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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 Server Parameter 'log_retention_days' is greater than 3 days for PostgreSQL Database Server

Framework Reference: A.8.15 (Logging) Integration: Azure – PostgreSQL Server

Why this matters

Log files are a critical source of visibility into the behavior and health of your PostgreSQL server. Retaining these logs for at least 4 days ensures you can identify misconfigurations, troubleshoot incidents, and investigate suspicious activity effectively.

The default setting of 3 days may not be sufficient for forensic analysis or long-term monitoring—especially in high-traffic environments. Raising this threshold helps improve your security posture and audit readiness.

What this check does

This Auto Check verifies that:

  • The PostgreSQL server parameter log_retention_days is set to at least 4 days (i.e., greater than 3).
  • It applies to both single server and flexible server deployments in Azure.
  • The check passes if the configured value is between 4 and 7 days, inclusive.

How to fix it

You can update the log_retention_days parameter using the Azure Portal, CLI, or PowerShell.

Azure Portal:

  1. Go to Azure Database for PostgreSQL servers.
  2. Select your server and navigate to Server parameters.
  3. Search for log_retention_days.
  4. Set the value to a number between 4 and 7.
  5. Save the configuration.

Azure CLI:

az postgres server configuration set \  --resource-group <resourceGroupName> \  --server-name <serverName> \  --name log_retention_days \  --value 4

PowerShell:

Update-AzPostgreSqlConfiguration `  -ResourceGroupName "<ResourceGroupName>" `  -ServerName "<ServerName>" `  -Name "log_retention_days" `  -Value 4

Replace the placeholder values with those relevant to your environment.

Exceptions

If log data is exported to an external SIEM or retained elsewhere for longer periods, this check may be marked as Not Applicable. In such cases, appropriate documentation must be maintained.

Further resources

Configure server parameters in Azure PostgreSQL

Azure REST API: List PostgreSQL configurations

Azure Security Benchmark: Logging and Threat Detection

PowerShell: Get PostgreSQL Configuration

PowerShell: Update PostgreSQL Configuration

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