Azure SQL Database Firewalls are a security feature that controls access to Azure SQL Database by allowing or denying incoming connections based on their IP address. This feature allows database administrators to restrict access to their databases, and ensures that only authorized users and applications can connect to Azure SQL Database.
Here are some usage examples of Azure SQL Database Firewalls:
- Configuring IP-based Firewall Rules: Azure SQL Database supports configuring IP-based Firewall rules to allow or deny incoming connections based on the IP address of the client. Firewall rules can be created at the database level or the server level. For example, if a client application needs to connect to an Azure SQL Database, the administrator can create a Firewall rule that allows incoming connections from the IP address of the client.
- Using Azure Virtual Network Service Endpoints: Azure Virtual Network Service Endpoints allows administrators to restrict inbound traffic to Azure SQL Database to only traffic coming from specific Virtual Networks. This feature ensures that incoming traffic is limited to trusted sources and is not exposed to the public internet.
- Using Azure Private Link: Azure Private Link allows administrators to access Azure SQL Database over a private connection rather than over the public internet. By using Azure Private Link, traffic to Azure SQL Database is securely routed through a private network connection.
- Configuring Database-level Firewall Rules: Azure SQL Database also supports configuring Firewall rules at the database level. For example, if an organization has multiple databases within a single Azure SQL Database Server, the administrator can create Firewall rules at the database level to control access to specific databases.
- Limiting Access to Specific Azure Services: Azure SQL Database allows administrators to limit access to specific Azure services. For example, an administrator can create a Firewall rule that allows incoming connections from specific Azure services, such as Azure App Services or Azure Virtual Machines.
In summary, Azure SQL Database Firewalls provide a variety of ways to control access to databases, such as IP-based Firewall rules, Azure Virtual Network Service Endpoints, Azure Private Link, Database-level Firewall rules, and limiting access to specific Azure Services. By configuring Firewall rules, administrators can ensure that only authorized users and applications can access their databases, and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
