Setting up an Azure account

Everything you need to do to launch your first Azure instance to practice your pentesting skills can be done from your web browser. Here’s how:

1. While you’re on the Azure free services web page (https://azure.microsoft.com/en-ca/free), click on the green Start free button:

Figure 8.1 – Azure free account creation page

You’ll be taken to a screen to sign in to a Microsoft account. If you use Windows 10 or Windows 11 at home, chances are you already have a Microsoft account. You can choose to use your existing Microsoft account, create a new Microsoft account (which you may do even if you already have another Microsoft account), or sign in with your GitHub credentials if you have them.

I decided to use a Microsoft account that I already have. I’m cautious when it comes to cybersecurity, so I already had multi-factor authentication (MFA) set up on my Android phone with Microsoft...