Who has access to my Azure platform-managed encryption keys?

@Sean Perryman You can explain to your company owner that in Azure, platform-managed encryption keys are designed to be highly secure and are not accessible to regular employees or even Microsoft personnel. Here's a simplified explanation you could use:

"In Azure, our data is encrypted using platform-managed encryption keys, which are highly secure and not accessible by regular employees or Microsoft personnel. These keys are managed and stored within the Azure infrastructure, and access is strictly controlled and monitored. Even if someone were to compromise an Azure account, they would not be able to access the encryption keys directly. Azure's security measures are designed to protect our data from unauthorized access, and we can trust that our data is secure.

The keys are managed by Azure Key Vault, which is a dedicated service for securely storing and managing cryptographic keys."

You can also reassure them that Azure's security measures are continuously updated and audited to ensure the highest level of protection for our data. Compliance standards (such as ISO, SOC, and GDPR) ensure that Azure meets industry best practices.

You can also share relevant Azure official documentation to build confidence:

-https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/security/fundamentals/key-management

-https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/best-practices

Here are the key points you can use:

1. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Microsoft Azure employs RBAC, which allows administrators to assign specific roles and permissions to users based on their job responsibilities. Only authorized personnel with the appropriate permissions can access encryption keys and perform cryptographic operations.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Azure provides the option to enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for user accounts, adding an extra layer of security beyond just a username and password. Even if an attacker were to compromise an account, they would still need to bypass MFA to gain unauthorized access to encryption keys.
3. Network Security: Azure implements network security measures such as firewalls, virtual networks, and network security groups to control traffic and restrict access to sensitive resources. Access to encryption keys is further protected by network security controls, preventing unauthorized access from external sources.
4. Physical Security: Azure data centers are highly secure facilities with physical access controls, surveillance systems, and strict security protocols. Physical access to hardware infrastructure, where encryption keys are stored, is limited to authorized personnel only.
5. Encryption at Rest: Azure provides built-in encryption-at-rest for data stored in various services such as Azure Storage, Azure SQL Database, and Azure Disk Storage. Encryption keys are managed and stored securely by Azure Key Vault, and access to these keys is tightly controlled.
6. Continuous Monitoring and Auditing: Azure continuously monitors and audits access to encryption keys and data, logging all access attempts and changes made to key vaults. Any suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts are detected and reported in real-time.
7. Compliance and Certifications: Azure complies with various industry standards and regulations, including GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001, demonstrating its commitment to data security and privacy. Regular audits and assessments ensure that Azure's security controls are effective and meet the requirements of regulatory standards.

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hth

Marcin