Moving from an on-premises environment to a cloud-based solution like Azure can be a challenging task. The process can pose various threats to sensitive data and critical business operations if adequate cybersecurity measures aren't in place. This step-by-step guide aims to elaborate on how to migrate on prem to Azure safely with the best practices in cybersecurity, from planning stages right through to the actual shift.

Introduction

Migrating to Azure, Microsoft's celebrated cloud computing service, allows organizations to benefit from increased agility, scalability and cost efficiency offered by cloud services. However, the safety and security during migration is of paramount importance. Here we provide guidance on creating a robust cybersecurity framework for your Azure migration.

Step 1: Assessment of Your Existing Infrastructure

Begin by auditing your on-premises IT resources. Knowing what data, apps, and infrastructure components exist, their interdependencies, data volumes, and network traffic peaks will inform your Azure migration plan. Use resources like Azure's 'Azure Migrate' tool to perform a thorough assessment of your on-prem environment.

Step 2: Define Your Security and Compliance Requirements

Understanding your security requirements is crucial. Identify your legal, regulatory, and business data protection requirements. Consider Azure's built-in security services and compliance coverage. Azure offers built-in security tools like Azure Security Center and Azure Sentinel for enhanced cyber protection.

Step 3: Plan Your Migration

Armed with the knowledge from your assessment and security requirements, plan your migration. Consider the potential impact on end-users and define your resource allocation, and decide on the data, applications, and workloads to be migrated. An example strategy is the 'Five R's: Rehost, Refactor, Rearchitect, Rebuild, or Replace.

Step 4: Execute a Pilot Migration

Before committing to a full migration, execute a pilot using a small set of data and applications. This will test your migration strategy for potential issues and offer insights into the time, resources, and cost involved in the full-scale migration.

Step 5: Migrate Your Data

During data migration, ensure the data in transit is encrypted. Azure supports different methods of database migration including offline and online migrations. Use Azure Database Migration Service for a smooth, secure, and fully managed migration experience.

Step 6: Migrate Your Applications and Test

Once data migration is complete, move your applications, adjust configurations, and test the applications. This is critical for ensuring operability and evaluating the effectiveness of your security controls.

Step 7: Optimize and Secure Your Azure Environment

After migration, continually optimize your Azure environment for cost, performance, and security. Take advantage of Azure's Security Center for maintaining a robust security posture. Regular audits and active threat protection are a must to ensure the ongoing security of your cloud environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, migrating from an on-premises infrastructure to Azure is a complex process involving critical decisions and multiple stages. With the right approach and proper attention to security, organizations can make this transition smoothly and securely. The key is understanding the details of the migration process, planning meticulously, prioritizing security at every step, and leveraging the robust security tools that Azure offers. With the best practices in cybersecurity during the migration process, businesses can safely harness the full power of Azure and gain a competitive edge in the cloud-first era.