Verify That Microsoft Defender for IoT Hub Is Set To 'On'

Subtitle: Framework Reference: A.8.16 Integration: Azure Monitor Activity Logs

Why this matters

IoT devices often run outdated firmware and are rarely patched, making them a common attack vector into enterprise networks. Microsoft Defender for IoT provides centralized monitoring, threat detection, and vulnerability management for connected IoT assets.

Enabling Defender for IoT ensures early detection of anomalous device behavior, network intrusions, and potential exploits targeting IoT infrastructure. Without it, your organization risks blind spots in its security posture and delayed response to IoT-related incidents.


What this check does

This Auto Check verifies that:

  • Microsoft Defender for IoT is set to β€œOn” for the selected Azure IoT Hub.
  • The check passes if Defender for IoT is actively enabled and reporting telemetry.
  • The check fails if Defender for IoT is disabled or not onboarded for the IoT Hub.
  • Applies to: Azure IoT Hub (Standard and Basic tiers).

How to fix it

Azure Portal

  1. Go to Azure IoT Hub.
  2. Select the IoT Hub instance to validate.
  3. Navigate to Defender for IoT β†’ Overview.
  4. Click Secure your IoT solution and complete the onboarding process.
  5. Verify that Threat prevention and Threat detection appear as enabled.

Azure CLI:
az iot security-solution create \  --resource-group <resourceGroupName> \  --name <solutionName> \  --iot-hubs <iotHubResourceId> \  --location <region>

PowerShell:

New-AzIotSecuritySolution `  -ResourceGroupName "<ResourceGroupName>" `  -Name "<SolutionName>" `  -IotHubs "<IotHubResourceId>" `  -Location "<Region>"

Replace the placeholders with your actual resource values.


Exceptions

If IoT device telemetry is fully isolated from external networks or monitored through an approved third-party network security solution, this check may be marked as Not Applicable. Such exceptions must be documented and justified within the organization’s risk management framework.


Further resources

Microsoft Defender for IoT Overview

Microsoft Learn: Onboard IoT Hub to Defender for IoT

Azure Security Benchmark: Logging and Threat Detection

Azure CLI: IoT Security Commands

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