Details of the Australian Government ISM PROTECTED Regulatory Compliance built-in initiative
The following article details how the Azure Policy Regulatory Compliance built-in initiative definition maps to compliance domains and controls in Australian Government ISM PROTECTED. For more information about this compliance standard, see Australian Government ISM PROTECTED. To understand Ownership, review the policy type and Shared responsibility in the cloud.
The following mappings are to the Australian Government ISM PROTECTED controls. Many of the controls are implemented with an Azure Policy initiative definition. To review the complete initiative definition, open Policy in the Azure portal and select the Definitions page. Then, find and select the [Preview]: Australian Government ISM PROTECTED Regulatory Compliance built-in initiative definition.
Important
Each control below is associated with one or more Azure Policy definitions. These policies may help you assess compliance with the control; however, there often is not a one-to-one or complete match between a control and one or more policies. As such, Compliant in Azure Policy refers only to the policy definitions themselves; this doesn't ensure you're fully compliant with all requirements of a control. In addition, the compliance standard includes controls that aren't addressed by any Azure Policy definitions at this time. Therefore, compliance in Azure Policy is only a partial view of your overall compliance status. The associations between compliance domains, controls, and Azure Policy definitions for this compliance standard may change over time. To view the change history, see the GitHub Commit History.
Guidelines for Personnel Security - Access to systems and their resources
User identification - 414
ID: AU ISM 414
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts with owner permissions on Azure resources should be MFA enabled | Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be enabled for all subscription accounts with owner permissions to prevent a breach of accounts or resources. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
| Accounts with read permissions on Azure resources should be MFA enabled | Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be enabled for all subscription accounts with read privileges to prevent a breach of accounts or resources. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
| Accounts with write permissions on Azure resources should be MFA enabled | Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be enabled for all subscription accounts with write privileges to prevent a breach of accounts or resources. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
User identification - 415
ID: AU ISM 415
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on virtual machines with no identities | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration but do not have any managed identities. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on VMs with a user-assigned identity | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration and have at least one user-assigned identity but do not have a system-assigned managed identity. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Audit Windows machines that have the specified members in the Administrators group | Requires that prerequisites are deployed to the policy assignment scope. For details, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. Machines are non-compliant if the local Administrators group contains one or more of the members listed in the policy parameter. | auditIfNotExists | 2.0.0 |
| Deploy the Windows Guest Configuration extension to enable Guest Configuration assignments on Windows VMs | This policy deploys the Windows Guest Configuration extension to Windows virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration. The Windows Guest Configuration extension is a prerequisite for all Windows Guest Configuration assignments and must be deployed to machines before using any Windows Guest Configuration policy definition. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | deployIfNotExists | 1.2.0 |
Suspension of access to systems - 430
ID: AU ISM 430
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocked accounts with owner permissions on Azure resources should be removed | Deprecated accounts with owner permissions should be removed from your subscription. Deprecated accounts are accounts that have been blocked from signing in. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
| Blocked accounts with read and write permissions on Azure resources should be removed | Deprecated accounts should be removed from your subscriptions. Deprecated accounts are accounts that have been blocked from signing in. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
Temporary access to systems - 441
ID: AU ISM 441
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocked accounts with owner permissions on Azure resources should be removed | Deprecated accounts with owner permissions should be removed from your subscription. Deprecated accounts are accounts that have been blocked from signing in. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
| Blocked accounts with read and write permissions on Azure resources should be removed | Deprecated accounts should be removed from your subscriptions. Deprecated accounts are accounts that have been blocked from signing in. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
| Guest accounts with owner permissions on Azure resources should be removed | External accounts with owner permissions should be removed from your subscription in order to prevent unmonitored access. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
| Guest accounts with write permissions on Azure resources should be removed | External accounts with write privileges should be removed from your subscription in order to prevent unmonitored access. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
Privileged access to systems - 445
ID: AU ISM 445
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on virtual machines with no identities | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration but do not have any managed identities. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on VMs with a user-assigned identity | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration and have at least one user-assigned identity but do not have a system-assigned managed identity. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Audit Windows machines that have the specified members in the Administrators group | Requires that prerequisites are deployed to the policy assignment scope. For details, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. Machines are non-compliant if the local Administrators group contains one or more of the members listed in the policy parameter. | auditIfNotExists | 2.0.0 |
