Best Practices for Ensuring Data Security with Microsoft Synapse SAP Connector and Azure Linked Services

Ammar Asim 20 Reputation points
2025-01-17T16:51:00.4+00:00

My client asked for research on how SAP teams can protect data when using Azure Linked Services. There's particular concern regarding the lack of understanding of how the technology works. The setup involves using the Microsoft Synapse SAP connector to connect to an on-premises SAP system. What are the best practices to address these concerns and ensure data security?

Azure Synapse Analytics
Azure Synapse Analytics
An Azure analytics service that brings together data integration, enterprise data warehousing, and big data analytics. Previously known as Azure SQL Data Warehouse.
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  1. Vinodh247 27,201 Reputation points MVP
    2025-01-17T16:57:57.8+00:00

    Hi ,

    Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

    To ensure data security when using the Microsoft Synapse SAP connector and azure linked services, particularly in scenarios involving on-premises SAP systems, consider the following best practices:

    1. Secure Connectivity
    • Private Link: Use azure private link to establish secure connections between Synapse and Azure Linked Services. This ensures traffic stays within Azure’s backbone network.
    • Hybrid Connectivity: Leverage Azure ExpressRoute or a VPN gateway for secure, encrypted communication between on-premises SAP systems and Azure.
    1. Data Encryption
    • In Transit: Enable TLS 1.2 or higher to encrypt data in transit between the on-premises SAP system and Synapse.
    • At Rest: Use Azure Storage Service Encryption to secure data at rest in Synapse or azure data lake.
    1. Authentication and Access Management
    • Azure Active Directory (AAD): Use AAD to enforce RBAC for accessing synapse and other linked services.
    • Managed Identities: Utilize managed identities for authentication instead of static credentials for seamless and secure authentication to SAP systems and other Azure services.
    • SAP-Specific Credentials: Rotate SAP credentials regularly and store them securely in Azure KeyVault.
    1. Data Masking and Classification
    • Dynamic Data Masking: Apply dynamic data masking in Synapse to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access during query execution.
    • Data Classification: Use the Synapse Data Classification feature to label and monitor sensitive data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
    1. Audit and Monitor Access
    • Azure Monitor and Synapse Workspace Logs: Enable detailed logging for Synapse to track access and actions on linked data.
    • SAP System Logs: Integrate SAP system logs into Azure Monitor to detect and respond to anomalies.
    1. Firewall and Network Security
    • IP Restrictions: Configure IP restrictions on the Synapse workspace to allow access only from trusted IP ranges or networks.
    • Network Security Groups (NSGs): Apply NSGs to restrict network traffic to and from Azure resources involved in the SAP connector setup.
    1. Data Exfiltration Protection
    • Azure Data Exfiltration Policy: Use exfiltration prevention measures in Synapse to ensure data cannot be sent to unauthorized locations or services.
    • Outbound Rules: Monitor and restrict outbound traffic from the Synapse environment to prevent unintended data leaks.
    1. Configuration Best Practices
    • SAP Connector Configuration: Ensure that the SAP connector uses the latest version to benefit from the latest security updates and features.
    • Service Isolation: Use separate linked services and dedicated integration runtimes for different workloads to minimize the blast radius of potential security incidents.
    1. Regular Security Reviews
    • Conduct periodic reviews of:
      • Access policies in Synapse and Azure Linked Services.
        • SAP system user permissions and their integration with Azure services.
          • Security configuration of the Synapse SAP connector.
    1. Compliance and Governance
    • Align your Synapse and SAP integration with industry and organizational compliance standards (GDPR, HIPAA).
    • Leverage Azure Policy to enforce compliance at the organizational level for Synapse and linked services.

    By implementing these best practices, your client can mitigate data security risks and ensure a robust integration between their SAP systems and synapse.

    Please feel free to click the 'Upvote' (Thumbs-up) button and 'Accept as Answer'. This helps the community by allowing others with similar queries to easily find the solution.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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