Microsoftdocs Agent Skills

Included skill

Azure Key Vault

Expert knowledge for Azure Key Vault development including troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when managing secrets/keys, Managed HSM, Private Link, RBAC access, or Event Grid/Logic Apps integrations, and other Azure Key Vault related development tasks. Not for Azure Dedicated HSM (use azure-dedicated-hsm), Azure Cloud Hsm (use azure-cloud-hsm), Azure Payment Hsm (use azure-payment-hsm), Azure Information Protection (use azure-information-protection).

Source: /skills/azure-key-vault/SKILL.md

Azure Key Vault Skill

This skill provides expert guidance for Azure Key Vault. Covers troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. It combines local quick-reference content with remote documentation fetching capabilities.

How to Use This Skill

IMPORTANT for Agent: Use the Category Index below to locate relevant sections. For categories with line ranges (e.g., L35-L120), use read_file with the specified lines. For categories with file links (e.g., [security.md](security.md)), use read_file on the linked reference file

IMPORTANT for Agent: If metadata.generated_at is more than 3 months old, suggest the user pull the latest version from the repository. If mcp_microsoftdocs tools are not available, suggest the user install it: Installation Guide

This skill requires network access to fetch documentation content:

  • Preferred: Use mcp_microsoftdocs:microsoft_docs_fetch with query string from=learn-agent-skill. Returns Markdown.
  • Fallback: Use fetch_webpage with query string from=learn-agent-skill&accept=text/markdown. Returns Markdown.

Category Index

Category Lines Description
Troubleshooting L37-L46 Diagnosing and fixing Key Vault errors: REST/API error codes, Private Link and access policy issues, Azure Policy enforcement, and Managed HSM external key management problems.
Best Practices L47-L53 Best practices for securing Key Vault keys, handling Managed HSM disaster recovery, and generating/importing BYOK HSM keys for compliant, resilient key management.
Decision Making L54-L64 Guidance on planning and migrating key workloads, choosing RBAC vs access policies, using and retiring Managed HSM external keys, SLA/responsibility tradeoffs, and capacity/scaling decisions.
Architecture & Design Patterns L65-L70 Architecture and workflows for using external key stores with Managed HSM, including key lifecycle management, integration patterns, and operational considerations.
Limits & Quotas L71-L82 Limits, quotas, and behaviors for Key Vault and Managed HSM (certificates, secrets, throttling, logging latency, IP firewall/network rules, soft-delete/recovery, and capacity constraints).
Security L83-L113 Securing Key Vault and Managed HSM: auth (RBAC/ABAC, access policies), networking/firewalls/private endpoints, Zero Trust, soft delete, HSM/BYOK key handling, and security best practices.
Configuration L114-L138 Configuring Key Vault and Managed HSM: auth requests, policies, logging/monitoring, alerts, key types/algorithms, BYOK, key/secret rotation, secure release, replication, and soft-delete.
Integrations & Coding Patterns L139-L169 Patterns for integrating Key Vault with apps and services (Event Grid, Logic Apps, Private Link, Databricks, DigiCert) and using keys/secrets from .NET, Node.js, Python, JavaScript, and Managed HSM.
Deployment L170-L173 How to deploy and provision Azure Key Vault and Managed HSM (vaults, keys, secrets) using ARM templates, Bicep, Terraform, Azure CLI, and PowerShell

Troubleshooting

Topic URL
Resolve common Azure Key Vault error codes https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/common-error-codes
Diagnose and fix Azure Key Vault Private Link configuration issues https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/private-link-diagnostics
Interpret Azure Key Vault REST API error codes https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/rest-error-codes
Troubleshoot Azure Policy enforcement on Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/troubleshoot-azure-policy-for-key-vault
Troubleshoot Azure Key Vault access policy failures https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/troubleshooting-access-issues
Troubleshoot Managed HSM external key management issues https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/external-key-management-troubleshooting

