Microsoft AzureOverview
Turning on Microsoft Defender for Azure SQL databases enables threat detection for Azure SQL databases, providing threat intelligence, anomaly detection, and behavior analytics in the Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
Rationale
Enabling Microsoft Defender for Azure SQL databases allows for greater defense-in-depth, with threat detection provided by the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC).
Impact
Turning on Microsoft Defender for Azure SQL databases incurs an additional cost per resource.
Remediation guidance
From Azure Console
- Open Microsoft Defender for Cloud | Environment settings
- Select a subscription
- Under
Settings, selectDefender plans - Under
Databases, expandSelect types > - For
Azure SQL Databases, selectOn - Select Save
Using Azure Command Line Interface
az security pricing create -n 'SqlServers' --tier 'Standard'
Using Azure PowerShell
Set-AzSecurityPricing -Name 'SqlServers' -PricingTier 'Standard'
Default Value
By default, the Microsoft Defender plan is off.
References
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/security-center/security-center-detection-capabilities
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/rest/api/securitycenter/pricings/list
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/rest/api/securitycenter/pricings/update
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/az.security/get-azsecuritypricing
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/security/benchmark/azure/security-controls-v3-data-protection#dp-2-monitor-anomalies-and-threats-targeting-sensitive-data
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/security/benchmark/azure/security-controls-v3-logging-threat-detection#lt-1-enable-threat-detection-capabilities
Multiple Remediation Paths
Azure
SERVICE-WIDE (RECOMMENDED when many resources are affected): Assign Azure Policy initiatives at management group/subscription scope and trigger remediation tasks.
az policy assignment create --name <assignment-name> --scope /subscriptions/<subscription-id> --policy-set-definition <initiative-id>
az policy remediation create --name <remediation-name> --policy-assignment <assignment-id>
ASSET-LEVEL: Apply the resource-specific remediation steps above to the listed non-compliant resources.
PREVENTIVE: Embed Azure Policy checks into landing zones and IaC workflows to block or auto-remediate drift.
References for Service-Wide Patterns
- Azure Policy overview: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/governance/policy/overview
- Azure Policy remediation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/governance/policy/how-to/remediate-resources
- Azure Policy initiative structure: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/governance/policy/concepts/initiative-definition-structure
Operational Rollout Workflow
Use this sequence to reduce risk and avoid repeated drift.
1. Contain at Service-Wide Scope First (Recommended)
- Azure: assign policy initiatives at management group/subscription scope and run remediation tasks.
az policy assignment create --name <assignment-name> --scope /subscriptions/<subscription-id> --policy-set-definition <initiative-id>
az policy remediation create --name <remediation-name> --policy-assignment <assignment-id>
2. Remediate Existing Affected Assets
- Execute the control-specific Console/CLI steps documented above for each flagged resource.
- Prioritize internet-exposed and production assets first.
3. Validate and Prevent Recurrence
- Re-scan after each remediation batch.
- Track exceptions with owner and expiry date.
- Add preventive checks in IaC/CI pipelines.
Query logic
These are the stored checks tied to this control.
Azure Subscriptions without Microsoft Defender for Azure SQL
Connectors
Covered asset types
Expected check: eq []
{
connectors(
where: { pricing_SOME: { name: "SqlServers", pricingTier: "Free" } }
) {
...AssetFragment
}
}
