Author: Oliver Müller Page 4 of 10

An Azure Snapshot is an exact image of a disk at a specific point in time. This is a quicker way to back up the state of a hard disk than with an Azure backup.

Azure snapshots are best suited when, for example, operating system or software updates are to be tested. Additional virtual machines can be cloned from an Azure snapshot for this purpose. An existing virtual machine can also be restored to the original state of the snapshot if required.

This guide describes how to create an Azure snapshot, how to download a snapshot in VHD format, and how to clone a virtual machine from an Azure snapshot.

Setting up SPF, DKIM and DMARC in Exchange Online

By Oliver Müller

On 4. March 2023

In Microsoft 365

SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (Domain Keys Identified Mail) and DMARC (Domain based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) are used to check email messages. In combination, the three procedures achieve a high level of security with regard to the authenticity of the sender and content of an email.

This guide sets up SPF, DKIM and DMARC for Exchange Online.

Protect Azure resources from accidental deletion with Azure Resource Locks

By Oliver Müller

On 4. February 2023

In Microsoft Azure

Azure Resource Locks can be used to easily and effectively protect Azure subscriptions, resource groups or individual resources from accidental deletion. The lock overrides any user permissions.

This guide shows how to enable Azure Resource Locks and which properties can be configured.

Deploying Azure Naming Tool on a docker container

By Oliver Müller

On 14. January 2023

In Microsoft Azure

The Azure Naming Tool is a free tool for docker container that always generates the correct name for an Azure resource based on best practices.

Microsoft has provided guidance on the various phases in the cloud adoption strategy in the Cloud Adoption Framework. These guides also include best practices for naming Azure resources. Naming is extremely important, but it is also very extensive. As a result, many ambiguities or errors can arise when naming resources.

This guide describes the installation and configuration of Azure Naming Tool step-by-step on a Docker container.

Passwordless Sign In with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) and YubiKey (FIDO2)

By Oliver Müller

On 17. December 2022

In Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure

Passwordless Sign In with a FIDO2-enabled security key such as a YubiKey in conjunction with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) provides high security while maintaining ease of use. There is no longer any need to enter a username and password.

For users with private mobile devices who do not want to install the Microsoft Authenticator app, a security key from YubiKey offers a good alternative.

This tutorial sets up a YubiKey 5 security key for passwordless sign in to Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 services.

Freshly brewed with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365

Author: Oliver Müller Page 4 of 10

Create an Azure snapshot of a virtual hard disk

Setting up SPF, DKIM and DMARC in Exchange Online

Protect Azure resources from accidental deletion with Azure Resource Locks

Deploying Azure Naming Tool on a docker container