What is a Bastion Host primarily used for?

A Bastion Host is primarily employed to provide secure access to a private network from the internet. It acts as a gateway or jump server, allowing administrators and authorized users to connect to resources in a private network that might otherwise be inaccessible from the public internet.

The main function of a Bastion Host is to create a controlled access point, significantly enhancing security. By offering a single, monitored entry point, organizations can implement stringent security measures such as multi-factor authentication, logging of access attempts, and strict IP whitelisting. This reduces the attack surface of the private network, as other resources do not need to be directly exposed to the internet.

In environments with strict network segmentation, the Bastion Host enables users to perform administrative tasks or manage instances in a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) without compromising the overall security posture of the network. Its proper utilization is critical for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive workloads hosted within a secured environment.

In addition, utilizing a Bastion Host can help adhere to best practices of the least privilege principle by granting access only to those who absolutely need it, thereby minimizing potential vulnerabilities.