Input parameters are the values or data that you input into a function or procedure. These parameters are used to perform specific tasks or return certain results. On the other hand, output parameters are the results or data outputted by the function or procedure.
A secure Power Platform application must handle both types of parameters effectively while taking measures to protect sensitive data.
Securely Managing Input Parameters
Input parameters may involve user data, and the secure handling of them is necessary to ensure user trust and regulatory compliance. Here are some key rules for managing sensitive input parameters:
- Validation: All input parameters should be validated to reduce programming errors and act as the first line of defense against potential security vulnerabilities.
- Sanitization: This involves cleaning input to ensure it doesn’t contain anything harmful or unexpected. This could involve replacing or removing specific characters or formatting the data in a certain way.
Example:
public bool ValidateCreditCard(string input)
{
Regex rgx = new Regex("^[0-9]{16}$");
return rgx.IsMatch(input);
}
In the above example, the ValidateCreditCard function checks that the parameter (the credit card number in this case) adheres to the standard 16-digit credit card number format.
Securely Managing Output Parameters
Output parameters could potentially reveal sensitive application data, and should be managed with the same level of care as input parameters. Note the following steps:
- Filtering Output: Sensitive data should not be included in application output unless absolutely necessary. When it is, it should be obfuscated or encrypted in such a way as to mitigate potential data leakage.
- Error Handling: Error messages can inadvertently reveal important information about your application’s architecture or data, which can provide valuable information to malicious actors. Make sure to handle all exceptions and errors properly to ensure no sensitive data is exposed.
Example:
try
{
// Code here
}
catch (Exception ex)
{
// Log error details in a secure place
LogError(ex);
// Do not reveal sensitive details in the user-facing error message
throw new ApplicationException("An error occurred. Please try again later.");
}
In the above example, when an error occurs, it’s logged to a secure location for debugging, but the error displayed to the user is a generic message that doesn’t reveal any sensitive application architecture or data.
Conclusion:
Sensitive parameters, both input and output, need to be handled with care in Power Platform applications. Validation, sanitization, filtering, and error handling are crucial steps that every developer should take to ensure the security of these parameters. By following these steps, you can maintain the integrity of your applications and the trust of their users. As you prepare for your PL-400 Microsoft Power Platform Developer exam, ensure you have a thorough understanding of these critical security concepts.
Practice Test
True or False: Power apps enforce Field-Level permissions if you are using the access data via Power Apps.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Regardless of how you access data, if you’re using Power Apps, field-level permissions are enforced.
Which parameter is considered as Sensitive Input while working on Power Automate?
- A) Array
- B) String
- C) Secure String
- D) None of the above
Answer: C) Secure String
Explanation: Secure String is an input parameter which holds sensitive data securely in Power Automate.
What does the term “sensitive data” refers to in Microsoft Power Platform?
- A) Data that is important
- B) Data that should be secured
- C) Both.
- D) Neither.
Answer: C) Both.
Explanation: Sensitive data refers to important information that should be secured to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
True or False: You do not need to manage sensitive input and output parameters in Power Automate.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Managing sensitive input and output parameters is very important in Power Automate to ensure data is securely handled.
Which connector type is used in Power Automate to handle sensitive input/output parameters?
- A) Standard connectors
- B) Custom connectors
- C) Both
- D) None
Answer: B) Custom connectors
Explanation: Custom connectors in Power Automate are used to manage sensitive input/output parameters.
True or False: The eq function can be used to filter sensitive data.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Yes, the eq function can be used to filter sensitive data within Power Platform.
What method is NOT suitable to handle sensitive input/output parameters?
- A) Using secure string
- B) Using shared parameters
- C) Storing parameters in plain text
- D) Using managed package XML
Answer: C) Storing parameters in plain text
Explanation: Storing parameters in plain text is not suitable for sensitive input or output parameters as it leaves the data at risk of exposure.
True or False: In Power Automate, you need to label parameters as sensitive.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: In Power Automate, you need to label parameters as sensitive so the platform knows how to handle its data securely.
In Microsoft Power Platform, the sensitive data must be encrypted.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: The sensitive data must ideally be encrypted to prevent unauthorized access and maintain the data integrity.
In the context of Microsoft Power Platform, what is the least recommended method to handle the output parameters?
