Download audit report?

Question

I need to download an audit report. I found a page that describes how to do it:

You can access audit reports and certificates in the Azure or Azure Government portal by navigating to Home > Security Center > Regulatory compliance > Audit reports or using direct links based on your subscription (login required):

However, when I get to the Security Center, the Regulatory Compliance link is disabled and I cannot get any further.

Why is the link disabled and how do I fix it?

Answer 1

Make sure that you have met all of the prerequisites:

1. Azure Defender must be enabled.
2. You must be signed in with an account that has reader access to the policy compliance data (Security Reader is insufficient). The role of Global reader for the subscription will work. At a minimum, you'll need to have Resource Policy Contributor and Security Admin roles assigned.

Answer 2

Thanks. I am signed in as the account owner.

What is "Azure Defender"? How do I enable it? Does it cost extra? Is there any reason not to use it?