Azure Key Vault is a secure way to store and manage sensitive data, such as API keys, passwords, and certificates. It provides a central repository for all your secrets.
To create a key in Azure Key Vault, you can use the Azure portal, Azure CLI, or Azure PowerShell. You can also use the Azure Key Vault REST API or SDKs for your favorite programming language.
A key in Azure Key Vault can be used for encryption, digital signatures, and authentication. For example, you can use a key to encrypt sensitive data stored in Azure Blob Storage.
To manage secrets in Azure Key Vault, you can use the Azure portal or Azure CLI. You can also use the Azure Key Vault REST API or SDKs to automate secret management tasks.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Create Schema Azure Data Studio
Creating a Key Vault
To create a Key Vault in Azure, you'll start by logging into the Azure portal. Click on "Create Resource" and then select "Key Vault" from the list of available resources.
If this caught your attention, see: Can You Tell If a Key Has Been Copied?
You'll need to provide some basic information, such as selecting a subscription, creating a resource group, and choosing a name and region for your Key Vault. This is the first step in creating your Azure Key Vault.
The default policy is available, but you can also customize the policy to meet your specific needs. This is where you can tailor the settings to fit your organization's policies and security requirements.
When selecting networking options, consider restricting access to your Key Vault using a private endpoint or Azure Virtual Network. This will help ensure that your Key Vault is not exposed outside your organization's network.
You might enjoy: Azure Create Virtual Network
Create a Vault
To create a Key Vault in Azure, you'll need to log in to the Azure portal and click on "Create Resource." From there, select "Key Vault" and click on "Create" to begin the process.
First, you'll need to select your subscription, provide a resource group, name, and region for your Key Vault. This is the first section of the process.
Take a look at this: Walgreens Make Key Copies
You'll also need to select the Azure Key Vault policy, which can be either the default policy or a customized policy that meets your specific needs.
Restricting access to your Key Vault is crucial, so you'll need to select the networking option that works best for your organization's policy. This might include using a private endpoint, Azure Virtual Network, or another option.
Once you've made your selections, click "Next" and review your settings before clicking "Create" to create the Key Vault.
Worth a look: Storage Account Key Azure
Az Vault
To create a new key in Azure Key Vault, you can use the command "az keyvault key create". This operation requires the keys/create permission and can be used to create any key type in Vault or HSM.
If the named key already exists, Vault or HSM will create a new version of the key. You can also specify whether the private key can be exported, and set a key not usable before a specific UTC datetime.
Related reading: Azure Devops Create New Area
To make a key usable, you can specify a space-separated list of permitted JSON web key operations. This will allow you to control what actions can be performed on the key.
The key size in bits can also be specified, for example, 2048, 3072, or 4096 for RSA, or 128, 192, or 256 for oct.
Azure Key Vault Parameters
Azure Key Vault Parameters are crucial to understand when creating a key. The keyOps parameter specifies operations that can be performed by using the key, such as sign, verify, encrypt, decrypt, wrapKey, and unwrapKey.
The acceptable values for keyOps are defined by the JSON Web Key (JWK) specification, which includes a comma-separated list of operations. If you don't specify this parameter, all operations can be performed.
The CurveName parameter is used for elliptic curve (EC) keys, and it's essential to choose the correct curve name for your key type. For valid values, see JsonWebKeyCurveName.
The Kty parameter determines the type of key to create, so make sure to choose the correct key type. For valid values, see JsonWebKeyType.
You can also add application-specific metadata in the form of key-value pairs using the Tags parameter.
To further restrict the key's usage, you can specify the time before which the key can't be used using the nbf parameter, in the format of Unix time stamp. Similarly, you can specify the expiration time using the exp parameter, also in Unix time stamp format.
Here is a summary of the key parameters:
Key Vault Creation Methods
To create a Key Vault in Azure, you'll need to log in to the Azure portal and click on "Create Resource". From there, you can select Key Vault and click on "Create" to begin the process.
You'll need to provide some basic information, such as selecting a subscription, providing a resource group, naming your Key Vault, and choosing a region. This is the first step in creating your Key Vault.
You can choose between a default policy or customize your own policy to meet your specific needs. This is an important step, as it will determine how your Key Vault is secured and managed.