- A) Secure String
- B) Encrypting the output
- C) Storing output in plain text
- D) Using Managed Packers
Answer: C) Storing output in plain text
Explanation: Storing output in plain text puts the data security at risk as it can be easily accessed by unauthorized individuals.
The sensitive output parameters are considered secure even when they are stored as Plain Text.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: Plain text storage does not offer any security and hence, it is not advisable for storing sensitive output parameters.
Is it mandatory to encrypt sensitive input parameters before connecting with Power Automate?
- A) Yes
- B) No
Answer: A) Yes
Explanation: Encryption of sensitive input parameters ensures increased security during the processing or transmission of such data.
True or False: Only inputs are required to be sensitive in Microsoft Power Platform Developer.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Both input and output parameters are required to be sensitive in the Microsoft Power Platform Developer as these parameters can often contain confidential or important data.
What happens if we don’t mark the parameter as sensitive, but the data which is passing is sensitive.
- A) Nothing
- B) It will throw an error
- C) It may lead to data leak
- D) Not applicable
Answer: C) It may lead to a data leak
Explanation: Not marking a sensitive parameter as such may not trigger the required security measures leading to potential data leaks.
Is it possible to define sensitivity of an input parameter at any stage of the workflow?
- A) Yes
- B) No
Answer: B) No
Explanation: The sensitivity of an input parameter is defined when it is created and cannot be changed later in the workflow.
Interview Questions
What is sensitive input in terms of Microsoft Power Platform Developer?
Sensitive input refers to the data input that includes confidential or sensitive user data like passwords, account numbers, or personal identifiers. These parameters need to be handled securely to prevent unauthorized access and potential data leaks.
What’s the role of output parameters in Microsoft Power Platform?
Output parameters are used to return data from a custom action back to the calling process or flow. They allow you to gather information from the process and pass it on for further use.
How can you safeguard sensitive input data in Microsoft Power Platform?
Sensitive data input can be safeguarded by encrypting the data using the platform’s built-in security protocols. Additionally, you can employ masking techniques, enforce role-based access control and secure data transfer channels.
Can sensitive fields be audited in Microsoft Power platform?
Yes, sensitive fields can be audited in Microsoft Power platform. However, it’s advisable to limit this to only necessary instances due to the potential security risks involved.
What is a good practice when working with output parameters in Microsoft Power Platform?
A good practice when working with output parameters is to always check their content and process them accordingly to prevent issues due to unexpected or malformed data.
How can you secure output parameters in Microsoft Power Platform?
Output parameters can be secured by ensuring only authorized users or processes can access and see the data. Also, employing encryption standards can add an extra layer of security.
Can you create sensitive input & output parameters in Microsoft Power Automate?
Yes, Microsoft Power Automate allows creation of both input & output parameters, however, sensitive input and output data should be handled with additional care and secured appropriately.
What are the possible risks of not managing sensitive input and output parameters properly?
The risks include unauthorized access to sensitive data, data leaks, non-compliance with data privacy regulations, and potential damage to the brand reputation.
Can you use Power Apps to secure sensitive Input & Output parameters?
Yes, Power Apps provides multiple ways to handle security for sensitive data. Data can be encrypted, masked and access can be controlled based on user roles and privileges.
How can the rules of input and output parameters be derived?
The rules of input and output parameters can be derived from the business requirements and the data security policies in place.
What is field security profile in context of managing sensitive inputs in Power Apps?
Field security profile is a feature in Power Apps that allows you to control “read”, “create”, and “update” access levels on sensitive fields on specific entities.
What does it mean to mask a field in sensitive input management?
Masking a field means that the real value of the field is hidden or replaced with a placeholder. This helps in preventing unauthorized users from viewing sensitive data.
In context of Power Automate, what are triggers and actions?
In Power Automate, a trigger is an event that starts the flow, such as a new email arriving. An action is a task the flow performs once it’s triggered, such as sending a response email.
How can you limit access to certain actions in Power Automate?
One can limit access to certain actions in Power Automate by implementing role-based access control and by assigning or restricting user permissions accordingly.
What are some data sources that can potentially contain sensitive input data in Power Apps?
Some potential data sources containing sensitive input data in Power Apps include SQL Server, SharePoint, Excel, and other external data sources that integrate with Power Apps.
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