Microsoft Azure Security Configuration and CIS Benchmark Checklist
This Azure security configuration checklist ensures compliance with CIS Microsoft Azure Security Benchmark v2.0, Microsoft Cloud Security Benchmark (MCSB), and NIST SP 800-53 cloud controls. Designed for Azure security engineers and cloud architects to verify tenant and subscription-level security posture.
- Industry: Telecommunications & IT
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 40-50 minutes
- Role: Azure Cloud Security Engineer / Cloud Architect
- Total Items: 19
- Compliance: CIS Microsoft Azure Security Benchmark v2.0, Microsoft Cloud Security Benchmark (MCSB) v1.0, Azure Security Center / Defender for Cloud, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Cloud Security Controls, ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Cloud Security Controls
Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) Security
Identity and access security configuration.
- MFA enforced for all users via Conditional Access policy (CIS 1.1)?
- Global Administrator role assigned to 2-4 users only (CIS 1.3)?
- Privileged Identity Management (PIM) enabled for all privileged roles?
- Security Defaults or Conditional Access policies enforcing baseline?
- Guest user access restricted (CIS 1.31 - guests cannot enumerate all users)?
Defender for Cloud and Monitoring
Security posture management and threat detection.
- Defender for Cloud enabled with appropriate plans (Servers, Databases, Storage)?
- Secure Score above 80%?
- Azure Monitor Activity Log diagnostic settings sending to Log Analytics?
- Activity Log retention set to minimum 1 year (CIS 5.1.3)?
- Defender alerts forwarded to SIEM (Sentinel or external)?
Storage Account Security
Azure Storage access controls and encryption.
- No storage accounts with public blob access enabled (CIS 3.5)?
- All storage accounts require HTTPS (Secure Transfer Required)?
- Minimum TLS 1.2 enforced on all storage accounts?
- Storage encryption using customer-managed keys in Key Vault?
Network Security and Bastion
NSG configuration and remote access security.
- No NSGs allowing SSH/RDP from Internet (0.0.0.0/0) to VMs (CIS 6.1)?
- Azure Bastion deployed for secure remote VM access (no public IPs on VMs)?
- WAF or Azure Front Door protecting internet-facing applications?
- DDoS Network Protection enabled on production VNets?
- Azure Security Review Notes
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Why Use This Microsoft Azure Security Configuration and CIS Benchmark Checklist?
This microsoft azure security configuration and cis benchmark checklist helps telecommunications & it teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for azure cloud security engineer / cloud architect professionals, this checklist covers 19 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Ensures compliance with CIS Microsoft Azure Security Benchmark v2.0, Microsoft Cloud Security Benchmark (MCSB) v1.0, Azure Security Center / Defender for Cloud, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Cloud Security Controls, ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Cloud Security Controls. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Microsoft Azure Security Configuration and CIS Benchmark Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 19 inspection items across 4 sections: Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) Security, Defender for Cloud and Monitoring, Storage Account Security, Network Security and Bastion. It is designed for telecommunications & it operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 40-50 minutes.
Who should use this Microsoft Azure Security Configuration and CIS Benchmark Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Azure Cloud Security Engineer / Cloud Architect professionals in the telecommunications & it industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.