How to become a Microsoft SecurityπŸ›‘οΈ Ninja βš” ???

Hello friends,

Recently, I have been asked about good refences to master security echo-system on Microsoft technologies, especially in Cloud security products and services. Thus, I dived into references and compiled following resources for everyone to enjoy πŸ‘πŸ‘Œ

Learn about basic to advanced scenarios on network security, MCAS, Defender, Office365 and other securityπŸ›‘οΈπŸ” services on Microsoft Azure – from following collection of blog posts:Β 

βœ”οΈ Microsoft Cloud App Security Ninja TrainingΒ  https://aka.ms/MCASNinja

βœ”οΈ Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Ninja TrainingΒ  https://aka.ms/MDENinja

βœ”οΈ Azure Network Security Ninja TrainingΒ https://lnkd.in/g9qeMrT

βœ”οΈ Azure Security Center Ninja TrainingΒ  https://aka.ms/ASCNinja

βœ”οΈ Azure Sentinel Ninja Training https://lnkd.in/gpZb7kS

βœ”οΈ Microsoft 365 Defender Ninja TrainingΒ  https://aka.ms/M365Ninja

βœ”οΈ Microsoft Defender for Identity Ninja TrainingΒ https://aka.ms/DFINinja

βœ”οΈ Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Ninja TrainingΒ https://aka.ms/MDONinja

In addition, you could easily join to the Microsoft Security Community, and get latest announcement from here: https://lnkd.in/gXdv7Sq

Stay tuned …. for upcoming announcements on Microsoft Azure, as all of them will be shared back here 😘

#microsoftazure #continuouslearning #cybersecurity #networksecurity #informationsecurity #cloudsecurity

Resolving error on Bicep module – on Azure CLI (2.22.0) for Windows 10

If you are seeing “fromisoformat” error while running az bicep version or any other az bicep command – you are not alone πŸ™‚

Check this open issue reported on GitHub by community member – https://github.com/Azure/azure-cli/issues/17718


After updating to the latest Azure CLI (2.22.0) for Windows 10, I am now seeing the same error as others have reported:

Any command such as “az bicep version” is producing the following error:

The command failed with an unexpected error.
Here is the traceback and detailed error:
type object 'datetime.datetime' has no attribute 'fromisoformat'
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "D:\a\1\s\build_scripts\windows\artifacts\cli\Lib\site-packages\knack/cli.py", line 231, in invoke
File "D:\a\1\s\build_scripts\windows\artifacts\cli\Lib\site-packages\azure/cli/core/commands/init.py", line 657, in execute
File "D:\a\1\s\build_scripts\windows\artifacts\cli\Lib\site-packages\azure/cli/core/commands/init.py", line 720, in _run_jobs_serially
File "D:\a\1\s\build_scripts\windows\artifacts\cli\Lib\site-packages\azure/cli/core/commands/init.py", line 691, in _run_job
File "D:\a\1\s\build_scripts\windows\artifacts\cli\Lib\site-packages\azure/cli/core/commands/init.py", line 328, in call
File "D:\a\1\s\build_scripts\windows\artifacts\cli\Lib\site-packages\azure/cli/core/init.py", line 807, in default_command_handler
File "D:\a\1\s\build_scripts\windows\artifacts\cli\Lib\site-packages\azure/cli/command_modules/resource/custom.py", line 3294, in build_bicep_file
File "D:\a\1\s\build_scripts\windows\artifacts\cli\Lib\site-packages\azure/cli/command_modules/resource/_bicep.py", line 63, in run_bicep_command
File "D:\a\1\s\build_scripts\windows\artifacts\cli\Lib\site-packages\azure/cli/command_modules/resource/_bicep.py", line 152, in _load_bicep_version_check_result_from_cache
AttributeError: type object 'datetime.datetime' has no attribute 'fromisoformat'

Is there a temp workaround?

One of the workarounds is to uninstalled Azure CLI 2.22.0 , and then install the prior version 2.21.0. You could confirm 2.21.0 version is working for you by running the same command.

Hope this will be helpful for you, as i faced with this issue hours before my demo to #GlobalAzure 2021 😐

Are you ready to start your Bicep transformation journey in Azure?

Hello friends,

I am getting ready bits and pieces of the presentation and demo code for the #GlobalAzure 2021 event.

This is going to be my second year in a row, presenting at this global event, and I am pumped to contribute with two new sessions this year.

Feel free to check out the details of each session and links here .

Session banner for upcoming presentation on Global Azure 2021

WHY bother to transfrom your exising Azure ARM templates into Bicep?

