HTTP or HTTPS (SSL) for Azure blob storage within Microsoft data centres

Question

Is HTTP or HTTPS (DefaultEndpointsProtocol in the storage connection string) recommended for blob requests within the Azure data centre? That is, between Azure role instances and blob storage.

I can see that I must use HTTPS for diagnostics (Microsoft.WindowsAzure.Plugins.Diagnostics.ConnectionString; see Incorrect DiagnosticsConnectionString Setting heading here).

I suppose that HTTP will be faster, although I have no measurements to say whether it is material.

Answer 1

There is no official Microsoft guidance on using HTTP or HTTPS with Azure Storage.

It will be faster to use HTTP as the HTTPS handshake is not taking place. Security within the data center should not be a concern.

With HTTP/2 protocol support on Azure, the performance difference will diminished. The Azure team is working on it.

On the other hand, HTTPS is secure and secure by default is a good practice.