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The Center for Internet Security (CIS) has updated its Azure Foundations Benchmark to version 4.0, introducing significant improvements based on community feedback. This benchmark is essential for assessing and hardening Azure environments against security threats.
Key Updates in v4.0:
- Consolidated recommendations for better clarity.
- New security controls aligned with evolving Azure services.
- Community-driven improvements for real-world applicability.
Useful Links:
You Should Know:
- How to Download & Apply CIS Benchmarks on Azure
Use Azure CLI to automate security checks:
az policy definition create --name "CIS-Azure-Benchmark" \ --rules "https://www.cisecurity.org/benchmark/azure" \ --display-name "CIS Azure Benchmark Compliance"
2. Verify Azure Security Posture
Run Microsoft Defender for Cloud assessment:
Install-Module -Name Az.Security -Force Get-AzSecurityAssessment -ResourceGroupName "Your-RG"
3. Enable Azure Security Best Practices
Apply Network Security Group (NSG) rules:
az network nsg rule create \ --nsg-name "My-NSG" \ --name "Deny-Inbound-Malicious-IPs" \ --priority 100 \ --access Deny \ --direction Inbound \ --source-address-prefixes "Known-Bad-IPs"
4. Audit Azure Compliance with CIS
Use Azure Policy for automated enforcement:
az policy assignment create \ --name "CIS-Compliance-Audit" \ --policy "https://www.cisecurity.org/benchmark/azure" \ --scope "/subscriptions/Your-Subscription-ID"
5. Harden Azure Storage Accounts
Enable Blob Encryption & Secure Transfer:
az storage account update \ --name "YourStorageAccount" \ --resource-group "Your-RG" \ --enable-https-traffic-only true \ --min-tls-version "TLS1_2"
What Undercode Say:
CIS benchmarks remain a gold standard for cloud security. With Azure v4.0, organizations gain refined controls to mitigate risks like misconfigurations and unauthorized access. Key takeaways:
– Automate compliance checks using Azure CLI/PowerShell.
– Regularly audit with Get-AzSecurityAssessment.
– Enforce encryption & NSGs to block threats.
Expected Output:
A hardened Azure environment compliant with CIS v4.0, reducing exposure to cloud-based attacks.
( focused on cybersecurity, IT, and Azure best practices. Removed non-relevant links and comments.)
References:
Reported By: Beingageek Benchmarks – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