| Deploy the Windows Guest Configuration extension to enable Guest Configuration assignments on Windows VMs | This policy deploys the Windows Guest Configuration extension to Windows virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration. The Windows Guest Configuration extension is a prerequisite for all Windows Guest Configuration assignments and must be deployed to machines before using any Windows Guest Configuration policy definition. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | deployIfNotExists | 1.2.0 |
Standard access to systems - 1503
ID: AU ISM 1503
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A maximum of 3 owners should be designated for your subscription | It is recommended to designate up to 3 subscription owners in order to reduce the potential for breach by a compromised owner. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on virtual machines with no identities | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration but do not have any managed identities. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on VMs with a user-assigned identity | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration and have at least one user-assigned identity but do not have a system-assigned managed identity. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Audit Windows machines that have the specified members in the Administrators group | Requires that prerequisites are deployed to the policy assignment scope. For details, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. Machines are non-compliant if the local Administrators group contains one or more of the members listed in the policy parameter. | auditIfNotExists | 2.0.0 |
| Deploy the Windows Guest Configuration extension to enable Guest Configuration assignments on Windows VMs | This policy deploys the Windows Guest Configuration extension to Windows virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration. The Windows Guest Configuration extension is a prerequisite for all Windows Guest Configuration assignments and must be deployed to machines before using any Windows Guest Configuration policy definition. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | deployIfNotExists | 1.2.0 |
| There should be more than one owner assigned to your subscription | It is recommended to designate more than one subscription owner in order to have administrator access redundancy. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
Privileged access to systems - 1507
ID: AU ISM 1507
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on virtual machines with no identities | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration but do not have any managed identities. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on VMs with a user-assigned identity | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration and have at least one user-assigned identity but do not have a system-assigned managed identity. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Audit Windows machines that have the specified members in the Administrators group | Requires that prerequisites are deployed to the policy assignment scope. For details, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. Machines are non-compliant if the local Administrators group contains one or more of the members listed in the policy parameter. | auditIfNotExists | 2.0.0 |
| Deploy the Windows Guest Configuration extension to enable Guest Configuration assignments on Windows VMs | This policy deploys the Windows Guest Configuration extension to Windows virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration. The Windows Guest Configuration extension is a prerequisite for all Windows Guest Configuration assignments and must be deployed to machines before using any Windows Guest Configuration policy definition. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | deployIfNotExists | 1.2.0 |
Privileged access to systems - 1508
ID: AU ISM 1508
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A maximum of 3 owners should be designated for your subscription | It is recommended to designate up to 3 subscription owners in order to reduce the potential for breach by a compromised owner. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on virtual machines with no identities | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration but do not have any managed identities. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on VMs with a user-assigned identity | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration and have at least one user-assigned identity but do not have a system-assigned managed identity. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Audit Windows machines that have the specified members in the Administrators group | Requires that prerequisites are deployed to the policy assignment scope. For details, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. Machines are non-compliant if the local Administrators group contains one or more of the members listed in the policy parameter. | auditIfNotExists | 2.0.0 |
| Deploy the Windows Guest Configuration extension to enable Guest Configuration assignments on Windows VMs | This policy deploys the Windows Guest Configuration extension to Windows virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration. The Windows Guest Configuration extension is a prerequisite for all Windows Guest Configuration assignments and must be deployed to machines before using any Windows Guest Configuration policy definition. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | deployIfNotExists | 1.2.0 |
| Management ports of virtual machines should be protected with just-in-time network access control | Possible network Just In Time (JIT) access will be monitored by Azure Security Center as recommendations | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
| There should be more than one owner assigned to your subscription | It is recommended to designate more than one subscription owner in order to have administrator access redundancy. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