Best Practices

Topic URL
Apply security best practices for Azure Key Vault keys https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/secure-keys
Execute disaster recovery for Azure Managed HSM disruptions https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/disaster-recovery-guide
Generate and import BYOK HSM keys into Azure Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/hsm-protected-keys-byok

Decision Making

Topic URL
Plan and execute migration of cryptographic key workloads https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/migrate-key-workloads
Migrate Azure Key Vault from access policies to RBAC https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/rbac-migration
Answer common questions on Managed HSM external keys https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/external-key-management-faq
Migrate workloads off Managed HSM external keys https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/external-key-management-migration
Decide when to use Managed HSM external key management https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/external-key-management-overview
Evaluate SLA and responsibilities for Managed HSM external keys https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/external-key-management-shared-responsibility
Plan capacity and scaling for Azure Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/scaling-guidance

Architecture & Design Patterns

Topic URL
Understand Managed HSM external key management architecture https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/external-key-management-architecture
Manage external key lifecycle in Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/external-key-management-key-lifecycle

Limits & Quotas

Topic URL
Understand Azure Key Vault certificate limits and behaviors https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/certificates/faq
Configure and interpret Azure Key Vault logging latency https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/logging
Understand and manage Azure Key Vault throttling limits https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/overview-throttling
Review Azure Key Vault and Managed HSM service limits https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/service-limits
Configure Managed HSM IP firewall and network security https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/configure-network-security
Review Azure Managed HSM service limits and quotas https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/service-limits
Use soft-delete and recovery for Managed HSM resources https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/soft-delete-overview
Understand Azure Key Vault secret size limits https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/secrets/about-secrets

Security

Topic URL
Apply security best practices to Key Vault certificates https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/certificates/secure-certificates
Allow Azure Key Vault access from clients behind firewalls https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/access-behind-firewall
Prepare for Azure Key Vault RBAC default and API retirement https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/access-control-default
Configure Azure Key Vault access policies with CLI https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/assign-access-policy
Configure authentication to Azure Key Vault with Entra ID https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/authentication
Add Azure ABAC conditions for Key Vault via CLI https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/howto-abac-conditions-cli
Add Azure ABAC conditions for Key Vault via PowerShell https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/howto-abac-conditions-powershell
Configure network security options for Azure Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/network-security
Restrict Azure Key Vault access with VNet service endpoints https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/overview-vnet-service-endpoints
Configure Azure Key Vault ABAC actions and attributes https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/rbac-abac
Choose Azure RBAC vs access policies for Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/rbac-access-policy
Configure Azure RBAC access for Azure Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/rbac-guide
Apply Zero Trust security practices to Azure Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/secure-key-vault
Configure and use Azure Key Vault soft-delete safely https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/soft-delete-overview
Generate and transfer HSM-protected keys to Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/hsm-protected-keys
Implement BYOK HSM key transfer for Azure Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/hsm-protected-keys-byok
Configure access control for Azure Key Vault Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/access-control
Configure ARM access for Managed HSM key management https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/authorize-azure-resource-manager
Perform full and selective backup/restore for Azure Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/backup-restore
Use Managed HSM built-in local RBAC roles https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/built-in-roles
Configure networking and mTLS for Managed HSM external keys https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/external-key-management-networking
Implement secure access control for Azure Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/how-to-secure-access
Configure network security and firewall for Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/network-security
Configure Managed HSM private endpoints with Private Link https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/private-link
Manage data plane RBAC roles for Azure Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/role-management
Apply security best practices to Managed HSM deployments https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/secure-managed-hsm
Apply security best practices for Key Vault secrets https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/secrets/secure-secrets

