Scheduled queries are an essential tool for Microsoft Security Operations Analysts. These queries allow you to effectively and efficiently gather and analyze data from your Azure environment. Given the importance of security for all businesses today, knowing how to configure built-in scheduled queries is paramount. Let’s delve deeper into how to configure these scheduled queries.
What are built-in scheduled queries?
Built-in scheduled queries are pre-configured requests to your data stored in Azure that run automatically at specified intervals. By using them you’re essentially automating the collection, processing, and analysis of your data, thus enabling you to focus on other critical tasks.
How to Configure Built-In Scheduled Queries
Follow the steps below to configure the built-in scheduled queries:
- Access Azure Portal: First, you’ll need to access the Azure portal (portal.azure.com) and sign in with your account.
- Navigate to Azure Monitor: In the left-hand menu, locate and click on “Azure Monitor.”
- Access Log Queries: Once in Azure Monitor, navigate to the “Logs” section. Here, you can review and manage all log queries, including your scheduled queries.
- Create a New Query: Create a new query or select an existing one. If creating a new query, the query language Kusto (KQL) is used. For instance,
SecurityEvent | where TimeGenerated > ago(1d)is a query to return all security events from the past day. - Schedule the Query: Once you are satisfied with the query testing, you can schedule it. Click on the “New Alert Rule” under the query window, specify the frequency at which the query should run (every few minutes, hourly, daily, etc.), and the period over which data should be collected.
- Set Alert Rule: An essential feature of scheduled queries is their ability to trigger alerts. You can set rules based on the results of the query – for example, if the number of security events exceeds a specified limit, an alert can be triggered. Define the rule name, the severity and the description in this section.
- Create an Action Group: Action Groups are sets of users that are notified when an alert is activated. Create a new action group, or assign a pre-existing one.
- Confirm and Create: Once you have set all parameters for the queries, click on “Create”.
- Review the Scheduled Query: Review your scheduled query and its run history by going back to the “Logs” part of Azure Monitor.
Best Practices for Configuring Scheduled Queries
Following are some best practices for configuring the scheduled queries:
- Optimize Performance: Try and make your queries specific to help reduce the amount of data you’re pulling in each query. This can reduce unnecessary load on your resources.
- Set Reasonable Alert Threshholds: It’s paramount that your alerts are not too sensitive, as this can result in an overwhelming number of false positives. Likewise, they should also not be too lenient, as this can lead to the overlooking of potential threats.
- Regularly Review and Update: Given the dynamic nature of Azure environments, it’s good practice to review your scheduled queries and update them if necessary.
Scheduled queries are essential for your routine analysis as a Security Operations Analyst. By following these steps, you can make sure that your scheduled queries meet the requirements of your Azure environment and provide the necessary data for an effective security strategy.
Practice Test
True or False: Scheduled queries can be used to automatically scan logs for potential security threats.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Scheduled queries allow analysts to automate querying logs at regular intervals, helping to identify potential security trends or issues over time.
Which of the following are benefits of configuring built-in scheduled queries in Microsoft Azure? Select all that apply.
- A. Automate scanning of logs
- B. Identify potential security trends
- C. Create additional user accounts
- D. Monitor bandwidth usage
Answer: A, B
Explanation: Scheduled queries in Azure can be used to automate scanning of logs and identify potential security threats or trends. They can not be used to create additional user accounts or monitor bandwidth usage.
True or False: You can configure alerts on scheduled queries.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Alerts can be configured on scheduled queries, this allows for proactive action when specific conditions are met.
Which of the following features are available when using Microsoft Azure’s built-in scheduled queries? (Choose two)
- A. Customizing the interval of execution
- B. Sending an automated responses to threats
- C. Merging multiple logs into single report
- D. Creating new user roles
Answer: A, B
Explanation: Scheduled queries can be customized with regards to the interval of their execution and they can also be set to send automated response to threats. They do not have native capabilities for merging multiple logs into a single report or creating new user roles.
True or False: Scheduled queries are real-time and do not rely on predefined intervals.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Scheduled queries run at predefined intervals, automating the log querying process. They are not real-time.