Guidelines for Media - Media usage
Using media for data transfers - 947
ID: AU ISM 947
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts with read permissions on Azure resources should be MFA enabled | Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be enabled for all subscription accounts with read privileges to prevent a breach of accounts or resources. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
Guidelines for System Hardening - Operating system hardening
Operating system configuration - 380
ID: AU ISM 380
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocked accounts with owner permissions on Azure resources should be removed | Deprecated accounts with owner permissions should be removed from your subscription. Deprecated accounts are accounts that have been blocked from signing in. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
| Blocked accounts with read and write permissions on Azure resources should be removed | Deprecated accounts should be removed from your subscriptions. Deprecated accounts are accounts that have been blocked from signing in. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
Antivirus software - 1417
ID: AU ISM 1417
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft IaaSAntimalware extension should be deployed on Windows servers | This policy audits any Windows server VM without Microsoft IaaSAntimalware extension deployed. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.1.0 |
Guidelines for System Hardening - Authentication hardening
Single-factor authentication - 421
ID: AU ISM 421
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on virtual machines with no identities | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration but do not have any managed identities. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on VMs with a user-assigned identity | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration and have at least one user-assigned identity but do not have a system-assigned managed identity. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Deploy the Windows Guest Configuration extension to enable Guest Configuration assignments on Windows VMs | This policy deploys the Windows Guest Configuration extension to Windows virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration. The Windows Guest Configuration extension is a prerequisite for all Windows Guest Configuration assignments and must be deployed to machines before using any Windows Guest Configuration policy definition. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | deployIfNotExists | 1.2.0 |
| Windows machines should meet requirements for 'Security Settings - Account Policies' | Windows machines should have the specified Group Policy settings in the category 'Security Settings - Account Policies' for password history, age, length, complexity, and storing passwords using reversible encryption. This policy requires that the Guest Configuration prerequisites have been deployed to the policy assignment scope. For details, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
Multi-factor authentication - 1173
ID: AU ISM 1173
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts with owner permissions on Azure resources should be MFA enabled | Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be enabled for all subscription accounts with owner permissions to prevent a breach of accounts or resources. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
| Accounts with write permissions on Azure resources should be MFA enabled | Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be enabled for all subscription accounts with write privileges to prevent a breach of accounts or resources. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
Multi-factor authentication - 1384
ID: AU ISM 1384
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts with owner permissions on Azure resources should be MFA enabled | Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be enabled for all subscription accounts with owner permissions to prevent a breach of accounts or resources. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
| Accounts with read permissions on Azure resources should be MFA enabled | Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be enabled for all subscription accounts with read privileges to prevent a breach of accounts or resources. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
| Accounts with write permissions on Azure resources should be MFA enabled | Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be enabled for all subscription accounts with write privileges to prevent a breach of accounts or resources. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
Authenticating to systems - 1546
ID: AU ISM 1546
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on virtual machines with no identities | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration but do not have any managed identities. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on VMs with a user-assigned identity | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration and have at least one user-assigned identity but do not have a system-assigned managed identity. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Audit Linux machines that allow remote connections from accounts without passwords | Requires that prerequisites are deployed to the policy assignment scope. For details, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. Machines are non-compliant if Linux machines that allow remote connections from accounts without passwords | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.1.0 |
| Audit Linux machines that have accounts without passwords | Requires that prerequisites are deployed to the policy assignment scope. For details, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. Machines are non-compliant if Linux machines that have accounts without passwords | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.1.0 |
| Deploy the Linux Guest Configuration extension to enable Guest Configuration assignments on Linux VMs | This policy deploys the Linux Guest Configuration extension to Linux virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration. The Linux Guest Configuration extension is a prerequisite for all Linux Guest Configuration assignments and must be deployed to machines before using any Linux Guest Configuration policy definition. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | deployIfNotExists | 3.1.0 |
