Introduction to Microsoft AZ-104 Exam

In today’s competitive IT landscape, cloud computing is more essential than ever. Microsoft Azure, a leading cloud platform, is widely used by businesses for its reliability and scalability. If you’re looking to establish a career in cloud computing, earning the Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) certification is a crucial step. This certification validates your expertise in managing Azure resources, including virtual machines (VMs), storage, networking, and security.

The AZ-104 exam is designed for IT professionals who have hands-on experience with Azure and want to prove their skills in managing cloud services. It is ideal for those aspiring to become Azure administrators, cloud engineers, or solutions architects. Understanding Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) and mastering access management is a key component of the exam. In this blog, we will explore Azure VMs, different methods to access them, and best practices for managing access securely.

Definition of Microsoft AZ-104 Exam

The Microsoft AZ-104 exam is a certification test that evaluates a candidate’s ability to manage Azure-based environments effectively. It covers the following key areas:

  • Managing Azure identities and governance
  • Implementing and managing storage
  • Deploying and managing Azure compute resources
  • Configuring and managing virtual networking
  • Monitoring and backing up Azure resources

Passing the AZ-104 exam demonstrates proficiency in performing day-to-day administrative tasks on Microsoft Azure. Candidates need to have experience with Azure Virtual Machines (VMs), networking, storage, and security to pass the exam successfully.

Since Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) play a crucial role in cloud infrastructure, the ability to access and manage them securely is an essential skill. Let’s explore the fundamentals of Azure VMs.

Understanding Azure Virtual Machines (VMs)

What is an Azure Virtual Machine? An Azure Virtual Machine (VM) is a cloud-based computing resource that provides the flexibility of traditional on-premises servers without the overhead of maintaining physical hardware. It allows users to run applications, host websites, and perform various computing tasks efficiently.

Key Features of Azure VMs:

  • Scalability: Easily scale up or down based on workload requirements.
  • Customization: Choose from a variety of operating systems, including Windows and Linux.
  • Integration: Seamlessly integrate with Azure services such as Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), Azure Storage, and Virtual Networks.
  • Security: Built-in security features such as Azure Security Center and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).

Azure VMs serve as a backbone for many cloud applications, making it crucial for administrators to know how to access them securely and efficiently.

Methods to Access an Azure VM

To manage an Azure Virtual Machine effectively, you need to be familiar with different access methods. The choice of access method depends on the VM’s operating system, security policies, and network configurations. Below are the most common methods:

1. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) – For Windows VMs

RDP is the standard protocol used to access Windows-based Azure VMs. To connect using RDP:

  • Ensure RDP is enabled in the VM settings.
  • Retrieve the public IP address of the VM.
  • Use the Remote Desktop Client on your local machine to establish a connection.
  • Provide valid login credentials to access the VM.

2. Secure Shell (SSH) – For Linux VMs

SSH is the preferred method to access Linux-based Azure VMs. To connect using SSH:

  • Ensure SSH is enabled on the VM.
  • Use an SSH client such as PuTTY or OpenSSH.
  • Authenticate using SSH key pairs or password-based authentication.
  • Connect using the VM’s public IP address.

3. Azure Bastion – Secure Web-Based Access

Azure Bastion is a managed service that provides secure RDP and SSH access to Azure VMs without exposing them to the internet. Benefits of Azure Bastion include:

  • Eliminates the need for public IP addresses.
  • Provides a web-based connection from the Azure portal.
  • Enhances security by reducing exposure to attacks.

4. Virtual Private Network (VPN) – Secure Remote Access

Organizations often use VPNs to establish secure connections to Azure VMs. Advantages of using VPNs:

  • Provides encrypted communication between on-premises networks and Azure.
  • Ensures private and secure access to Azure resources.
  • Eliminates reliance on public IPs for VM access.

5. PowerShell & Azure CLI – Command-Line Management

Administrators can also use Azure PowerShell and Azure CLI to manage VMs remotely. These command-line tools allow you to:

  • Start, stop, and restart VMs.
  • Configure VM settings.
  • Execute scripts for automation.

Best Practices for Managing Azure VM Access

Proper access management is essential to maintaining the security and efficiency of Azure Virtual Machines. Here are the best practices to follow:

1. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC helps restrict access based on user roles. Assign appropriate permissions to users and groups to follow the principle of least privilege (PoLP).

2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Enabling MFA adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that only authorized users can access the VM.

3. Restrict Public IP Access

Avoid exposing VMs to the public internet. Use Azure Bastion or VPN for secure access.

4. Enable Network Security Groups (NSGs)

NSGs help control incoming and outgoing traffic to Azure VMs. Configure firewall rules to allow access only from trusted IPs.

5. Regularly Update and Patch VMs

Ensure that your VMs have the latest security patches and software updates to protect against vulnerabilities.

6. Monitor and Audit Access Logs

Use Azure Monitor and Azure Security Center to track and analyze access logs for any suspicious activity.

7. Automate VM Management

Use Azure Automation to automate routine management tasks, such as starting/stopping VMs based on schedules.

Conclusion

The Microsoft AZ-104 exam is a critical certification for IT professionals looking to advance their careers in cloud computing. Mastering Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) and understanding different methods of secure access management is essential for success in this exam.

By leveraging RDP, SSH, Azure Bastion, VPNs, and command-line tools, administrators can efficiently access and manage Azure VMs. Following best practices such as implementing RBAC, MFA, NSGs, and automated monitoring ensures a secure cloud environment.

Preparing for the AZ-104 exam with hands-on experience in Azure VMs will help you gain a competitive edge in the job market. For high-quality exam preparation materials, dumps, and practice tests, check out DumpsBoss—your trusted resource for IT certification success! 

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Sample Questions for Microsoft AZ-104 Dumps

Actual exam question from Microsoft AZ-104 Exam.

How can you access an Azure Virtual Machine (VM)?

A) Using the Azure Portal, SSH, or RDP

B) Only through the Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI)

C) By sending an email to Azure support

D) Using a USB drive connected to the VM