Security & Governance in Dynamics 365 Integrations
This includes securing:
Data in motion (API calls, webhooks, service bus)
Data at rest (in Dynamics, Azure services)
Identities and access controls
Configuration and secrets
Monitoring and compliance
🧱 Key Areas of Focus
1. Authentication & Authorization
a. OAuth 2.0 + Azure AD
Dynamics 365 APIs are secured via Azure Active Directory (Azure AD).
Use service principals (app registrations) for backend integrations.
Use Delegated permissions for user-level access.
b. Access Control
Apply least privilege: Grant only necessary API permissions.
Use Azure AD Conditional Access Policies for added protection.
Role-based access via Dataverse security roles.
2. Securing APIs and Endpoints
| Practice | Details |
|---|---|
| API Management (APIM) | Add rate limiting, IP restrictions, JWT validation |
| Private Endpoints / VNet | Prevent public access to Logic Apps, Functions |
| HTTPS only | Encrypt all traffic |
| CORS policies | Limit domains allowed to access APIs |
3. Secure Secrets and Configuration
Use Azure Key Vault to store:
API keys
Client secrets
Connection strings
Integrate Key Vault with:
Azure Functions
Logic Apps
Power Automate (via environment variables)
4. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies
Create DLP policies in Power Platform Admin Center to:
Block risky connectors (e.g., Gmail, Twitter)
Restrict which connectors can be used together (e.g., SharePoint + Outlook)
Enforce data residency and compliance policies (GDPR, HIPAA).
5. Audit Logs and Monitoring
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Dataverse Audit Logs | Track changes to data and system configuration |
| Azure Monitor / Log Analytics | Track Azure services behavior |
| Application Insights | Plugin or integration telemetry |
| Microsoft Purview | Data governance and classification |
6. Governance & Lifecycle Policies
| Policy | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Environment Strategy | Separate dev/test/prod environments |
| Solution Governance | Approve what can be deployed and by whom |
| ALM Automation | Enforce gated deployments via DevOps |
| Naming & tagging standards | Required for audit and cost control |
| Connector governance | Block or allow connectors (e.g., HTTP, SQL Server) |
7. Zero Trust Model for Integration
Verify explicitly (use MFA, token validation)
Limit blast radius (isolate components)
Assume breach (log, monitor, alert on anomalies)
🚫 What to Avoid
| Don't | Risk |
|---|---|
| Hardcode secrets in code or flows | Risk of credential leakage |
| Use global admin for app registration | Excessive privilege |
| Allow public endpoints unnecessarily | Attack surface increase |
| Skip logging | No audit trail for forensic analysis |
🎯 Interview Talking Points
You should be able to:
Explain how you secured an integration using Azure AD, Key Vault, and APIM
Describe your governance strategy across Power Platform environments
Discuss monitoring and alerting setup for failures or unauthorized access
Demonstrate how you align with Zero Trust and least privilege principles