Implementing CyberArk on the Azure Cloud platform

Implementing CyberArk on the Azure Cloud platform involves several key steps to ensure effective Privileged Access Management (PAM). Here’s a simplified guide:

1. Pre-requisites & Planning

Ensure that your Azure environment meets the infrastructure requirements (e.g., VMs, storage, networking).

Define privileged accounts and roles in your Azure tenant.

Plan network security groups, subnets, and access controls to allow secure communication between Azure resources and CyberArk components.

2. Deploy CyberArk in Azure

• Provision Infrastructure: Set up the necessary virtual machines (VMs), SQL databases, and storage accounts in Azure to host CyberArk components like the Vault, PVWA (Privileged Web Access), and Privileged Session Manager (PSM).

• Install the CyberArk Vault: Deploy the CyberArk Digital Vault on a secured VM within Azure, ensuring you meet all security requirements like encryption and secure networking.

• Install PVWA: Deploy the Privileged Web Access (PVWA) component to allow web-based access to privileged accounts for authorized users.

3. Configure Azure Integration

• Integrate with Azure AD: Use Azure Active Directory to manage authentication for CyberArk. Enable Single Sign-On (SSO) using SAML to provide users with a seamless login experience.

• Enable Privileged Access Management: Configure CyberArk to manage privileged accounts within your Azure AD, Azure VMs, Azure SQL, and other Azure resources.

• Secure Azure Secrets: Use CyberArk Conjur to secure secrets and credentials for applications running in Azure or integrate with Azure Key Vault for cloud-native secret management.

4. Set Up Privileged Session Manager (PSM)

• Deploy and configure PSM to monitor and record privileged sessions on Azure VMs. This provides session isolation, audit trails, and real-time monitoring.

5. Automate and Monitor

• Set up automated workflows for discovering and onboarding new Azure accounts, VMs, and resources into CyberArk.

• Configure Privileged Threat Analytics (PTA) to continuously monitor and analyze privileged access activities for anomalies.

6. Security Best Practices

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for privileged access in Azure.

• Regularly review and update access policies, audit logs, and conduct vulnerability assessments to ensure compliance with security standards.

7. Testing and Rollout

• Test the solution to ensure it manages privileged accounts in Azure securely and effectively.

• Roll out in phases to minimize disruption, starting with critical systems.

This implementation ensures that privileged access to Azure resources is tightly controlled, monitored, and secure under CyberArk’s PAM system.