Introduction
In a modern, geographically distributed organization, file sharing must be secure, scalable, and fast. Business-critical departments like Finance need instant access to shared files across offices, yet with strict access controls that prevent unauthorized exposure.
This article walks you through a real-world implementation of Azure File Shares, specifically designed for performance and secure access from defined corporate virtual networks. Whether you’re a cloud engineer, IT support specialist, or CTO exploring enterprise-grade storage strategies—this guide has you covered.
Why Azure File Share?
Azure Files provides fully managed file shares in the cloud, accessible via:
SMB (Server Message Block)
NFS (Network File System)
Azure Files REST API
It differs from Azure Blob Storage, which is better suited for object data, logs, and backup. Azure Files, on the other hand, is ideal for scenarios like:
Lift-and-shift of traditional file servers
Departmental file sharing with granular permissions
Integration with Windows clients using mapped drives
Step-by-Step Deployment
1. Create a Premium Storage Account
To ensure low-latency access and high performance:
In the Azure portal, search for Storage accounts.
Select + Create.
Use a new resource group (e.g., Finance-Storage-RG).
Choose:
Performance: standard
Account type: FileShares
Redundancy: Zone-Redundant Storage (ZRS)
Once deployed, go to the resource.
2. Configure File Share and Finance Directory
Go to File shares under the new storage account.
Click + File share and name it corporate-share.
After creation, select the share → + Add directory → name it finance
Optionally, upload a small text or image file into the finance directory to test access.
3. Protect Files with Snapshots
Azure Files supports point-in-time snapshots.
In the Operations section, select Snapshots.
Click + Add snapshot.
To test:
Delete the uploaded file inside finance.
Go back to Snapshots → open the snapshot → locate your file.
Click Restore, give it a new file name, and confirm restoration.
4. Create Virtual Network and Add Service Endpoint
Restricting access by network helps meet compliance and security requirements.
Go to Virtual networks → + Create.
Use the same resource group.
Accept default address space and subnet settings.
Once created:
Select Subnets → choose the default.
In Service endpoints, add Microsoft.Storage.
Save the changes.
5. Restrict Storage Access to the VNet
Go back to the storage account.
Under Networking, set:
Public network access: Enabled from selected virtual networks
Add your newly created virtual network and default subnet.
Save the changes.
Now try accessing the file share outside of that VNet—you should see an “unauthorized” message.
Lessons Learned & Best Practices
Use ZRS for cross-zone high availability.
Snapshots are ideal for quick recovery but don’t replace full backups.
Restricting access to known VNets strengthens compliance for departments like Finance or Legal.
Structure file shares with directories per department for maintainability.
Conclusion
This implementation of Azure File Shares not only meets performance needs but also aligns with best practices for enterprise security, compliance, and recoverability.
If your organization faces challenges around secure file access across locations, Azure Files with network restrictions and snapshots offers a reliable, scalable solution.
Explore more about Azure File storage security here.