The Microsoft AZ-500 exam, also known as Microsoft Azure Security Technologies, measures your knowledge of implementing security controls, maintaining security posture, and identifying and remediating vulnerabilities in Microsoft Azure. You must have the most authentic and reliable study material to pass this exam.
Therefore, in this article, we will illustrate every detail of the exam, from the exam abstract to the course outline to the preparatory guide, to support your preparation. The article will surely serve as a guiding path for you to start preparing immediately for the examination. So, let us begin!
Why opt for Microsoft Certification?
There are several reasons why opting for Microsoft Certification can be beneficial, including:
- Recognition in the Industry: Microsoft Certification is known worldwide and shows you have the needed knowledge to work with Microsoft technologies. This can set you apart in a competitive job market and improve your chances of being hired.
- Progress in Your Career: Microsoft Certification can push your career forward by proving your expertise in Microsoft technologies. It can lead to better job options, higher pay, and promotions.
- Improved Skills: Preparing for a Microsoft Certification exam demands deep knowledge and practice with Microsoft technologies, which can sharpen your skills and make you more skilled in your work.
- Boosted Credibility: Microsoft Certification tells employers and clients that you are dedicated to your field and have put in effort to validate your skills and knowledge.
- Access to Microsoft Resources: Microsoft Certification offers access to Microsoft resources like technical support and training. This helps you stay current with the latest Microsoft technologies, improving your knowledge and skills.
Now, let’s move ahead and collect the exam-related details to become more familiar with the exam.
Exam Abstract: AZ-500 Exam
The AZ-500 exam, also called Microsoft Azure Security Technologies, is a certification test that evaluates your understanding and abilities in setting up security measures, keeping security strong, and finding and fixing issues in Microsoft Azure. It assesses your skill in performing technical tasks. Those taking the exam are Microsoft Azure security engineers who put security measures in place, maintain security strength, and handle identity and access.
Basic Details
The Microsoft Azure AZ-500 exam includes 40-60 questions and you have 150 minutes to complete it. The cost for the AZ-500 certification is $165 USD. It’s offered in English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), and Korean. To pass the exam, you need to achieve a score of 700 or higher.
Prerequisites
While there are no strict prerequisites for the AZ-500 exam, having a fundamental grasp of Azure services and security concepts is recommended by Microsoft. It’s important to note that different exams have different eligibility criteria. For the AZ-500 exam, candidates should meet the following requirements:
- First things first, make sure you are well equipped with extensive prior knowledge of Azure technologies as will surely give you an upper hand.
- Secondly, if that is not the case, then it is suggested to first either qualify Azure AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) or AZ-103 (Azure Administrator) exam.
While it’s not obligatory to pass any of these exams, the primary aim is to ensure your understanding and familiarity with Azure technologies. Therefore, before registering for the AZ-500 exam, make sure you’re well-prepared to succeed on your first try. Now that you have a complete understanding of the exam details, let’s progress and delve into the essential skills you need to have to excel in the AZ-500 exam.
Must-Have Skills: AZ-500 Exam
You might be eager to learn about the skills needed for the AZ-500 exam. To ease your concerns, we’ve compiled a list of essential skills for the exam. So, take your time to review all the necessary skills for the test.
- First and foremost, candidates should excel in scripting and automation.
- Secondly, a thorough grasp of networking, virtualization, and cloud N-tier architecture is crucial.
- Lastly, a solid understanding of cloud capabilities, Microsoft Azure products and services, and other Microsoft offerings is essential.
Question Format – Microsoft AZ-500 exam
Microsoft is always coming up with new ways to test and ask questions. This means there’s no fixed list of question types for an exam. But let’s consider some possible AZ-500 questions that could show up.
- Active screen
- Best answer
- Build list
- Case studies
- Drag and drop
- Hot area
- Multiple choices
- Repeated answer choices
- Short answer
- Mark review
- Review screen
Key terms to focus
Here are some key terms and concepts that you should be familiar with when preparing for the AZ-500 exam:
- Azure Security Center: Azure Security Center is like a security manager for all your digital stuff, protecting things in Azure and also things you have on your own systems. It’s like a big eye watching for problems and telling you about them.
