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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 Network Security Group Flow Log retention period is 'greater than 90 days'

Framework Reference: A.5.33 Integration: Azure – Network Watcher (NSG Flow Logs)

Why this matters
Network Security Group (NSG) flow logs capture information about inbound and outbound IP traffic and are critical for monitoring, forensic analysis, and identifying anomalous activity. A retention period of fewer than 90 days may result in insufficient historical data for post-incident investigations or compliance audits. Keeping flow logs for at least 90 days supports detection of long-term threats and fulfills regulatory requirements in many frameworks.

What this check does
This Auto Check verifies that NSG Flow Logs are enabled and the retention period is set to greater than or equal to 90 days.

Check Logic:
Passes if:

  • Flow logging is enabled for the NSG
  • Retention period is ≥ 90 days

Fails if:

  • Logging is disabled
    OR
  • Retention is set to < 90 days

How to fix it

Azure Portal:

  1. Go to Network Watcher
  2. Select NSG Flow Logs under the Logs section
  3. Select each Network Security Group
  4. Set Status to On
  5. Set Retention (days) to greater than 90
  6. Choose a Storage account to store the logs
  7. Click Save

Azure CLI:

az network watcher flow-log configure \  --nsg <nsg-name-or-id> \  --enabled true \  --resource-group <resource-group-name> \  --retention 91 \  --storage-account <storage-account-name-or-id>

PowerShell:

PowerShell command not explicitly provided in the CIS Benchmark for this check. Use the Azure CLI or Portal for enforcement.

Exceptions
No standard exceptions are defined. For cost optimization, organizations may set a higher threshold but should document business justification if retention is less than 90 days before June 30, 2025.

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