2.1.4 Ensure That Microsoft Defender for Azure SQL Databases Is Set To 'On'

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Information

Turning on Microsoft Defender for Azure SQL Databases enables threat detection for Azure SQL database servers, 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.

Solution

From Azure Portal

Go to Microsoft Defender for Cloud.

Select Environment Settings blade.

Click on the subscription name.

Select the Defender plans blade.

Click Select types > in the row for Databases.

Set the radio button next to Azure SQL Databases to On.

Select Continue.

Select Save.

From Azure CLI
Run the following command:

az security pricing create -n SqlServers --tier 'standard'

From PowerShell
Run the following command:

Set-AzSecurityPricing -Name 'SqlServers' -PricingTier 'Standard'

Default Value:

By default, Microsoft Defender plan is off.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/10624