Securing a web application isn’t just about passwords and encryption—it’s about layering your defenses. One of my favorite approaches is combining Cloudflare with Azure, leveraging both platforms to create a secure, scalable foundation. Here’s how we typically do it:
Set Up Cloudflare’s Protective Layer
DNS + CDN: By routing traffic through Cloudflare, you reduce latency via their global CDN and also mask your origin server’s IP.
WAF (Web Application Firewall): Cloudflare’s WAF filters out malicious requests before they ever reach your infrastructure. We often geo-limit traffic to the startup’s initial launch country, reducing potential attack surfaces until the team has more resources for broader security.
IP Whitelisting: Familiarize yourself with Cloudflare’s IP ranges and allow traffic only from these IPs in your Azure configuration—keeping untrusted traffic at bay.
Harden Your Azure Infrastructure
Azure Network Security: Keep ports locked down so only required traffic (e.g., HTTP 80/HTTPS 443) from Cloudflare’s IPs can pass through.
Regular Patching & Monitoring: Use Azure Security Center to track vulnerabilities, apply OS/software patches, and receive real-time alerts for potential intrusions.
Establish a Zero-Trust Posture
Identity & Access Management: Leverage Azure Active Directory with role-based access control (RBAC), and enforce MFA.
Encryption Everywhere: Enable SSL/TLS from Cloudflare’s edge to Azure to protect data in transit.
Continuous Auditing: Review security logs from Cloudflare Analytics and Azure Monitor to spot unusual spikes or suspicious activity.
Don’t Forget the Human Element
Even the best tools won’t protect you if passwords are weak or secrets get exposed in code.
Team Training & Policy: Provide basic security training and clear data handling protocols—especially if you have a distributed workforce.
Scan for Leaked Passwords: Use tools like Gitleaks or Trufflehog to ensure you haven’t accidentally committed secrets to your repositories.
P.S. Here’s a link to some info on Cloudflare’s Security Architecture if you want to see it from an engineering perspective.
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