Storing keys and certificates in Azure - Step-by-Step Execution

Process Flow - Storing keys and certificates

Start

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Create Key Vault

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Add Key or Certificate

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Set Access Policies

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Use Key/Certificate in App

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Rotate or Update

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End

This flow shows creating a secure vault, adding keys or certificates, setting who can use them, then using and updating them safely.

Execution Sample

Azure

az keyvault create --name MyVault --resource-group MyGroup --location eastus
az keyvault certificate import --vault-name MyVault --name MyCert --file cert.pem
az keyvault set-policy --name MyVault --upn [e-mail] --certificate-permissions get list
az keyvault certificate show --vault-name MyVault --name MyCert

This code creates a vault, imports a certificate, sets user permissions, and retrieves the certificate.

Process Table

Step	Action	Command/Operation	Result	Notes
1	Create Key Vault	az keyvault create --name MyVault --resource-group MyGroup --location eastus	Vault 'MyVault' created	Vault ready to store keys and certificates
2	Import Certificate	az keyvault certificate import --vault-name MyVault --name MyCert --file cert.pem	Certificate 'MyCert' imported	Certificate stored securely in vault
3	Set Access Policy	az keyvault set-policy --name MyVault --upn [e-mail] --certificate-permissions get list	Access policy set for [e-mail]	User can get and list certificates
4	Retrieve Certificate	az keyvault certificate show --vault-name MyVault --name MyCert	Certificate data returned	User accesses certificate securely
5	End	-	-	Process complete

💡 All steps completed successfully; keys and certificates stored and accessible with proper permissions.

Status Tracker

Variable	Start	After Step 1	After Step 2	After Step 3	After Step 4	Final
VaultName	None	MyVault	MyVault	MyVault	MyVault	MyVault
CertificateName	None	None	MyCert	MyCert	MyCert	MyCert
AccessPolicy	None	None	None	User [e-mail] with get,list	User [e-mail] with get,list	User [e-mail] with get,list
CertificateData	None	None	None	None	Certificate content	Certificate content

Key Moments - 2 Insights

Why do we need to set access policies after importing the certificate?

Access policies control who can use or see the keys and certificates. Without setting them (see step 3 in execution_table), no one except the vault owner can access the stored secrets.

What happens if we try to retrieve a certificate before importing it?

The retrieval would fail because the certificate does not exist yet in the vault. Step 4 depends on step 2 completing successfully.

Visual Quiz - 3 Questions

Look at the execution table, what is the result of step 2?

A Certificate 'MyCert' imported

B Vault 'MyVault' created

C Access policy set for [e-mail]

D Certificate data returned

💡 Hint

Check the 'Result' column for step 2 in the execution_table.

At which step does the user gain permission to access the certificate?

A Step 1

B Step 2

C Step 3

D Step 4

💡 Hint

Look at the 'Action' and 'Result' columns in the execution_table for when access policies are set.

If the access policy was not set, what would happen at step 4?

A Certificate would be retrieved successfully

B Access denied error

C Vault would be deleted

D Certificate would be automatically imported

💡 Hint

Refer to the key_moments section about access policies and step 4 in execution_table.

Concept Snapshot

Storing keys and certificates in Azure Key Vault:
- Create a Key Vault to hold secrets securely.
- Import or create keys/certificates inside the vault.
- Set access policies to control who can use them.
- Retrieve keys/certificates securely in your apps.
- Rotate or update keys/certificates as needed.

Full Transcript

This lesson shows how to store keys and certificates securely in Azure Key Vault. First, you create a vault to hold your secrets. Then you import a certificate file into the vault. Next, you set access policies to allow specific users to get or list the secrets. Finally, authorized users can retrieve the certificate securely. This process ensures your keys and certificates are protected and only accessible by those with permission.