Recommended read: Azure Create Resource Group
Existing API
The Existing API is a robust method for creating keys in Key Vault. It allows you to create new keys, update existing keys, and create new versions of existing keys.
To use this API, you must be authorized to use it. If your vault uses access policies, you'll need the "create" key permission. If your vault is enabled for RBAC, you'll need the "Microsoft.KeyVault/vaults/keys/create/action" RBAC DataAction.
Here's a quick rundown of the requirements for using the Existing API:
- Authorization: Access policies or RBAC DataAction
- Permission: "create" key permission or "Microsoft.KeyVault/vaults/keys/create/action" RBAC DataAction
The Existing API is a powerful tool for managing keys in Key Vault. By understanding its requirements and capabilities, you can create and manage keys with ease.
Take a look at this: Copy Keys Toledo
Creating vs Data Plane Creation
Creating a Key Vault can be done in two main ways: through the Azure portal, Azure CLI, or Azure PowerShell, or by using a template.
The Azure portal is a great way to create a Key Vault, as it allows for a user-friendly interface and easy management of resources.
Creating a Key Vault through code, such as with Azure CLI or Azure PowerShell, provides more flexibility and automation capabilities.
Using a template for Key Vault creation can simplify the process and ensure consistency across multiple environments.
Check this out: Create Multiple Azure Vm Using Ui
Install the Packages
To create a new key vault, you'll need to install the necessary packages. Install the Azure Key Vault key client library for .NET to get started.
You'll also need to install the Azure Identity client library, which is required for authentication purposes. This library will help you manage access to your key vault securely.
To install the Azure Key Vault key client library, open your command shell and run the installation command. This will download the necessary dependencies and make them available for use in your project.
The installation process should be straightforward, but if you encounter any issues, be sure to check the documentation for troubleshooting tips.
Sample Code
To interact with the Key Vault, you'll need to modify your .NET console app with the following code. The code snippet is quite long, but it's essential to understand each step.
The code begins by importing the necessary namespaces, including System, System.Threading.Tasks, Azure.Identity, and Azure.Security.KeyVault.Keys. This is crucial for interacting with the Key Vault.
You'll need to replace the code in Program.cs with the provided code snippet. This involves using the following classes: KeyClient, DefaultAzureCredential, and KeyVaultName. These classes are used to create a Key Vault client, authenticate with Azure, and retrieve the Key Vault name.
Here's a breakdown of the code snippet:
- The code creates a Key Vault client using the KeyClient class, which takes the Key Vault URI and a credential as arguments.
- The code then creates a key in the Key Vault using the CreateKeyAsync method, specifying the key name and key type (in this case, RSA).
- The code retrieves the created key using the GetKeyAsync method and prints its version.
- The code deletes the key using the StartDeleteKeyAsync method and waits for its completion using the WaitForCompletionAsync method.
- Finally, the code purges the deleted key using the PurgeDeletedKeyAsync method.
Here's a step-by-step guide to modifying your code:
1. Import the necessary namespaces.
2. Replace the code in Program.cs with the provided code snippet.
3. Specify the Key Vault name and key name in the code.
4. Run the code to interact with the Key Vault.
Note: Make sure to set the KEY_VAULT_NAME environment variable to your Key Vault name for the code to work correctly.
Az Import
When importing a key into an Azure Key Vault, you have several options. You can import a key from a BYOK file, a BYOK string, a PEM file, or a PEM string.
The BYOK file must not be password protected, and it must contain the key to be imported. This type of import is supported for both premium key vaults and HSMs.
Broaden your view: How to Make a File on Google Drive
The curve name of the key to import is only required for BYOK imports, and it specifies the type of key being imported. The type of key to import is also required for BYOK imports, and it determines the characteristics of the key.
You can import a key from a PEM file, which must be password protected. The password for the PEM file is required for the import process. You can also import a key from a PEM string, which does not require a password.
If you're working with a premium key vault or an HSM, you can import a key from a BYOK file or string. This allows you to bring your own key into the Key Vault for secure storage and management.
Sources
- https://docs.matillion.com/data-productivity-cloud/administration/docs/azure-key-vault/
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/quick-create-template
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cli/azure/keyvault/key?view=azure-cli-latest
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/quick-create-net
- https://foxutech.medium.com/how-to-create-azure-key-vault-33761a180a2f
Featured Images: pexels.com