Setting up advanced visualizations in Microsoft’s suite of security tools is a crucial part of the skills tested in the SC-200 Microsoft Security Operations Analyst examination. Not only do these tools aid in visually interpreting complex data, but they also allow you to maximize the effectiveness of your security monitoring and response endeavors.
Objectives of Advanced Visualizations
The primary objective of configuring advanced visualizations in a security application is to gain a better understanding of security threats. Visualizations provide an easy-to-understand snapshot of complex data, hence aiding decision-making. Quick decisions, in turn, lead to rapid responses against security threats.
Configuring Advanced Visualizations in Kusto Query Language
The Kusto Query Language (KQL) is a read-only language similar to SQL that is used to query large datasets in Azure Log Analytics and Azure Monitor Logs. Knowing how to use KQL for the generation of advanced visualizations is an important part of SC-200 prep.
An example of a KQL query looks like this:
SecurityEvent
| where TimeGenerated > now(-1d)
| where (EventID==4624)
This command will retrieve all SecurityEvent records from the last day that have an EventID equal to 4624.
When plotting a pie chart using KQL query, you could use something like this:
SecurityEvent
| where EventID== 4624
| summarize AggregatedValue = count() by Computer
| render piechart
This command will create a pie chart showing the distribution of 4624 security events per computer.
Designing Dashboards: Azure Monitor
Azure Monitor is a feature available in Azure Security Center that is designed to provide detailed insights into applications, infrastructure, and network performance. You can customize the dashboard according to your organization’s monitoring needs.
The dashboard configuration can be saved, shared, and even published in the Azure portal. This enables team members to view real-time, visual data related to specific resources or entire resource groups.
To create custom dashboard on Azure Monitor:
- In the Azure portal, in your main menu, go to ‘Monitor’.
- Under the ‘Insights’ section, choose ‘Overview’.
- Drag and drop elements to tailor the dashboard to your needs.
- Save the configured dashboard for future use.
Benefits of Advanced Visualization
Visualizations allow a quick summary of substantial data points that can aid security analysts to rapidly respond to threats. The benefits mainly are:
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Simplified Data | Visual representation of data that is easy to understand at a glance. |
| Rapid Insights | Visual data can save time in understanding patterns or trends compared to textual data. |
| Real-time Monitoring | Dashboards can be updated in real time, providing consistent visibility into the security status. |
Preparing for the SC-200 Microsoft Security Operations Analyst examination includes understanding how to create, use and customize the visual format of your data. The utilization of Kusto Query Language (KQL) in Azure Monitor and Azure Log Analytics, allows a comprehensive and dynamic visualization of the company’s security posture. Remember, practice is key to mastering these skills. The detailed literature and resources provided by Microsoft are there to guide you through your exam prep journey.
Practice Test
True or False: In Azure Sentinel, users cannot use Kusto Query Language (KQL) to create advanced visualization.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Azure Sentinel allows users to use Kusto Query Language (KQL) to create advanced visualization.
Which of the following configuration setting is NOT available in Microsoft Azure Sentinel analytics rule template?
- A. Set rule logic
- B. Set alert details
- C. Set alert suppression
- D. Set alert sound
Answer: D. Set alert sound
Explanation: Microsoft Azure Sentinel does not provide options to set alert sound, which is irrelevant in the context of Security Analytics.
Which Microsoft tool is recommended for creating advanced visualizations with Azure data?
- A. Microsoft Paint
- B. Microsoft Sway
- C. Microsoft Power BI
- D. Microsoft Excel
Answer: C. Microsoft Power BI
Explanation: Microsoft Power BI is an advanced analytics tool which can be used with Azure data to create dynamic and custom visualizations.
Which command is used in KQL to visualize time data on a linear scale?
- A. timechart
- B. render timechart
- C. visualize timechart
- D. plot timechart
Answer: B. render timechart
Explanation: In KQL, “render timechart” is used to visualize time data on a linear scale.
True or False: Security Operations Analysts can leverage Azure Notebooks for data visualization.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Notebooks can be used by Security Operations Analysts for data analysis and visualization based on Jupyter Notebooks.
What is the maximum time span for which data can be visualized using Line chart in KQL?