Configuration

Topic URL
Configure health and throttling alerts for Azure Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/alert
Formulate authenticated JSON requests to Azure Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/authentication-requests-and-responses
Apply Azure Policy to govern Azure Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/azure-policy
Enable and configure Azure Key Vault diagnostic logging https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/howto-logging
Configure monitoring for Azure Key Vault with Azure Monitor https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/monitor-key-vault
Reference monitoring metrics and logs for Azure Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/monitor-key-vault-reference
Use Azure Key Vault key types and algorithms https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/about-keys-details
Follow BYOK specification for importing HSM keys to Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/byok-specification
Configure automatic cryptographic key rotation in Azure Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/how-to-configure-key-rotation
Author secure key release policies in Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/policy-grammar
Configure key types and algorithms in Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/about-keys-details
Configure health and performance alerts for Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/configure-alerts
Configure logging and monitoring for Managed HSM external keys https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/external-key-management-logging-monitoring
Configure automated key rotation in Azure Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/key-rotation
Configure logging and audit events for Azure Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/logging
Configure multi-region replication for Azure Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/multi-region-replication
Author secure key release policies for Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/policy-grammar
Configure soft-delete and purge protection for Managed HSM https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/recovery
Configure Azure Key Vault to store multiline secrets https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/secrets/multiline-secrets
Automate single-credential secret rotation in Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/secrets/tutorial-rotation
Configure dual-credential secret rotation in Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/secrets/tutorial-rotation-dual

Integrations & Coding Patterns

Topic URL
Integrate Azure Key Vault with DigiCert CA https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/certificates/how-to-integrate-certificate-authority
Trigger Logic Apps from Key Vault events via Event Grid https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/event-grid-logicapps
Integrate Azure Key Vault events with Azure Event Grid https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/event-grid-overview
Handle Azure Key Vault notifications with Event Grid and Automation https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/event-grid-tutorial
Access Blob Storage via Databricks using Key Vault secrets https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/integrate-databricks-blob-storage
Integrate Azure Key Vault with Azure Private Link https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/private-link-service
Use Node.js on VMs to read secrets from Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/tutorial-javascript-virtual-machine
Connect ASP.NET Core web apps to Azure Key Vault https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/tutorial-net-create-vault-azure-web-app
Integrate .NET VM apps with Azure Key Vault secrets https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/tutorial-net-virtual-machine
Access Azure Key Vault from Python on virtual machines https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/general/tutorial-python-virtual-machine
Back up, delete, and restore keys in JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/javascript-developer-guide-backup-delete-restore-key
Create and rotate Key Vault keys in JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/javascript-developer-guide-create-update-rotate-key
Enable or disable Key Vault keys in JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/javascript-developer-guide-enable-disable-key
Encrypt and decrypt with Key Vault keys in JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/javascript-developer-guide-encrypt-decrypt-key
Retrieve Azure Key Vault keys in JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/javascript-developer-guide-get-key
Import keys into Azure Key Vault with JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/javascript-developer-guide-import-key
List Azure Key Vault keys using JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/javascript-developer-guide-list-key-version
Sign and verify with Key Vault keys in JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/javascript-developer-guide-sign-verify-key
Implement EKM Proxy API for Managed HSM external keys https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/external-key-management-proxy-api-reference
Create external keys with Managed HSM using Azure CLI https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/external-key-management-quickstart-cli
Create external keys with Managed HSM in Azure portal https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/managed-hsm/external-key-management-quickstart-portal
Back up and restore Key Vault secrets in JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/secrets/javascript-developer-guide-backup-secrets
Delete and purge Key Vault secrets with JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/secrets/javascript-developer-guide-delete-secret
Enable or disable Key Vault secrets using JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/secrets/javascript-developer-guide-enable-disable-secret
Retrieve Azure Key Vault secrets with JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/secrets/javascript-developer-guide-get-secret
Use Azure Key Vault secrets from JavaScript applications https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/secrets/javascript-developer-guide-get-started
Create, update, and rotate Key Vault secrets with JavaScript https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/secrets/javascript-developer-guide-set-update-rotate-secret

Deployment

Topic URL
Provision Key Vault and key using Terraform https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/keys/quick-create-terraform