| Service Fabric clusters should only use Azure Active Directory for client authentication | Audit usage of client authentication only via Azure Active Directory in Service Fabric | Audit, Deny, Disabled | 1.1.0 |
| Storage accounts should restrict network access | Network access to storage accounts should be restricted. Configure network rules so only applications from allowed networks can access the storage account. To allow connections from specific internet or on-premises clients, access can be granted to traffic from specific Azure virtual networks or to public internet IP address ranges | Audit, Deny, Disabled | 1.1.1 |
Guidelines for System Management - System administration
Restriction of management traffic flows - 1386
ID: AU ISM 1386
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Service apps should have remote debugging turned off | Remote debugging requires inbound ports to be opened on an App Service app. Remote debugging should be turned off. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 2.0.0 |
| Function apps should have remote debugging turned off | Remote debugging requires inbound ports to be opened on Function apps. Remote debugging should be turned off. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 2.0.0 |
| Management ports of virtual machines should be protected with just-in-time network access control | Possible network Just In Time (JIT) access will be monitored by Azure Security Center as recommendations | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
Guidelines for System Management - System patching
When to patch security vulnerabilities - 940
ID: AU ISM 940
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A vulnerability assessment solution should be enabled on your virtual machines | Audits virtual machines to detect whether they are running a supported vulnerability assessment solution. A core component of every cyber risk and security program is the identification and analysis of vulnerabilities. Azure Security Center's standard pricing tier includes vulnerability scanning for your virtual machines at no extra cost. Additionally, Security Center can automatically deploy this tool for you. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
| SQL databases should have vulnerability findings resolved | Monitor vulnerability assessment scan results and recommendations for how to remediate database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 4.1.0 |
| Vulnerabilities in security configuration on your machines should be remediated | Servers which do not satisfy the configured baseline will be monitored by Azure Security Center as recommendations | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.1.0 |
| Vulnerability assessment should be enabled on SQL Managed Instance | Audit each SQL Managed Instance which doesn't have recurring vulnerability assessment scans enabled. Vulnerability assessment can discover, track, and help you remediate potential database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.1 |
| Vulnerability assessment should be enabled on your SQL servers | Audit Azure SQL servers which do not have vulnerability assessment properly configured. Vulnerability assessment can discover, track, and help you remediate potential database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
When to patch security vulnerabilities - 1144
ID: AU ISM 1144
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A vulnerability assessment solution should be enabled on your virtual machines | Audits virtual machines to detect whether they are running a supported vulnerability assessment solution. A core component of every cyber risk and security program is the identification and analysis of vulnerabilities. Azure Security Center's standard pricing tier includes vulnerability scanning for your virtual machines at no extra cost. Additionally, Security Center can automatically deploy this tool for you. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
| SQL databases should have vulnerability findings resolved | Monitor vulnerability assessment scan results and recommendations for how to remediate database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 4.1.0 |
| Vulnerabilities in security configuration on your machines should be remediated | Servers which do not satisfy the configured baseline will be monitored by Azure Security Center as recommendations | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.1.0 |
| Vulnerability assessment should be enabled on SQL Managed Instance | Audit each SQL Managed Instance which doesn't have recurring vulnerability assessment scans enabled. Vulnerability assessment can discover, track, and help you remediate potential database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.1 |
| Vulnerability assessment should be enabled on your SQL servers | Audit Azure SQL servers which do not have vulnerability assessment properly configured. Vulnerability assessment can discover, track, and help you remediate potential database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
When to patch security vulnerabilities - 1472
ID: AU ISM 1472
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A vulnerability assessment solution should be enabled on your virtual machines | Audits virtual machines to detect whether they are running a supported vulnerability assessment solution. A core component of every cyber risk and security program is the identification and analysis of vulnerabilities. Azure Security Center's standard pricing tier includes vulnerability scanning for your virtual machines at no extra cost. Additionally, Security Center can automatically deploy this tool for you. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
| SQL databases should have vulnerability findings resolved | Monitor vulnerability assessment scan results and recommendations for how to remediate database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 4.1.0 |
| Vulnerabilities in security configuration on your machines should be remediated | Servers which do not satisfy the configured baseline will be monitored by Azure Security Center as recommendations | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.1.0 |
| Vulnerability assessment should be enabled on SQL Managed Instance | Audit each SQL Managed Instance which doesn't have recurring vulnerability assessment scans enabled. Vulnerability assessment can discover, track, and help you remediate potential database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.1 |
