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 entry point, often hardened and monitored, to reduce the attack surface and control access to internal resources like databases or application servers. This concept is commonly used in cloud computing and network security architectures to enforce security policies and audit access.
Developers should learn about bastion hosts when designing or deploying systems in cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) to securely manage access to private instances without exposing them directly to the internet. It's essential for scenarios like remote administration of servers, database access, or connecting to virtual private clouds (VPCs), as it helps prevent unauthorized access and simplifies security management by centralizing entry points.