Bastion Host
A bastion host is a specialized server designed to provide secure access to a private network from an external network, such as the internet. It acts as a single point of entry, often hardened against attacks, to manage and control access to internal resources like databases or application servers. This setup enhances security by reducing the attack surface and centralizing authentication and logging.
Developers should learn about bastion hosts when designing secure cloud or on-premises architectures, especially for compliance-heavy industries like finance or healthcare. They are crucial for scenarios requiring remote administration of servers in private subnets, such as in AWS VPCs or Azure virtual networks, to prevent direct exposure of sensitive systems. Using a bastion host helps enforce security policies, monitor access, and mitigate risks like unauthorized intrusions.