Kernel of Truth

🔐 Azure vs AWS Security Services – Side-by-Side Comparison

Security DomainAzureAWSPurpose
SIEM & SOARMicrosoft SentinelNone native (use 3rd party)Centralised log ingestion, threat detection, and automated response
Threat Detection (Cloud)Defender for CloudAmazon GuardDutyDetects anomalies, malware, risky logins, misconfigurations
EDR/XDRDefender for EndpointAmazon Inspector + external toolsEndpoint protection and response capabilities
Identity & AccessAzure AD / Entra IDIAMUser, group, and role management
JIT Privileged AccessPIM (Privileged Identity Mgmt)IAM with limited customisationJust-in-time role elevation
Secrets ManagementAzure Key VaultAWS KMS + Secrets ManagerSecure storage of keys, secrets, and certs
Governance & ComplianceAzure PolicyAWS Config + SCPsEnforce and audit compliance with rules
Network FirewallAzure FirewallAWS Network FirewallStateful L3–L7 traffic inspection
DDoS ProtectionAzure DDoS Protection (Standard)AWS Shield & Shield AdvancedMitigates network and app layer DDoS attacks
Security Posture MgmtDefender for CloudSecurity HubSecurity health, scoring, and dashboard
Compliance FrameworksBlueprints + PolicyAWS Config + Security HubEnforce and monitor standards like CIS, NIST, PCI
Audit LoggingLog Analytics / Activity LogsCloudTrail + CloudWatch LogsTrack API activity and operational events
Forensics / InvestigationMicrosoft Sentinel + Azure MonitorAmazon DetectiveInvestigate security incidents and context
Data Classification & DLPMicrosoft PurviewMacieDiscover and protect sensitive data (e.g., PII, credit card)
Access MonitoringConditional Access + AAD logsIAM Access Analyzer + CloudTrailMonitor access usage and anomalies
Security AutomationLogic Apps (SOAR)EventBridge + Lambda + Security HubAutomate alerts and remediations
Storage SecurityStorage Account Firewall + SAS + TLSS3 Bucket Policies + Encryption + TLSControl who can access storage and how

💡 Key Insights

  • Azure is more integrated with native SIEM (Sentinel) and endpoint security (Defender).
  • AWS is more modular, requiring multiple services (e.g. GuardDuty + Macie + Inspector) to achieve what Defender for Cloud offers in a single pane.
  • Governance tools like Azure Policy and AWS Config/SCPs serve similar roles, but Azure often enforces policies more proactively by default.
  • IAM granularity is deeper in AWS, but Azure AD is superior for enterprise federation and hybrid identity.

✅ Summary Table – Functional View

Security FunctionBest in AzureBest in AWS
SIEM & SOAR✅ Microsoft Sentinel🟥 (requires third-party)
Endpoint Security✅ Defender for Endpoint🟥 No native equivalent
Compliance Baseline✅ Azure Policy✅ AWS Config + SCPs
Secrets & Key Management✅ Key Vault✅ KMS + Secrets Manager
Audit & Logging⚖️ Log Analytics vs CloudTrail⚖️ Both excellent
Identity & Federation✅ Azure AD (Entra ID)🟥 IAM lacks AD federation
Threat Detection✅ Defender for Cloud✅ GuardDuty
Data Classification✅ Purview✅ Macie
DDoS Mitigation✅ Azure DDoS Protection✅ AWS Shield
Investigation & IR✅ Sentinel & Monitor✅ Amazon Detective

🛡️Latest Security Alerts 🛡️

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NCSC Latest
(The National Cyber Security Centre UK)