- Azure AD: Azure AD is a special service that helps manage who can use your Azure things. It’s like a bouncer for your digital places.
- RBAC: Role-based access control (RBAC) is a security model that assigns permissions to users, groups, or applications based on their roles and responsibilities.
- Azure Firewall: Azure Firewall is a cloud-native network security service that provides protection for your virtual network resources.
- Azure Sentinel: Azure Sentinel is like an intelligent detective that looks at lots of information to find out if there’s any trouble happening in your digital world.
- Azure Key Vault: Azure Key Vault is a secret keeper for your digital secrets, like codes and special keys that must stay safe.
- Azure Information Protection: Azure Information Protection is a cloud-based service that provides classification, labeling, and protection for your sensitive information.
- Azure DDoS Protection: Azure DDoS Protection is a service that provides protection against distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
- Azure ATP: Azure Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) is a cloud-based security solution that provides protection against advanced persistent threats (APTs).
- Network security groups: Network security groups are like guards at the doors of your digital places, deciding who can come in and who needs to stay out.
Course Outline: AZ-500 Exam
When you’re getting ready for any Microsoft Azure certification exam, it’s important to trust the exam blueprint. This blueprint gives you details about what will be covered in the exam. It breaks down the topics and their importance. For the AZ-500 exam, there’s a comprehensive exam blueprint that helps you understand what’s going to be tested.
Manage identity and access (25–30%)
Manage identities in Microsoft Entra ID
- Secure users in Microsoft Entra ID
- Secure directory groups in Microsoft Entra ID
- Recommend when to use external identities (Microsoft Documentation: External Identities in Azure Active Directory)
- Secure external identities
- Implement Microsoft Entra Identity Protection (Microsoft Documentation: What is Identity Protection)
Manage authentication by using Microsoft Entra ID
- Configure Microsoft Entra Verified ID (Microsoft Documentation: Configure your tenant for Microsoft Entra Verified ID)
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) (Microsoft Documentation: Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication)
- Implement passwordless authentication (Microsoft Documentation: Enable passwordless sign-in with Microsoft Authenticator)
- Implement password protection (Microsoft Documentation: Enforce on-premises Azure AD Password Protection for Active Directory Domain Services)
- Implementing single sign-on (SSO) (Microsoft Documentation: What is single sign-on in Azure Active Directory?)
- Integrate single sign on (SSO) and identity providers
- Recommend and enforce modern authentication protocols (Microsoft Documentation: Block legacy authentication with Azure AD with Conditional Access)
Manage authorization by using Microsoft Entra ID
- Configure Azure role permissions for management groups, subscriptions, resource groups, and resources (Microsoft Documentation: What are Azure management groups)
- Assign built-in roles in Microsoft Entra ID
- Assign built-in roles in Azure
- Create and assign custom roles, including Azure roles and Microsoft Entra roles
- Implement and manage Microsoft Entra Permissions Management (Microsoft Documentation: What’s Permissions Management?)
- Configure Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
- Configure role management and access reviews by using Microsoft Entra (Microsoft Documentation: What are access reviews?)
- Implement Conditional Access policies (Microsoft Documentation: What is Conditional Access?)
Manage application access in Microsoft Entra ID
- Manage access to enterprise applications in Microsoft Entra ID, including OAuth permission grants (Microsoft Documentation: Grant tenant-wide admin consent to an application)
- Manage app registrations in Microsoft Entra ID
- Configure app registration permission scopes (Microsoft Documentation: Introduction to permissions and consent)
- Managing app registration permission consent (Microsoft Documentation: Configure how users consent to applications)
- Manage and use service principals (Microsoft Documentation: Application and service principal objects in Azure Active Directory)
- Manage managed identities for Azure resources (Microsoft Documentation: What are managed identities for Azure resources?)