  • Easy to understand and maintain code for your Azure infrastructure
  • Day zero support for all resource types & API versions
  • Nice transparent abstractionΒ for the underlying platform
  • Awesome Tooling – VS Code extension for Bicep
  • Deep integration with other Azure Services
  • Preflight validation – both Bicep/ARM does preflight validation on entire template
  • Provides high level of confidence that your code is ‘syntactically valid’ before deploying
  • Support – starting from v.03, Bicep is 100% supported by Microsoft Support Plans

This time, I am looking forward to share level 200 talk and demos, where we will ALL deep dive into challenges of transforming exisiting ARM templates into Azure Bicep.

We will inspect the ARM JSON decompiler, which comes with Azure Bicep and how to make it work your way.

Stay tunes, i hope to see you all during the event!

Get started with data transformation services in Azure – Global Azure 2021

Azure Global 2021 event in mid-April 2021

Hello friends,
I am back again, this time with another follow-up announcement of a second Global Azure 2021 session in Azure Data focus area, for ALL of you!

I am truly excited to present the following session on April 17th, live from my broadcasting studio in East Cost:)

This session will be a deep dive into different data movement scenarios using first-class tooling in Azure data echo-system and Azure Data Factory (ADF). We will learn about handy new features and data connectors, while copying and transforming datasets from a Data Lake and SQL Relational Database storages. Thus, tune in to learn about latest developments in Microsoft Azure data transformation services.

In my second session, I will share following journey with you:

Abstract of the upcoming session provided below πŸ˜‰

We will learn about what is ETL and ELT stands for in data world, and how Azure Data Factory (ADF) service could help you. Along the way, we will look into inner-workings and fundamentals of a cloud-based ETL and data integration service that allows you to create data-driven workflows for orchestrating data movement and transforming data at scale.

Finally, we will conclude the session with ADF demo and Q&A

TheCloudMarathoner πŸ™‚

Please let me know, what topics are you interested in?

Transfrom your Azure ARM into Bicep during the Global Azure 2021

Global Azure 2021 event in mid-April.

Hello eveyone,
I am very happy to share exciting news with all of you.

Few days ago, i have receieved an email confirming acceptance of my both Azure sessions for the Global Azure 2021 event. I am truely trilled to present on April 16th and 17th following two sesions for eveyone live:

I am looking forward for your participiation, and tune in to learn about latest developments in Microsoft Azure.

In my first session i will share the following new session with you.

Abstract of the presentation as is:

Infrastructure as a Code (IaC) is important strategy to manage your digital estate in any cloud environment. Simplifying management of your infrastructure while re-using code is even better. In Microsoft Azure, we have ARM (Azure Resource Manager) templates that could declaratively define your cloud project infrastructure.

However, it is not easy to author ARM JSON templates and maintain them when your project grows and requires changes. In this demo heavy session, we will introduce the Azure Bicep language and demonstrate how it simplifies authoring ARM templates for your Azure infrastructure. We will author a manageable, readable, and modularized Azure infrastructure code, while using familiar tools.

TheCloudMarathoner πŸ™‚

Please let me know, what topics are you interested in?

GitOps = IaC + MRs + CI/CD

The biggest benefit in using Git and infrastructure-as-code (IaC) is that you can now use continuous integration and deployment. With tools like GitHub actions, you can automatically deploy and/or update infrastructure code and automatically apply it to your cloud environment. Resources that have been added to the infrastructure code are created automatically and made ready for use.

The resources that were changed are updated in your cloud environment and resources that are removed from the infrastructure code are automatically spun down and deleted. This allows you to write code, commit it to your Git repository, and take full advantage of all the benefits of the DevOps process.

GitOps

GitOps uses a Git repository as the single source of truth for infrastructure definitions. Simply put, a Git repository is a “.git” folder in a project that tracks all changes made to files in a project. Infrastructure as code (IaC) is the practice of keeping all infrastructure configuration tracked and saved as code files. The actual desired state may or may not be stored as code, depending your approach and organizational policies.

MRs

GitOps uses merge requests as the change process for all infrastructure updates. The merge request (MR) is where teams can collaborate via reviews and comments. The MR could also have a formal approval for changes to take place. A merge commits to your “main” branch is a potential changelog for a later audit and/or troubleshooting when needed.

CI/CD

GitOps automates infrastructure updates using a Git workflow with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). When new code is merged, the CI/CD pipeline enacts the change in the environment. Any configuration drift, such as manual changes or errors, is overwritten by GitOps automation so the environment converges on the desired state defined in the Git.
GitHub actions uses CI/CD pipelines to manage and implement GitOps automation.

GitOps isn’t a black box anymore. It just takes IaC tools you already know and wraps them in a DevOps-style workflow. This approach provides a better revision tracking, fewer costly errors, and quick, automated infrastructure deployments that can be repeated for on any environment.

By adopting GitOps in your organization, you could improve the developer experience because often-dreaded releases become fully automated. This will allow developers to focus on their code. Teams eliminate or minimize manual steps and make deployments repeatable and reliable.

You could also improve security and standardization by utilizing GitOps.
By practicing GitOps, developers have no need to manually access cloud resources and additional security checks can be put in place at the code level in CI/CD pipelines.

