Is a Jump Server Necessary for Accessing Azure or M365?

I see where you're coming from, but the main advantage of a jump server is that it's a clean system with no potential malware lurking in it, unlike a personal desktop or laptop. Sure, it adds some time for logging in, but it minimizes risk, especially for sensitive tasks.

Honestly, at the end of the day, it feels like just another product being sold. I’m not sure we should rely entirely on network security as a perimeter. Microsoft sometimes makes things too permissive or overly complicated with their products, which makes me question the need for a jump server in the first place.

Honestly, it feels like some people out there don’t quite get how cloud security works. Instead of a jump server, I’d rather use a Protected Admin Workstation (PAW) combined with a YubiKey for securing privileged accounts. What do you think about that?

From my experience, especially in a more restrictive environment like GCCH, using a jump server helps filter all traffic through a firewall, which is key for controlling ingress and egress traffic effectively. It’s a good way to maintain security without sacrificing too much management overhead.

Well, you definitely need to think about the reason behind security requirements. Jump servers and PAWs are designed to give you a 'clean' workspace for sensitive tasks, limiting the attack surface. You might have a compliant device, but how well is it really secured? Think about local admin rights, app controls, and even web filtering. A jump server takes these concerns away since it has a restricted environment.