- Recommend when to use and configure an Microsoft Entra Application Proxy, including authentication
Secure networking (20–25%)
Plan and Implement security for virtual networks
- Plan and implement Network Security Groups (NSGs) and Application Security Groups (ASGs) (Microsoft Documentation: Application security groups, Network security groups)
- Plan and implement user-defined routes (UDRs)
- Planning and implement VNET peering or VPN gateway (Microsoft Documentation: Configure a VNet-to-VNet VPN gateway connection by using the Azure portal)
- Plan and implement Virtual WAN, including a secured virtual hub (Microsoft Documentation: What is a secured virtual hub?)
- Secure VPN connectivity, including point-to-site and site-to-site (Microsoft Documentation: About Point-to-Site VPN, Create a site-to-site VPN connection)
- Implement encryption over ExpressRoute (Microsoft Documentation: ExpressRoute encryption)
- Configure firewall settings on PaaS resources (Microsoft Documentation: Configure Azure Storage firewalls and virtual networks)
- Monitor network security by using Network Watcher, including NSG flow logging (Microsoft Documentation: Introduction to flow logs for network security groups, Log network traffic to and from a virtual machine using the Azure portal)
Plan and implement security for private access to Azure resources
- Plan and implement virtual network Service Endpoints (Microsoft Documentation: Virtual Network service endpoints)
- Planning and implement Private Endpoints (Microsoft Documentation: What is a private endpoint?)
- Plan and implement Private Link services (Microsoft Documentation: What is Azure Private Link?)
- Plan and implement network integration for Azure App Service and Azure Functions
- Plan and implement network security configurations for an App Service Environment (ASE) (Microsoft Documentation: Networking considerations for App Service Environment, App Service Environment networking)
- Planning and implement network security configurations for an Azure SQL Managed Instance (Microsoft Documentation: Azure SQL Database and SQL Managed Instance security capabilities, Azure SQL Database security features)
Plan and implement security for public access to Azure resources
- Plan and implement Transport Layer Security (TLS) to applications, including Azure App Service and API Management (Microsoft Documentation: Add and manage TLS/SSL certificates in Azure App Service)
- Plan and implement, and manager an Azure Firewall including Azure Firewall Manager and firewall policies (Microsoft Documentation: What is Azure Firewall Manager?)
- Plan and implement an Azure Application Gateway (Microsoft Documentation: Application Gateway infrastructure configuration)
- Plan and implement an Azure Front Door, including Content Delivery Network (CDN)
- Plan and implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) (Microsoft Documentation: What is Azure Web Application Firewall?)
- Recommend when to use Azure DDoS Protection Standard (Microsoft Documentation: Azure DDoS Protection)
Secure compute, storage, and databases (20–25%)
Plan and implement advanced security for compute
- Plan and implement remote access to public endpoints, including Azure Bastion and just-in-time (JIT) virtual machine (VM) access (Microsoft Documentation: What is Azure Bastion?, Plan for virtual machine remote access)
- Configure network isolation for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) (Microsoft Documentation: Network concepts for applications in Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS))
- Secure and monitor AKS (Microsoft Documentation: Monitoring Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) with Azure Monitor)
- Configuring authentication for AKS (Microsoft Documentation: Access and identity options for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS))
- Configure security monitoring for Azure Container Instances (ACIs)
- Configure security monitoring for Azure Container Apps (ACAs)
- Manage access to Azure Container Registry (ACR) (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Container Registry roles and permissions)
- Configure disk encryption, including Azure Disk Encryption (ADE), encryption as host, and confidential disk encryption (Microsoft Documentation: Overview of managed disk encryption options, Azure Disk Encryption for Windows VMs)
- Recommend security configurations for Azure API Management (Microsoft Documentation: Azure security baseline for API Management)
