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Verify that Server Parameter 'log_retention_days' is greater than 3 days for PostgreSQL Database ServerVerify that server parameter 'connection_throttling' is set to 'ON' for PostgreSQL Database ServerVerify that server parameter 'log_disconnections' is set to 'ON' for PostgreSQL Database ServerVerify that server parameter 'log_connections' is set to 'ON' for PostgreSQL Database ServerVerify that 'Enforce SSL connection' is set to 'ENABLED' for PostgreSQL Database ServerVerify that Server Parameter 'log_checkpoints' is set to 'ON' for PostgreSQL Database ServerVerify that Activity Log Alert exists for Create Policy AssignmentVerify that Activity Log Alert exists for Create or Update Public IP Address ruleVerify that no Azure SQL Databases allow ingress from 0.0.0.0/0 (ANY IP)Verify that Activity Log Alert exists for Delete SQL Server Firewall RuleVerify that Activity Log Alert exists for Create or Update SQL Server Firewall RuleVerify that Activity Log Alert exists for Delete Network Security GroupVerify that the storage account containing the container with activity logs is encrypted with Customer Managed KeyVerify that Activity Log Alert exists for Delete Policy AssignmentVerify that Activity Log Alert exists for Create or Update Network Security GroupVerify that Diagnostic Setting captures appropriate categoriesVerify that Activity Log Alert exists for Create or Update Security SolutionVerify that Activity Log Alert exists for Delete Public IP Address ruleVerify that logging for Azure AppService 'HTTP logs' is enabledVerify that logging for Azure Key Vault is 'Enabled'Verify that the Expiration Date is set for all Keys in RBAC Key VaultsEnable Role Based Access Control for Azure Key VaultVerify that Private Endpoints are Used for Azure Key VaultVerify that the Key Vault is RecoverableVerify that HTTP(S) access from the Internet is evaluated and restrictedVerify that SSH access from the Internet is evaluated and restrictedVerify that Network Security Group Flow Log retention period is 'greater than 90 days'Verify that Network Watcher is 'Enabled' for all locations in the Azure subscriptionVerify that RDP access from the Internet is evaluated and restrictedVerify that That 'Firewalls & Networks' Is Limited to Use Selected Networks Instead of All NetworksVerify that That Private Endpoints Are Used Where PossibleVerify that 'Enforce SSL connection' is set to 'Enabled' for Standard MySQL Database ServerVerify that 'TLS Version' is set to 'TLSV1.2' for MySQL flexible Database ServerVerify that SQL server's Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) protector is encryptedVerify that 'Auditing' Retention is 'greater than 90 days'Verify that Application Insights are Configured.Verify that 'Restrict non-admin users from creating tenants' is set to 'Yes'Verify that 'Guest invite restrictions' is set to 'Only users assigned to specific admin roles can invite guest users'Verify that That 'Guest users access restrictions' is set to 'Guest user access is restricted to properties and memberships of their own directory objects'Ensure Microsoft Defender for open-source relational databases is enabledVerify that That Microsoft Defender for App Services Is Set To 'On' Verify that That 'Notify about alerts with the following severity' is Set to 'High'Verify that 'Additional email addresses' is Configured with a Security Contact EmailVerify that That Microsoft Defender for SQL Servers on Machines Is Set To 'On' Verify that That 'All users with the following roles' is set to 'Owner'Verify that That Microsoft Defender for Storage Is Set To 'On'

Verify that Activity Log Alert exists for Create or Update SQL Server Firewall Rule

Framework Reference: A.8.16 Integration: Azure – Activity Log Alerts

Why this matters

Firewall rules define which IP ranges can access your Azure SQL Server. Creating or modifying these rules can expand or restrict access to your databases and potentially expose them to unauthorized users.

Monitoring for Microsoft.Sql/servers/firewallRules/write operations ensures that any change to firewall configurations triggers an alert. This allows your team to investigate and respond rapidly to unauthorized or accidental network exposure, supporting both security and compliance objectives.

What this check does

This Auto Check verifies that an Activity Log Alert exists for the operation:

Microsoft.Sql/servers/firewallRules/write

Check Logic:
Passes if:

An active Activity Log Alert rule exists with:

  • Category: Administrative
  • Operation name: Microsoft.Sql/servers/firewallRules/write
  • No filters on Level, Status, or Caller
  • An Action Group assigned to send notifications

Fails if:

  • No matching enabled alert rule is configured in the subscription.
  • The check inspects Azure Monitor alert rules and validates condition logic and action configuration.

How to fix it

Create the required alert using Azure Portal, CLI, or PowerShell.

Azure Portal:

  1. Navigate to Monitor > Alerts > Alert rules.
  2. Click Create > Alert rule.
  3. Set the subscription scope.
  4. Under Condition, choose:
  5. Signal: Create/Update server firewall rule
  6. Operation: Microsoft.Sql/servers/firewallRules/write
  7. Category: Administrative
  8. Under Actions, assign or create an Action Group.
  9. Under Details, provide an alert name and select a resource group.
  10. Click Review + create, then Create.

Azure CLI:

az monitor activity-log alert create \  --name "<activity log rule name>" \  --resource-group "<resource group name>" \  --scope "/subscriptions/<subscription ID>" \  --condition category=Administrative and operationName=Microsoft.Sql/servers/firewallRules/write \  --action-group <action group ID> \  --enabled true 

PowerShell:

$conditions = @() $conditions += New-AzActivityLogAlertAlertRuleAnyOfOrLeafConditionObject -Equal "Administrative" -Field "category" $conditions += New-AzActivityLogAlertAlertRuleAnyOfOrLeafConditionObject -Equal "Microsoft.Sql/servers/firewallRules/write" -Field "operationName" $conditions += New-AzActivityLogAlertAlertRuleAnyOfOrLeafConditionObject -Equal "Verbose" -Field "level" $actionGroup = Get-AzActionGroup -ResourceGroupName "<resource group name>" -Name "<action group name>" $actionObject = New-AzActivityLogAlertActionGroupObject -Id $actionGroup.Id $scope = "/subscriptions/<subscription ID>" New-AzActivityLogAlert -Name "<activity log alert rule name>" `  -ResourceGroupName "<resource group name>" `  -Condition $conditions `  -Scope $scope `  -Location "global" `  -Action $actionObject `  -Subscription "<subscription ID>" `  -Enabled $true

Update all placeholders to match your deployment.

Exceptions

This check should not be bypassed. All production environments should monitor SQL Server firewall changes. If logging is managed via a third-party SIEM or CSPM, ensure the equivalent rule exists and is auditable.

Further resources

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