| Vulnerability assessment should be enabled on your SQL servers | Audit Azure SQL servers which do not have vulnerability assessment properly configured. Vulnerability assessment can discover, track, and help you remediate potential database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
When to patch security vulnerabilities - 1494
ID: AU ISM 1494
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A vulnerability assessment solution should be enabled on your virtual machines | Audits virtual machines to detect whether they are running a supported vulnerability assessment solution. A core component of every cyber risk and security program is the identification and analysis of vulnerabilities. Azure Security Center's standard pricing tier includes vulnerability scanning for your virtual machines at no extra cost. Additionally, Security Center can automatically deploy this tool for you. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
| SQL databases should have vulnerability findings resolved | Monitor vulnerability assessment scan results and recommendations for how to remediate database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 4.1.0 |
| Vulnerabilities in security configuration on your machines should be remediated | Servers which do not satisfy the configured baseline will be monitored by Azure Security Center as recommendations | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.1.0 |
| Vulnerability assessment should be enabled on SQL Managed Instance | Audit each SQL Managed Instance which doesn't have recurring vulnerability assessment scans enabled. Vulnerability assessment can discover, track, and help you remediate potential database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.1 |
| Vulnerability assessment should be enabled on your SQL servers | Audit Azure SQL servers which do not have vulnerability assessment properly configured. Vulnerability assessment can discover, track, and help you remediate potential database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
When to patch security vulnerabilities - 1495
ID: AU ISM 1495
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A vulnerability assessment solution should be enabled on your virtual machines | Audits virtual machines to detect whether they are running a supported vulnerability assessment solution. A core component of every cyber risk and security program is the identification and analysis of vulnerabilities. Azure Security Center's standard pricing tier includes vulnerability scanning for your virtual machines at no extra cost. Additionally, Security Center can automatically deploy this tool for you. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
| SQL databases should have vulnerability findings resolved | Monitor vulnerability assessment scan results and recommendations for how to remediate database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 4.1.0 |
| Vulnerabilities in security configuration on your machines should be remediated | Servers which do not satisfy the configured baseline will be monitored by Azure Security Center as recommendations | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.1.0 |
| Vulnerability assessment should be enabled on SQL Managed Instance | Audit each SQL Managed Instance which doesn't have recurring vulnerability assessment scans enabled. Vulnerability assessment can discover, track, and help you remediate potential database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.1 |
| Vulnerability assessment should be enabled on your SQL servers | Audit Azure SQL servers which do not have vulnerability assessment properly configured. Vulnerability assessment can discover, track, and help you remediate potential database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
When to patch security vulnerabilities - 1496
ID: AU ISM 1496
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A vulnerability assessment solution should be enabled on your virtual machines | Audits virtual machines to detect whether they are running a supported vulnerability assessment solution. A core component of every cyber risk and security program is the identification and analysis of vulnerabilities. Azure Security Center's standard pricing tier includes vulnerability scanning for your virtual machines at no extra cost. Additionally, Security Center can automatically deploy this tool for you. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
| SQL databases should have vulnerability findings resolved | Monitor vulnerability assessment scan results and recommendations for how to remediate database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 4.1.0 |
| Vulnerabilities in security configuration on your machines should be remediated | Servers which do not satisfy the configured baseline will be monitored by Azure Security Center as recommendations | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.1.0 |
| Vulnerability assessment should be enabled on SQL Managed Instance | Audit each SQL Managed Instance which doesn't have recurring vulnerability assessment scans enabled. Vulnerability assessment can discover, track, and help you remediate potential database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.1 |
| Vulnerability assessment should be enabled on your SQL servers | Audit Azure SQL servers which do not have vulnerability assessment properly configured. Vulnerability assessment can discover, track, and help you remediate potential database vulnerabilities. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
Guidelines for System Management - Data backup and restoration
Performing backups - 1511
ID: AU ISM 1511
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audit virtual machines without disaster recovery configured | Audit virtual machines which do not have disaster recovery configured. To learn more about disaster recovery, visit https://aka.ms/asr-doc. | auditIfNotExists | 1.0.0 |
Guidelines for System Monitoring - Event logging and auditing
Events to be logged - 582
ID: AU ISM 582
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audit diagnostic setting for selected resource types | Audit diagnostic setting for selected resource types. Be sure to select only resource types which support diagnostics settings. | AuditIfNotExists | 2.0.1 |
