Configure Microsoft Sentinel data connectors by using Azure Policy

Understanding Microsoft Sentinel Data Connectors

Microsoft Sentinel provides a range of data connectors that can pull security data from various sources such as Azure services, Microsoft 365, and third-party solutions. Typically, these connectors can be configured manually through the Azure portal. However, manual configuration can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially when dealing with multiple subscriptions and workspaces.

Using Azure Policy for Connector Configuration

To streamline the process and ensure consistency across an organization, Azure Policy can be employed to manage Sentinel data connectors. Azure Policy can automatically deploy connectors, enforce settings, and provide compliance assessments.

Here’s how you can configure Microsoft Sentinel data connectors using Azure Policy:

1. Create a Policy Definition

   Write a policy definition that specifies the requirements for the Sentinel data connector. This policy is described in JSON format and can include conditions and the desired state for the connector.

   {
   “properties”: {
   “displayName”: “Ensure Microsoft Sentinel is connected to specific data sources”,
   “policyType”: “Custom”,
   “mode”: “Indexed”,
   “description”: “This policy deploys specified Microsoft Sentinel data connectors.”,
   “metadata”: {
   “version”: “1.0.0”,
   “category”: “Security Center”
   },
   …
   }
   }

2. Assign the Policy

   Once the policy definition is created, it can be assigned to the relevant scope (management group, subscription, resource group). Assigning the policy ties the target resource to the rules outlined within the policy definition, prompting enforcement and remediation steps if necessary.

3. Parameterize the Policy for Flexibility

   Parameters allow policy definitions to be reused with different values. For example, a parameter could determine which specific Sentinel data connectors are to be enabled, such as Azure Active Directory, Azure Security Center, or AWS CloudTrail.

   “parameters”: {
   “connectorName”: {
   “type”: “String”,
   “metadata”: {
   “description”: “Name of the Microsoft Sentinel data connector to deploy.”
   }
   }
   }

4. Policy Effects and Remediation Tasks

   Azure Policy can perform different effects when a resource is non-compliant. For data connectors, the ‘DeployIfNotExists’ effect is common as it will deploy the necessary connector if it doesn’t already exist.

   Remediation tasks are triggered if a resource is non-compliant; in this case, the task would deploy the necessary Sentinel data connector using an Azure Resource Manager (ARM) template.

5. Compliance Assessment and Reports

   Azure Policy continually assesses the compliance status of resources. It provides reports that can log when resources are non-compliant with the applied policies. You can view these reports through Azure Security Center or the Policy insights.

Examples of Sentinel Data Connector Policies

Here are some examples of scenarios where Azure Policy can configure Microsoft Sentinel data connectors to maintain security and compliance:

• Azure Active Directory: Ensure that AAD data is being ingested in Sentinel to track sign-ins, audit logs, and potential security issues.
• Azure Security Center: Automated connectors for Azure Security Center can bring in alerts and recommendations into Sentinel.
• Office 365: Connectors for Office 365 to bring in data from Exchange, SharePoint, and other Office 365 services into Sentinel for better visibility and threat detection.

Benefits of Using Azure Policy with Microsoft Sentinel

Conclusion

Configuring Microsoft Sentinel data connectors by using Azure Policy can significantly enhance an organization’s ability to maintain a consistent and scalable security posture. It streamlines the process of data connector deployment and management, providing a powerful tool for Microsoft Security Operations Analysts preparing for the SC-200 exam or managing security operations in the real world. Organizations can rely on Azure Policy’s capabilities to automate and enforce standards, helping Analysts focus on critical tasks like incident response and threat hunting.