Zscaler Private Access vs Azure AD Application Proxy

-

Are you aware that there is a possible alternative solution to Zscaler Private Access that could have zero cost?

Azure AD Application Proxy is a cloud-based service provided by Microsoft that allows secure remote access to on-premises web applications. It acts as a proxy server that securely exposes on-premises web applications to users outside the organization's network. This eliminates the need to expose web servers directly to the internet, reducing the attack surface and increasing security.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/app-proxy/application-proxy-add-on-premises-application

https://download.microsoft.com/download/F/C/A/FCA51098-4F99-4C14-9DF7-45E338E72158/AppProxy.pdf


Azure AD Application Proxy supports various authentication methods such as Azure AD, Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS), and OAuth 2.0. It also provides advanced security features such as Conditional Access, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and access policies. It supports a wide range of web applications, including SharePoint, Outlook Web Access, and other custom web applications.

Azure AD Application Proxy can be configured to use Azure Key Vault to store application secrets, such as database credentials or API keys, that are required for accessing on-premises web applications. This helps to ensure that sensitive information is protected and is only accessible to authorized users.

Azure AD Application Proxy is easy to set up and manage, with a simple user interface that allows administrators to configure access policies and manage application access from a central location. It can be integrated with Azure AD to provide a comprehensive identity-based access control solution. Additionally, it supports SAML-based Single Sign-On (SSO) to simplify the login experience for users.

With Azure AD and Azure Application Proxy configured, you can implement a zero-trust security model by using identity-based access control and context-aware policies. You can also use Azure AD Identity Protection to detect and prevent identity-related threats.

Note: At present, Azure AD Application Proxy is restricted to web applications only. However, it is possible that we may see support for additional types of applications in the future.

The cost of Azure AD Application Proxy is included in the Azure AD license, which can be cost-effective for organizations already using Azure AD.

Does anyone try this solution? If yes, please share your experiences.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NexusMCP Platform Briefing Document

-
Image
  1. Core Purpose and Vision: NexusMCP is designed as a unified platform for managing and integrating external data sources and tools with Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically leveraging the Model Context Protocol (MCP). The core problem it addresses is the difficulty and cumbersomeness of directly connecting and orchestrating multiple external services with LLMs, which often involves "gluing a bunch of different tools together." MCP acts as a standardization layer, translating diverse service APIs into a unified language understandable by LLMs, thereby making LLMs "more capable of doing important stuff." The platform aims to provide an enterprise-grade, secure, and scalable solution for managing this integration, moving beyond the current state where "combining these tools making it work with the LLM is one thing but then stacking these tools on top of each other making it cohesive making it work together is a nightmare itself". 2. Model Context Pro...
Read more

Security Threats for Enterprises Using Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP)

-
Image
This document outlines the security threats associated with the deployment of Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP) in enterprise environments. As organizations increasingly rely on AI technologies, understanding the potential vulnerabilities and risks is essential for maintaining data integrity and compliance. The analysis highlights key areas of concern, including tool poisoning, data exfiltration, and compliance with data privacy regulations. Security Threats Overview Security is paramount when deploying MCP in a large enterprise, and while the protocol includes some security considerations, large-scale deployment introduces significant risks and vulnerabilities. The MCP design anticipates explicit user authorization for sensitive actions, with the Host application initiating connections and approving servers. The Client can enforce security policies and sandboxing; however, potential vulnerabilities exist, particularly with remote server deployments. Key Risk Areas Tool Pois...
Read more

Understanding Microsoft Teams Call Flow Scenarios: Peer-to-Peer vs. AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop):

-
Image
  Introduction:  Microsoft Teams has revolutionized the way we collaborate, offering a robust platform for meetings, discussions, and virtual teamwork. However, with great utility comes the need for efficient resource management. Bandwidth optimization is crucial, especially for organizations relying on Teams for daily communication. Understanding Call Flow Scenarios: Peer-to-Peer vs. AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop): Peer-to-peer traffic flows directly from PC to PC. AVD introduces a different route, sending RTP traffic to the Azure cloud, converting it to RDP traffic, and then communicating with Fat Clients using AVD.  Bandwidth Estimates for One-to-One Video Calls: Call 1 - Peer to peer: Utilizes around 1.5 Mbps of MPLS or internet. Call 2 - Using AVD: Consumes around 3 Mbps of Azure backbone. Simplified Infrastructure:  Fat clients offer a straightforward, peer-to-peer communication model for Teams calls. Recommendation: Leverage Fat Clients for Teams Calls: ...
Read more