| Virtual machines should be connected to a specified workspace | Reports virtual machines as non-compliant if they aren't logging to the Log Analytics workspace specified in the policy/initiative assignment. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.1.0 |
Events to be logged - 1537
ID: AU ISM 1537
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audit diagnostic setting for selected resource types | Audit diagnostic setting for selected resource types. Be sure to select only resource types which support diagnostics settings. | AuditIfNotExists | 2.0.1 |
| Azure Defender for SQL should be enabled for unprotected Azure SQL servers | Audit SQL servers without Advanced Data Security | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 2.0.1 |
| Azure Defender for SQL should be enabled for unprotected SQL Managed Instances | Audit each SQL Managed Instance without advanced data security. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.2 |
Guidelines for Software Development - Web application development
Web browser-based security controls - 1424
ID: AU ISM 1424
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Service apps should not have CORS configured to allow every resource to access your apps | Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) should not allow all domains to access your app. Allow only required domains to interact with your app. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 2.0.0 |
Web application interactions - 1552
ID: AU ISM 1552
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Service apps should only be accessible over HTTPS | Use of HTTPS ensures server/service authentication and protects data in transit from network layer eavesdropping attacks. | Audit, Disabled, Deny | 4.0.0 |
| Function apps should only be accessible over HTTPS | Use of HTTPS ensures server/service authentication and protects data in transit from network layer eavesdropping attacks. | Audit, Disabled, Deny | 5.0.0 |
| Only secure connections to your Azure Cache for Redis should be enabled | Audit enabling of only connections via SSL to Azure Cache for Redis. Use of secure connections ensures authentication between the server and the service and protects data in transit from network layer attacks such as man-in-the-middle, eavesdropping, and session-hijacking | Audit, Deny, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
Guidelines for Database Systems - Database servers
Communications between database servers and web servers - 1277
ID: AU ISM 1277
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on virtual machines with no identities | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration but do not have any managed identities. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on VMs with a user-assigned identity | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration and have at least one user-assigned identity but do not have a system-assigned managed identity. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Deploy the Windows Guest Configuration extension to enable Guest Configuration assignments on Windows VMs | This policy deploys the Windows Guest Configuration extension to Windows virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration. The Windows Guest Configuration extension is a prerequisite for all Windows Guest Configuration assignments and must be deployed to machines before using any Windows Guest Configuration policy definition. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | deployIfNotExists | 1.2.0 |
| Only secure connections to your Azure Cache for Redis should be enabled | Audit enabling of only connections via SSL to Azure Cache for Redis. Use of secure connections ensures authentication between the server and the service and protects data in transit from network layer attacks such as man-in-the-middle, eavesdropping, and session-hijacking | Audit, Deny, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
| Secure transfer to storage accounts should be enabled | Audit requirement of Secure transfer in your storage account. Secure transfer is an option that forces your storage account to accept requests only from secure connections (HTTPS). Use of HTTPS ensures authentication between the server and the service and protects data in transit from network layer attacks such as man-in-the-middle, eavesdropping, and session-hijacking | Audit, Deny, Disabled | 2.0.0 |
| Windows machines should be configured to use secure communication protocols | To protect the privacy of information communicated over the Internet, your machines should use the latest version of the industry-standard cryptographic protocol, Transport Layer Security (TLS). TLS secures communications over a network by encrypting a connection between machines. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 4.1.1 |
Protecting database server contents - 1425
ID: AU ISM 1425
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transparent Data Encryption on SQL databases should be enabled | Transparent data encryption should be enabled to protect data-at-rest and meet compliance requirements | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 2.0.0 |
Guidelines for Database Systems - Database management system software
Database administrator accounts - 1260
ID: AU ISM 1260
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| An Azure Active Directory administrator should be provisioned for SQL servers | Audit provisioning of an Azure Active Directory administrator for your SQL server to enable Azure AD authentication. Azure AD authentication enables simplified permission management and centralized identity management of database users and other Microsoft services | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
Database administrator accounts - 1261
ID: AU ISM 1261
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| An Azure Active Directory administrator should be provisioned for SQL servers | Audit provisioning of an Azure Active Directory administrator for your SQL server to enable Azure AD authentication. Azure AD authentication enables simplified permission management and centralized identity management of database users and other Microsoft services | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
Database administrator accounts - 1262
ID: AU ISM 1262