Plan and implement security for storage
- Configure access control for storage accounts (Microsoft Documentation: Authorize access to data in Azure Storage)
- Manage life cycle for storage account access keys (Microsoft Documentation: Optimize costs by automatically managing the data lifecycle)
- Selecting and configure an appropriate method for access to Azure Files (Microsoft Documentation: Mount SMB Azure file share on Windows)
- Select and configure an appropriate method for access to Azure Blob Storage (Microsoft Documentation: Authorize access to blobs using Azure Active Directory, Choose how to authorize access to blob data in the Azure portal)
- Select and configure an appropriate method for access to Azure Tables (Microsoft Documentation: Authorize access to tables using Azure Active Directory)
- Selecting and configure an appropriate method for access to Azure Queues (Microsoft Documentation: Get started with Azure Queue Storage using .NET)
- Select and configure appropriate methods for protecting against data security threats, including soft delete, backups, versioning, and immutable storage (Microsoft Documentation: Store business-critical blob data with immutable storage, Data protection overview)
- Configure Bring your own key (BYOK) (Microsoft Documentation: Bring your own key (BYOK) details for Azure Information Protection)
- Enable double encryption at the Azure Storage infrastructure level (Microsoft Documentation: Enable infrastructure encryption for double encryption of data)
Plan and implement security for Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance
- Enable database authentication by using Microsoft Entra ID
- Enable database auditing (Microsoft Documentation: Auditing for Azure SQL Database and Azure Synapse Analytics)
- Identify use cases for the Microsoft Purview governance portal (Microsoft Documentation: What’s available in the Microsoft Purview governance portal?)
- Implement data classification of sensitive information by using the Microsoft Purview governance portal (Microsoft Documentation: Data classification in the Microsoft Purview governance portal)
- Plan and implement dynamic masking (Microsoft Documentation: Dynamic Data Masking)
- Implement Transparent Database Encryption (TDE) (Microsoft Documentation: Transparent data encryption (TDE))
- Recommend when to use Azure SQL Database Always Encrypted (Microsoft Documentation: Always Encrypted)
Manage security operations (25–30%)
Plan, implement, and manage governance for security
- Create, assign, and interpret security policies and initiatives in Azure Policy (Microsoft Documentation: What is Azure Policy?)
- Configure security settings by using Azure Blueprint (Microsoft Documentation: What is Azure Blueprints?)
- Deploy secure infrastructures by using a landing zone (Microsoft Documentation: What is an Azure landing zone?)
- Create and configure an Azure Key Vault (Microsoft Documentation: About Azure Key Vault)
- Recommend when to use a dedicated Hardware Security Module (HSM) (Microsoft Documentation: What is Azure Dedicated HSM?)
- Configure access to Key Vault, including vault access policies and Azure Role-Based Access Control (Microsoft Documentation: Provide access to Key Vault keys, certificates, and secrets)
- Manage certificates, secrets, and keys (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Key Vault keys, secrets and certificates overview)
- Configure key rotation (Microsoft Documentation: Configure cryptographic key auto-rotation in Azure Key Vault)
- Configure backup and recovery of certificates, secrets, and keys
Manage security posture by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Identify and remediate security risks by using the Microsoft Defender for Cloud Secure Score and Inventory (Microsoft Documentation: Security posture for Microsoft Defender for Cloud)
- Assess compliance against security frameworks and Microsoft Defender for Cloud (Microsoft Documentation: Improve your regulatory compliance)
- Add industry and regulatory standards to Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Add custom initiatives to Microsoft Defender for Cloud (Microsoft Documentation: Create custom Azure security initiatives and policies)
- Connect hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments to Microsoft Defender for Cloud (Microsoft Documentation: What is Microsoft Defender for Cloud?)
