator has the rights and permissions to lock the support session after its use.
Interview Questions
What Azure networking service is needed to unlock a support session in Azure Stack Hub?
Azure Stack Hub uses the Network Controller service to unlock a support session.
What command is used to unlock the support session in Azure Stack Hub?
The command used to unlock the support session is “Enter-PSSession”.
How can users exit or terminate a support session once they are finished using it?
To exit or terminate a support session, users can use the “Exit-PSSession” command.
What security measure must be taken before unlocking a support session in Azure Stack Hub?
Before unlocking a support session, the user must authenticate using Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) credentials.
How long does a support session remain unlocked in Azure Stack?
A support session remains unlocked for 60 minutes or until manually locked again.
What command is used to lock a support session once it is no longer needed?
The command used to lock the support session is “Exit-PSSession”.
What privileged access is required to unlock a support session?
Administrative access is required to unlock a support session.
What type of diagnostic data can be accessed using a support session in Azure Stack Hub?
A support session can grant access to logs, performance counters, and other diagnostic data.
What command can be used to verify that a support session is unlocked?
The command “Get-PSSession” can be used to verify that a support session is in an unlocked state.
What step should be performed before unlocking a support session?
The user must first establish a remote PowerShell session with the privileged endpoint.
Can Azure Stack Hub automatically unlock a support session?
No, Azure Stack Hub does not support automated unlocking of support sessions for security reasons.
How can users track activities performed during a support session in Azure Stack Hub?
All activities performed during a support session are logged and can be reviewed.
What PowerShell module is needed to unlock a support session in Azure Stack Hub?
The AzureStack module of PowerShell is needed to unlock a support session.
What is the purpose of unlocking a support session in Azure Stack Hub?
Unlocking a support session allows a user to have unrestricted access to resources in order to troubleshoot problems or perform administrative tasks.
Are there any limits to how many support sessions can be unlocked at a time in Azure Stack Hub?
No, there are no defined limits, but it is important to manage and control sessions adequately to ensure security.
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