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| An Azure Active Directory administrator should be provisioned for SQL servers | Audit provisioning of an Azure Active Directory administrator for your SQL server to enable Azure AD authentication. Azure AD authentication enables simplified permission management and centralized identity management of database users and other Microsoft services | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
Database administrator accounts - 1263
ID: AU ISM 1263
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| An Azure Active Directory administrator should be provisioned for SQL servers | Audit provisioning of an Azure Active Directory administrator for your SQL server to enable Azure AD authentication. Azure AD authentication enables simplified permission management and centralized identity management of database users and other Microsoft services | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
Database administrator accounts - 1264
ID: AU ISM 1264
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| An Azure Active Directory administrator should be provisioned for SQL servers | Audit provisioning of an Azure Active Directory administrator for your SQL server to enable Azure AD authentication. Azure AD authentication enables simplified permission management and centralized identity management of database users and other Microsoft services | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.0.0 |
Guidelines for Networking - Network design and configuration
Network access controls - 520
ID: AU ISM 520
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage accounts should restrict network access | Network access to storage accounts should be restricted. Configure network rules so only applications from allowed networks can access the storage account. To allow connections from specific internet or on-premises clients, access can be granted to traffic from specific Azure virtual networks or to public internet IP address ranges | Audit, Deny, Disabled | 1.1.1 |
Network access controls - 1182
ID: AU ISM 1182
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet-facing virtual machines should be protected with network security groups | Protect your virtual machines from potential threats by restricting access to them with network security groups (NSG). Learn more about controlling traffic with NSGs at https://aka.ms/nsg-doc | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.0 |
| Storage accounts should restrict network access | Network access to storage accounts should be restricted. Configure network rules so only applications from allowed networks can access the storage account. To allow connections from specific internet or on-premises clients, access can be granted to traffic from specific Azure virtual networks or to public internet IP address ranges | Audit, Deny, Disabled | 1.1.1 |
Guidelines for Networking - Service continuity for online services
Denial of service strategies - 1431
ID: AU ISM 1431
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azure DDoS Protection should be enabled | DDoS protection should be enabled for all virtual networks with a subnet that is part of an application gateway with a public IP. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 3.0.1 |
Guidelines for Cryptography - Transport Layer Security
Using Transport Layer Security - 1139
ID: AU ISM 1139
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on virtual machines with no identities | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration but do not have any managed identities. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| Add system-assigned managed identity to enable Guest Configuration assignments on VMs with a user-assigned identity | This policy adds a system-assigned managed identity to virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration and have at least one user-assigned identity but do not have a system-assigned managed identity. A system-assigned managed identity is a prerequisite for all Guest Configuration assignments and must be added to machines before using any Guest Configuration policy definitions. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | modify | 4.1.0 |
| App Service apps should use the latest TLS version | Periodically, newer versions are released for TLS either due to security flaws, include additional functionality, and enhance speed. Upgrade to the latest TLS version for App Service apps to take advantage of security fixes, if any, and/or new functionalities of the latest version. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 2.1.0 |
| Deploy the Windows Guest Configuration extension to enable Guest Configuration assignments on Windows VMs | This policy deploys the Windows Guest Configuration extension to Windows virtual machines hosted in Azure that are supported by Guest Configuration. The Windows Guest Configuration extension is a prerequisite for all Windows Guest Configuration assignments and must be deployed to machines before using any Windows Guest Configuration policy definition. For more information on Guest Configuration, visit https://aka.ms/gcpol. | deployIfNotExists | 1.2.0 |
| Function apps should use the latest TLS version | Periodically, newer versions are released for TLS either due to security flaws, include additional functionality, and enhance speed. Upgrade to the latest TLS version for Function apps to take advantage of security fixes, if any, and/or new functionalities of the latest version. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 2.1.0 |
| Windows machines should be configured to use secure communication protocols | To protect the privacy of information communicated over the Internet, your machines should use the latest version of the industry-standard cryptographic protocol, Transport Layer Security (TLS). TLS secures communications over a network by encrypting a connection between machines. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 4.1.1 |
Guidelines for Gateways - Content filtering
Antivirus scanning - 1288
ID: AU ISM 1288
| Name (Azure portal) |
Description | Effect(s) | Version (GitHub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft IaaSAntimalware extension should be deployed on Windows servers | This policy audits any Windows server VM without Microsoft IaaSAntimalware extension deployed. | AuditIfNotExists, Disabled | 1.1.0 |
Next steps
Additional articles about Azure Policy:
- Regulatory Compliance overview.
- See the initiative definition structure.
- Review other examples at Azure Policy samples.
- Review Understanding policy effects.
- Learn how to remediate non-compliant resources.