7 Security Controls to Consider When Managing Azure Windows Virtual Desktops (WVD)

The Azure Windows Virtual Desktop or WVD is beginning to be embraced by many organizations that are migrating workplace desktops to the cloud. The Windows Virtual Desktop is a full-fledged app and desktop virtualization service that runs in the cloud.

It delivers streamlined management, optimizations for Microsoft 365 applications, and help for Remote Desktop Services Environments. You can seek azure virtual desktop service wherein you get end-to-end implementation and management of your Windows Virtual Desktop environment.

The controls that need to be considered when managing WVD are listed below.

1. Azure Active Directory, Role-Based Access Control, Conditional Access, and Multi-Factor Authentication

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It is imperative to protect the Azure Active Directory. You need to create proper Azure Active Directory (AD) groups and users having the least privileges. It is essential to have complete control of the Account Lifecycle Management procedure so that the employees who have left the organization don’t employ WVD.

The AD accounts should be set with a Multi-Factor Authentication framework to secure user logins. You can also secure the account logins by enabling the Conditional Access functionality.

2. Maximum Network Isolation is Necessary

Whether you want to utilize the hybrid connection to the on-premise resources or employ WVD session hosts pool VMs; you should maintain the highest amount of network isolation. It can be as straightforward as an Azure Firewall.

3. Turn and Point Protection on Every WVD Virtual Machines

VMs or Virtual Machines should be employed with Windows Defender turned on, installation of Azure VMs monitoring agents, and should be linked to the Azure Security Centre. For it, you can utilize either a third-party program or Windows Defender Antivirus.

4. Leverage Azure Security Centre

All your WVD infrastructure components should be linked to Azure Security Centre. It allows for the detection of threats, patch management, security messages, and ATP.

The Azure Security Centre is a cost-efficient yet highly effective security monitoring and tracking solution. It enables organizations to handle vulnerabilities, evaluate compliance with PCI frameworks and boost the entire environment security.

5. Keep Audit Logs in a SIEM Solution

It is imperative to maintain records of processes and activities occurring in WVD. They become evidence if a security breach occurs. Your system should record the following logs:

Azure activity log
Session hosts logs
Azure active directory activity log
Windows virtual desktop diagnostic log
Specific application logs
Key vault logs

6. Utilize Azure Monitor Features to Monitor WVD Infrastructure

Azure Monitor has robust functionalities and is a dynamic tool that helps in identifying any problems in the operations of the infrastructure. It consists of many valuable tools, and through them, you can view your network latency, application maps, and all error exceptions.

7. Put Yourself in a Hacker’s Shoes

Think like a clever hacker and then use security features that make their work as tricky as possible. The elements that you should include in security control include.

Utilizing CIS Microsoft Windows Server 2019 benchmark image for session VM.
Utilizing properly protected VM images that your Security engineers have scanned.
Permitting only specific applications that are running on host VMs.
Locking every firewall port on session VMs.
Creating session time-outs.
Utilizing extensive layers of permissions and user groups.
Employing password policies best practices.

It is essential to use Azure virtual desktop that incorporates customer-specific VMs and management of the newly virtualized environment to combat teething issues.

Although the WVD provides excellent power to any cloud transformation project, it also comes with a higher security responsibility. You need to ensure that every possible vector of attack is taken care of.