I hope you like the GitOps approach and please let me know, what are you working on. Or how you could relate your work to GitOps?

What is a good service to perform data transformation in Azure?πŸ€”

Hello friends and data marathoners!


I am excited to annonce my next Cloud Lunch and Learn tech meetup session with you.

During the previous session, you have learned about how to up-skill existing data and SQL skills with the new Data engineering mindset πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘

Updated: Check out the recorded event session on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h3AaL9AhuXI

I am glad to invite you all – to learn how to get started with Data Transformation services inΒ Microsoft Azure β„’Β 


Thanks you πŸ™ Cloud Lunch and Learn for organizing this session.

Event detail: 24 March @ 18:00 UTC
Open registration πŸ‘‰ https://lnkd.in/dNb5vUr#SharingIsCaring❀️

Fᴏʟʟᴏᴑ ᴍᴇ 🎯 α΄€Ι΄α΄… κœ±α΄›α΄€Κ€α΄› Κα΄α΄œΚ€ α΄„ΚŸα΄α΄œα΄… ☁ α΄Šα΄α΄œΚ€Ι΄α΄‡Κ – 𝐋𝐄𝐓’𝐒 π‚πŽπππ„π‚π“ πŸ‘
#microsoftazure#CloudLunchLearn#azuredata#upskilling#cloud#dataengineering#datatransformation#gettingstarted#continuouslearning

Why “Start small and Expand” approach is good for your company business?

As cloud☁️ journey matures, each company 🏨 knows that service
requirements and needs will be changing. As cloud providers add new features and products, the new market opportunities and possibilities will rise.

There are several reasons why you would want to pursue the cloud landing zones. Using the start small and expand landing zone, you could get started with cloud adoption at a low-risk pace, and build up the security, governance, and regulatory policies over time.

As a benefit, with “start small and expand” you can use Azure Resource Manager templates and Azure Policy to create a CI/CD pipelines for subscriptions with Azure Blueprints.

As an ongoing improvement effort, you could expand and improve the landing zone with the Cloud Adoption Framework enterprise-scale design guidelines from Microsoft Azure β„’

Get started by learning “What is an Azure landing zone?” πŸ‘‰ https://lnkd.in/eD7xtWV #SharingIsCaring❀️

Fᴏʟʟᴏᴑ 🎯 theΒ #cloudmarathonerΒ β›…πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈ on LinkedIn α΄€Ι΄α΄… 𝐋𝐄𝐓’𝐒 π‚πŽπππ„π‚π“ πŸ‘

How to up-skill with Azure Data services and get certified?

I am excited to annonce πŸ“’– that my two webinar submissions have been accepted and scheduled by Cloud Lunch and Learn.

Please. join me to learn more about how to up-skill existing data and SQL skills with the new Data engineering mindset πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘

Thanks you πŸ™ @CloudLunchLearn for hosting this event!

Event detail: 17 March @ 18:00 UTC
Open registration πŸ‘‰ https://www.meetup.com/AzureDublin/events/276559449/ Β 
#SharingIsCaring❀️

Fᴏʟʟᴏᴑ ᴍᴇ 🎯 α΄€Ι΄α΄… κœ±α΄›α΄€Κ€α΄› Κα΄α΄œΚ€ α΄„ΚŸα΄α΄œα΄… ☁ α΄Šα΄α΄œΚ€Ι΄α΄‡Κ – 𝐋𝐄𝐓’𝐒 π‚πŽπππ„π‚π“ πŸ‘

What is an Azure administrative unit and its benefits? πŸ€”

The Administrative Units (AU) are Azure AD resources which can contain only users and groups.

AUs could manage permissions πŸ›‘οΈπŸ” in a role to any segment of your organization. For example, you could use AUs to delegate the User Administrator role to regional support specialists, so they can manage users only in the region that they support.

The AUs are especially helpful when an organization whose IT department is scattered across globe and wants to categorize and define relevant geographical boundaries.

Currently, supported scenarious from Azure AD portal are:

  • Create administrative units
  • Add users and groups members of administrative units
  • Assign IT staff to administrative unit-scoped administrator roles.

In addition, assigned users can easily manage their AU users from mystaffΒ MicrosoftΒ website πŸ‘‰ https://mystaff.microsoft.com/

Check out the following Microsoft docs post for more details and use asesπŸ‘‰Β https://lnkd.in/dXMMncJ #SharingIsCaring❀️

Now, if you end up loving this story and want to lean about managing your sers with “My Staff” – then check out this handy post on Micrsoft docs page:

Fᴏʟʟᴏᴑ ᴍᴇ 🎯 α΄€Ι΄α΄… become the #cloudmarathoner β›…πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈ – 𝐋𝐄𝐓’𝐒 π‚πŽπππ„π‚π“ πŸ‘