Tutorial / Cram Notes
Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Application Proxy is a service that enables users to access on-premises applications from a remote location. It provides secure remote access to web applications that run on-premises, without the need for a virtual private network (VPN). The Azure AD Application Proxy is included with Azure AD Premium P1 and P2 licenses.
To configure Azure AD Application Proxy, you must have an Azure AD tenant and an on-premises server where the Application Proxy connector will be installed. Before moving forward with the configuration process, ensure that the user account performing the configuration has Global Administrator or Application Administrator permissions.
Here are the steps to configure Azure AD Application Proxy:
1. Enable Azure AD Application Proxy
To use Azure AD Application Proxy, it must be enabled in your Azure AD tenant. You can do this by:
- Navigating to the Azure portal.
- Selecting Azure Active Directory.
- Choosing “Application Proxy” under the “Enterprise applications” section.
- Clicking on “Enable Application Proxy.”
2. Install Application Proxy Connector
The Application Proxy connector is a lightweight agent that must be installed on a server within your on-premises network. It creates a secure tunnel for data.
- Download the Application Proxy connector from Azure portal.
- Install the connector on your on-premises server by following the setup wizard.
- Ensure the server running the connector can access the internal applications you wish to publish.
After installing, the connector should appear as active in the Azure portal under the “Application Proxy” section.
3. Register An Application
This involves publishing the on-premises application in your Azure AD so it can be accessed remotely.
- Go to Azure Active Directory > Enterprise applications > New application.
- Select “On-premises application.”
- Enter the required details for the on-premises application such as name, internal URL, and external URL.
- Optionally, configure additional settings like application-specific pre-authentication method, custom domains, or access controls.
After registering the application, it will be visible in the “Enterprise applications” section.
4. Assign Users
Assign users or groups who will have permission to access the on-premises application.
- Navigate to the application you just published.
- Select “Users and groups.”
- Click on “Add user” and then select the users or groups that should have access.
- Assign the role and click “Assign.”
5. Configure Single Sign-On (Optional)
For a smoother user experience, you can configure Single Sign-On (SSO).
- In the application settings, go to “Single sign-on.”
- Select a mode for SSO (such as Password-based, Integrated Windows Authentication, or SAML-based).
- Enter the credentials or required SSO details based on the selected SSO method.
6. Test the Application
It’s crucial to validate the setup to ensure that the application is accessible remotely and authentication works as expected.
- Locate the external URL provided during application registration.
- Attempt to access the application as a user assigned to the application.
Security Considerations
When configuring Azure AD Application Proxy, it is important to keep security in mind. Consider the following:
- The connector server should be properly secured and must have the necessary patches and updates applied.
- Use a pre-authentication method to prevent unauthenticated access to your on-premises applications.
- Implement Conditional Access policies to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) or other conditions.
Conclusion
Azure AD Application Proxy simplifies the process of providing secure remote access to your on-premises applications. By following the steps outlined above, organizations can enhance their remote access strategy while leveraging the security benefits of Azure AD.
Remember that the Azure AD Application Proxy setup may vary based on organization size, applications in use, and specific security requirements. It’s essential to customize the configuration to meet your organization’s needs for a successful deployment.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: Azure AD Application Proxy can be used to publish on-premises applications for secure remote access without opening broad access to the corporate network.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Azure AD Application Proxy allows secure remote access to on-premises applications without the need to open wide access to your network, as it uses reverse proxy functionality.
Which prerequisite is required for configuring Azure AD Application Proxy?
- A) Azure AD Premium P1 or P2 subscription
- B) A VPN connection to the on-premises network
- C) An externally facing web server
- D) Windows Server 2016 or later
Answer: A) Azure AD Premium P1 or P2 subscription
Explanation: Azure AD Application Proxy requires an Azure AD Premium P1 or P2 subscription to configure and use.
True or False: Azure AD Application Proxy requires you to install a connector on each application server that hosts an application you want to publish.
- Answer: False
Explanation: The Azure AD Application Proxy connector is not installed on each application server. Instead, it’s installed on a Windows server within your on-premises network, which can provide access to multiple applications.
The Azure AD Application Proxy connector:
- A) Must be installed on an Azure VM.
- B) Communicates with the Azure AD Application Proxy service over HTTPS.
- C) Does not require any inbound ports to be opened.
- D) All of the above.
Answer: B) and C)
Explanation: The Azure AD Application Proxy connector communicates with the Azure service over HTTPS (port 443) and does not need any inbound ports to be opened as it initiates outbound connections only.
What is a recommended practice when deploying Azure AD Application Proxy connectors?
- A) Deploy a single connector for high availability.
- B) Deploy connectors on each on-premises application server.
- C) Deploy multiple connectors for high availability and load balancing.
- D) Deploy connectors only in a DMZ network.
Answer: C) Deploy multiple connectors for high availability and load balancing.