Which of the following is not a typical use of scheduled queries in Azure?
- A. Monitor for security vulnerabilities
- B. Identify trends in log activity
- C. Enhance system performance
- D. Provide an automated response to threats
Answer: C
Explanation: While scheduled queries do help identify threats, trends, and automate responses, they do not directly enhance system performance.
True or False: Scheduled queries need to be manually initiated each time.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Scheduled queries are automated and run at intervals that have been set by the user.
Which commands can be used to create scheduled queries in Azure? (Choose one)
- A. SIGMA
- B. SPLUNK
- C. KQL
- D. SQL
Answer: C
Explanation: Azure uses Kusto Query Language (KQL) for log analytics and creating scheduled queries.
True or False: Scheduled queries and log analytics in Azure only support Windows operating system.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Azure is compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems, and this extends to its log analytics and scheduled queries capabilities as well.
What important item must be defined when setting up a scheduled query in Azure? (Choose one)
- A. The type of logs to analyze
- B. The operating system version
- C. The budget for the query
- D. The network bandwidth
Answer: A
Explanation: It is important for users to define which logs the query will analyze. The other choices are not necessarily factors for scheduled queries.
Interview Questions
What is the primary purpose of built-in scheduled queries in Azure Sentiment?
The primary purpose of built-in scheduled queries in Azure Sentinel is to perform automated checks or scans of data at specified intervals.
What is Kusto Query Language (KQL) in the context of Azure Sentinel?
Kusto Query Language (KQL) is a read-only request to process data and return results used in Azure Sentinel for creating custom analytics rules.
How can you create your own scheduled query in Azure Sentinel?
To create a scheduled query in Azure Sentinel, go to “Analytics”. Under “Rule Templates”, pick a template you want to use as a base and select ‘View full details’. Make necessary changes, then click on ‘Create Rule’ to create your scheduled query.
What is the function of ‘Group by’ clause in Kusto Query Language (KQL)?
The ‘Group by’ clause in KQL allows you to arrange the aggregated data that comes back from your queries into groups.
What is the use of Microsoft’s Playbook in scheduled queries?
Microsoft’s Playbook, in terms of scheduled queries, is used for automating responses to alerts generated from the queries. They execute predetermined actions when an alert is triggered.
How can you manage built-in scheduled queries in Azure Sentinel?
You can manage built-in scheduled queries in Azure Sentinel by enabling or disabling them, and editing their details including their rule logic and alert details.
How often should the query run in Azure Sentinel for better results?
As a best practice, the query should run at least every 5 minutes in Azure Sentinel for effective detection of security incidents.
What does the severity level in the scheduled queries in Azure Sentinel indicate?
The severity level in Azure Sentinel’s scheduled queries indicates the level of threat or risk associated with the alert.
How to test Kusto Query Language (KQL) queries in Azure Sentinel?
To test KQL queries in Azure Sentinel, you can use Log editor. Write your query, then click on “Run” to test it.
What type of data does Azure Sentinel use to fire alerts for scheduled queries?
Azure Sentinel uses log data from various sources, such as Azure activity logs, Windows Event logs, and Azure Security Center alerts, to fire alerts for scheduled queries.
Can you bind a Playbook to a scheduled query rule in Azure Sentinel?
Yes, a Playbook can be bound to a scheduled query rule in Azure Sentinel for automated response upon alert generation.
Do you need to enable a rule before it starts generating alerts in Azure Sentinel?
Yes, a rule needs to be enabled in Azure Sentinel before it can start generating alerts.
Can built-in scheduled queries be customized in Azure Sentinel?
Yes, built-in scheduled queries can be customized in Azure Sentinel according to the specific needs of your organization.
What are Tactics in the context of Azure Sentinel scheduled queries?
Tactics in Azure Sentinel scheduled queries represent the categories of threats that your rules aim to identify, such as lateral movement, privilege escalation, exfiltration, etc.
How do you define the threshold for alerts in Azure Sentinel scheduled queries?
You can define the threshold for alerts in Azure Sentinel scheduled queries by setting a specific count of events that need to occur within a certain timeframe before an alert is fired.
extutorials.com