Can Self-Hosted Integration Runtime in Azure Data Factory Use SQL Integrated Security?

Описание: Explore whether the self-hosted Integration Runtime (IR) in Azure Data Factory can be configured to use SQL Integrated Security for on-premises SQL Server connections, and what the implications are.
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Can Self-Hosted Integration Runtime in Azure Data Factory Use SQL Integrated Security?

Azure Data Factory (ADF) has become a reliable tool for transferring data from on-premises sources to the cloud. Recently, a question arose about whether the self-hosted Integration Runtime (IR) can leverage Windows Integrated Security to connect with on-premises SQL Server databases. This is a topic many data engineers may contemplate, especially when managing credentials for secured SQL connections.

The Dilemma

Your strategy for moving data to Azure might involve using SQL credentials stored securely in Azure Key Vault, which is a good approach. However, with numerous enterprises operating on Windows Integrated Security, the desire to utilize this method within the self-hosted IR is understandable. The question is: can the IR service be configured to run as a Windows user that possesses the necessary permissions to connect to SQL Server sources?

The answer to this question is No. But let's delve a bit deeper into the reasoning behind this restriction.

Why Can't the Self-Hosted Integration Runtime Use Windows Integrated Security?

Understanding why using Integrated Security is not permissible depends on a couple of crucial considerations:

1. Privilege Accumulation

If the self-hosted IR service were to run as a Windows user with SQL permissions, it would accumulate privileges that could lead to security vulnerabilities. This scenario creates a risk where the IR service account could have excessive permission levels that might not reflect the intended usage scenarios.

2. Security Implications for Users

Allowing users of the linked Data Factory to access the IR’s permissions could result in unauthorized access to SQL Server databases. In essence, this could enable users to leverage the privileges of the service account for their own purposes, which could lead to security breaches or data leakage.

Focus on Network Connectivity

It’s essential to understand that the purpose of the self-hosted IR is to facilitate network connectivity rather than acting as a credential manager. According to Azure Data Factory's design principles:

Users must provide their own credentials to access source systems.

The IR is responsible for connecting to on-premises data sources while delegating the management of security to the users.

What Are Your Options?

Even though you can't configure Windows Integrated Security in the self-hosted IR, there are effective alternatives to manage your SQL connections securely:

Use Azure Key Vault: Store your SQL credentials securely in Azure Key Vault. This will ensure that only authorized users have access to the necessary credentials.

Manage Permissions Wisely: Ensure that any Windows accounts you do use for SQL Server connections have the least privilege necessary for their tasks to minimize security risks.

Conclusion

In summary, while it’s not possible for the self-hosted Integration Runtime in Azure Data Factory to leverage Windows Integrated Security for connections to on-premises SQL Server, understanding the rationale behind this limitation is vital for maintaining a secure data infrastructure. By utilizing Azure Key Vault and managing permissions effectively, users can still create secure and efficient connections to their SQL Server databases.

By equipping yourself with this knowledge, you can confidently continue using Azure Data Factory and adapt to its functionality while ensuring data security remains a top priority.