Explanation: It is a best practice to deploy multiple connectors to ensure high availability and load balancing for the applications published through Azure AD Application Proxy.
True or False: The Application Proxy service can be used to publish web APIs as well as web applications.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Azure AD Application Proxy can publish both web applications and web APIs, thereby allowing remote access to a broad range of on-premises resources.
When using Azure AD Application Proxy, the authentication mode that pre-authenticates users before granting access to the application is:
- A) Pass-through authentication
- B) Integrated Windows authentication
- C) Azure AD authentication
- D) Forms-based authentication
Answer: C) Azure AD authentication
Explanation: Azure AD authentication pre-authenticates users before granting them access to the application, ensuring that only authenticated traffic reaches your on-premises environment.
True or False: When using Azure AD Application Proxy, you need to create a Conditional Access policy to enforce pre-authentication.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Pre-authentication is a feature of Azure AD Application Proxy and does not require a separate Conditional Access policy to enable. However, Conditional Access policies can add further controls if required.
Which statement is correct regarding custom domains in Azure AD Application Proxy?
- A) You can only use the default *.msappproxy.net domain for application URLs.
- B) Custom domains require a wildcard CNAME record pointing to your Azure AD Application Proxy application.
- C) You can use custom domains without configuring a CNAME record in your DNS.
- D) Custom domains require you to upload a SSL certificate for that domain.
Answer: D) Custom domains require you to upload a SSL certificate for that domain.
Explanation: To use a custom domain with Azure AD Application Proxy, you must upload an SSL certificate for the custom domain.
True or False: Azure AD Application Proxy works with third-party identity providers for pre-authentication.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Azure AD Application Proxy relies on Azure Active Directory for pre-authentication and does not natively integrate with third-party identity providers.
The maximum number of connectors that can be added to an Azure AD Application Proxy connector group is:
- A) 2
- B) 5
- C) 10
- D) Unlimited
Answer: D) Unlimited
Explanation: You can add an unlimited number of connectors to an Azure AD Application Proxy connector group to enhance reliability and performance.
True or False: Azure AD Application Proxy requires a site-to-site VPN to provide access to on-premises applications.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Azure AD Application Proxy does not require a site-to-site VPN. It uses a lightweight connector that enables secure remote access to on-premises applications.
Interview Questions
What is Azure AD Application Proxy?
Azure AD Application Proxy is a feature in Azure Active Directory that allows you to securely publish internal web applications to external users.
What are the benefits of using Azure AD Application Proxy?
Some benefits of using Azure AD Application Proxy include enabling secure remote access to internal applications, enabling single sign-on (SSO) for remote users, and simplifying application access for users.
What is the prerequisite for configuring Azure AD Application Proxy?
The prerequisite for configuring Azure AD Application Proxy is that you need to have an Azure AD tenant with a subscription to Azure AD Premium.
How do you enable Azure AD Application Proxy?
You can enable Azure AD Application Proxy by going to the Azure portal, selecting the Azure AD Application Proxy service, and then following the prompts to enable it.
How do you add an application to Azure AD Application Proxy?
You can add an application to Azure AD Application Proxy by first registering the application in Azure AD, then configuring the Azure AD Application Proxy connector, and then publishing the application using the Azure AD Application Proxy portal.
What is a connector in Azure AD Application Proxy?
A connector is a lightweight agent that is installed on a Windows server within your organization’s network. It allows Azure AD Application Proxy to establish a secure tunnel between your on-premises application and the Azure AD Application Proxy service.
How do you configure a connector in Azure AD Application Proxy?
You can configure a connector in Azure AD Application Proxy by downloading the connector software from the Azure portal, installing the connector software on a Windows server, and then registering the connector in the Azure portal.
What are the authentication options for Azure AD Application Proxy?
The authentication options for Azure AD Application Proxy include using Azure AD, using an on-premises Active Directory, or using a third-party identity provider.
How do you test an application published with Azure AD Application Proxy?
You can test an application published with Azure AD Application Proxy by opening a web browser on a device that is outside of your organization’s network, and then accessing the application using the published URL.
What are the logging and monitoring capabilities of Azure AD Application Proxy?
Azure AD Application Proxy provides logging and monitoring capabilities that allow you to view access and usage data for your published applications. You can view this data in the Azure portal or by using the Azure AD Application Proxy connector logs.
Great detailed post on configuring Azure AD Application Proxy!
Thanks for the walkthrough, it was very helpful!
Could someone explain what network prerequisites are required for setting up Azure AD Application Proxy?
How does the Application Proxy connector ensure security during data transmission?
I’m having trouble with my SSO configuration. Any ideas?
Appreciate the blog post!
Can I publish an application with the Application Proxy that uses HTTP instead of HTTPS?
What are the licensing requirements for using Azure AD Application Proxy?