Azure Files public access

Question

Hi.

We have a number of Azure Files storage accounts that work fine, public access is disabled and they're only accessible within the VNET using private end points.

But i have found that that even though public access is disabled >

If you enter the FQDN into File Explorer ( \SHARENAME.file.core.windows.net ) then Windows still prompts for authentication, entering the correct credentials still denys access but why should the authentication prompt even appear if public access is disabled?

Answer 1

Hi Zuuber ,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A. Thanks for posting your query,
Even though public access is disabled, the authentication prompt appears when you enter the FQDN in File Explorer. This happens because the authentication prompt is a standard response from Windows when it detects a network share, regardless of the public access settings on Azure.
points to consider:

Authentication Prompt: When you enter the FQDN, Windows attempts to connect to the share and prompts for credentials. This is a default behavior to check if the user has the necessary permissions to access the resource.

Access Control: Even though public access is disabled, the storage account still requires authentication. The prompt appears because Windows is trying to authenticate the user. However, since public access is disabled, only users within the VNET with the correct credentials can access the share.

Security Measures: The fact that entering the correct credentials still denies access indicates that your security settings are working as intended. The storage account is not accessible without proper authentication and network configuration.

For more detailed troubleshooting, you might want to check the following:

• Network Configuration: Ensure that the virtual network and firewall rules are correctly configured to allow access only from the intended VNETrom the intended VNET.
• Permissions: Verify that the share-level and NTFS permissions are correctly set up for the users who need access need access.

For more insights. Azure Files troubleshooting guide

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