- Identify and monitor external assets by using Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management
Configure and manage threat protection by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Enable workload protection services in Microsoft Defender for Cloud, including Microsoft Defender for Storage, Databases, Containers, App Service, Key Vault, Resource Manager, and DNS
- Configure Microsoft Defender for Servers (Microsoft Documentation: Onboard Windows servers to the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint service)
- Configure Microsoft Defender for Azure SQL Database (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft Defender for SQL)
- Manage and respond to security alerts in Microsoft Defender for Cloud (Microsoft Documentation: Manage and respond to security alerts in Microsoft Defender for Cloud)
- Configure workflow automation by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Evaluate vulnerability scans from Microsoft Defender for Server (Microsoft Documentation: Defender for Cloud’s integrated Qualys vulnerability scanner for Azure and hybrid machines)
Configure and manage security monitoring and automation solutions
- Monitor security events by using Azure Monitor (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Monitor overview)
- Configure data connectors in Microsoft Sentinel (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft Sentinel data connectors)
- Create and customize analytics rules in Microsoft Sentinel (Microsoft Documentation: Create custom analytics rules to detect threats)
- Evaluate alerts and incidents in Microsoft Sentinel (Microsoft Documentation: Investigate incidents with Microsoft Sentinel)
- Configure automation in Microsoft Sentinel
Preparatory Guide: Step by Step
To succeed in the AZ-500 exam on your first try, it’s crucial to follow a study guide. In this section, we’ll give you the AZ-500 study guide to help you make the most of your exam preparation efforts. So, let’s begin without any delay.
Learning Resource 1: Microsoft Learning Platform
After deciding to take the AZ-500 exam, the next important step is to visit the Microsoft official site. This page offers reliable and up-to-date information about the exam. Aspiring candidates can find details about eligibility, costs, exam objectives, and other important information on this official page. So, it’s highly recommended to begin your AZ-500 exam preparation by visiting the official AZ-500 page on the Microsoft website.
Learning Source 2: Instructor-Led Training
Next, your immediate focus for the exam should shift to instructor-led training. This type of training involves online learning sessions conducted by expert certified instructors. This training method is extremely beneficial, especially for those with busy schedules. It offers on-demand classrooms, allowing you to schedule classes according to your availability and learn at your own speed.
Learning Resource 3: Books are your Best Friends!!
Moreover, a key element of preparing for certification is reading. In simpler terms, while studying for the exam, certain questions might trouble you or stay on your mind. However, books provide the solution to this dilemma. There are reputable books that have been popular for a long time to help you prepare for the AZ-500 exam. So, our suggestion is to search for trustworthy AZ-500 books from reliable sources.
- Firstly, Pro Azure Governance and Security by Peter De Tender
- Also, Microsoft Azure Security Infrastructure by Yuri Diogenes
- Moreover, Microsoft Azure Security Center by Yuri Diogenes
Learning Resource 4: Online Forums and Study Groups
Next, consider online forums and study groups as valuable companions on your exam preparation journey. Sometimes, while preparing for the exam, you might encounter distractions and challenges. This is where online forums and study groups come to the rescue. Participating in these communities can connect you with others who share similar goals of preparing for AZ-500 and other Azure certification exams. Furthermore, the support and encouragement from fellow members can help you stay on track and focused on achieving your ultimate goal.
Learning Resource 5: Online Practice Test
Lastly, a crucial piece of advice in your preparation guide is to take AZ-500 practice tests. These tests simulate the real exam experience and offer valuable insights. They give you rapid feedback and detailed assessments of your performance, highlighting where you excel and where you need improvement in various subjects. Thus, it’s recommended to attempt numerous practice tests to enhance your readiness. PRACTICE AND BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE WITH OFFICIAL PRACTICE TESTS HERE!
Expert’s Corner
In summary, achieving a Microsoft certification is a challenging endeavor. It demands significant effort, determination, and perseverance. The AZ-500 exam, focusing on Microsoft Azure, tests your technical skills and is a great opportunity to demonstrate them. Like any other exam, the AZ-500 requires a solid understanding of its content. This article has covered the fundamental details and various exam domains along with their importance in the AZ-500 test. Furthermore, it provided a preparation guide with essential tips to assist you in your journey towards AZ-500 certification. So, make the most of the information provided and put in the hard work to successfully pass the AZ-500 certification exam on your first attempt!
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