- A. 30 days
- B. 60 days
- C. 90 days
- D. None of the above
Answer: D. None of the above
Explanation: There is no hard limit specified for the maximum time span for data on a line chart in KQL. The time span will depend on the availability and size of the data.
In Azure Sentinel, which type of alert rule is based on the results of log analytics queries?
- A. Fusion alert rule
- B. Machine Learning Behavioral Analytics alert rule
- C. Scheduled alert rule
- D. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint rule
Answer: C. Scheduled alert rule
Explanation: Scheduled alert rules in Azure Sentinel are based on the results of log analytics queries and visualizations.
In KQL, which command can rotate the x-y axes to help visualize data?
- A. rotator
- B. flip
- C. render
- D. transpose
Answer: D. transpose
Explanation: The “transpose” command is used to rotate the x-y axes in KQL for better visualization of data.
True or False: Azure workbook templates can be used to create advanced visualization.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Azure workbooks provide a flexible canvas to visualize data and create custom reports, hence they can be used to create advanced visualizations.
Which setting in Microsoft Azure Sentinel can control the frequency of alert generation for a specific rule?
- A. Alert threshold
- B. Alert details
- C. Alert rule Tactics
- D. Alert suppression
Answer: D. Alert suppression
Explanation: Alert suppression setting in Azure Sentinel controls the frequency of the alert generation for a specific rule to avoid redundant notifications.
Interview Questions
What is the purpose of visualizations in Microsoft security analytics?
Visualizations in Microsoft security analytics help to represent the security data in a more understandable and easy-to-analyze format. They provide a graphical representation of the data, making the identification of patterns, trends and anomalies much easier.
How can you create a new visualization in Microsoft Sentinel?
In Microsoft Sentinel, a new visualization can be created by selecting “New” and then “Visualization” in the Workspace. From there, you can choose the type of visualization you want to create and configure the data it will display.
What are the types of advanced visualization offered by Microsoft Sentinel?
Microsoft Sentinel offers several types of advanced visualization, including tables, line charts, pie charts, time charts, bar charts, and others.
What is the significance of KQL (Kusto Query Language) in creating advanced visualizations in Microsoft Sentinel?
KQL is the language used to retrieve, filter, and analyze the data being visualized in Microsoft Sentinel. Understanding KQL is essential in creating useful and effective visualizations.
Can you import a dashboard developed in Power BI into Microsoft Sentinel?
No, Power BI dashboards cannot be directly imported into Microsoft Sentinel. However, the data from Sentinel can be exported to Power BI for further analysis.
How can visualizations in Microsoft Sentinel help with threat hunting?
Visualizations can drastically improve threat hunting by helping security analysts identify patterns and trends in the data, making it easier to spot anomalies that could suggest a potential threat.
How do you configure an alert rule from your visualization in Microsoft Sentinel?
To create an alert rule from a visualization, select the visualization, click “…” on the top right corner, then select “Create alert rule from query”. After this, fill out the necessary details, tweak the rule logic as needed, and click on “Create” to finalize.
In Microsoft Sentinel, can you customize the time range for visualizations?
Yes, you can specify the time range for your visualizations in the visualization configuration options. This allows you to get a more narrowed down view of your data.
Can visualizations in Microsoft Sentinel be exported?
Yes, visualizations from Microsoft Sentinel can be exported and shared to other platforms for further use or analysis.
How can you customize the appearance of your visualization in Microsoft Sentinel?
In the visualization configuration options, you can alter the appearance of your visualization, such as the color scheme, size, legends, etc. This allows you to tailor your visualization to best suite the data it is representing.
What is the role of Workbooks in Microsoft Sentinel?
Workbooks in Microsoft Sentinel serve as interactive reports that offer detailed insights into your data. They combine visualizations, logs, and metrics to provide a comprehensive view of your security posture.
How can you create a new workbook in Microsoft Sentinel?
In Microsoft Sentinel, a new workbook can be created by selecting “Workbooks” under “Analytics” in the left pane and then clicking the “Add workbook” button. You then need to write KQL queries to populate the workbook with data.
Can you share a workbook in Microsoft Sentinel?
Yes, you can share a workbook in Microsoft Sentinel by clicking the “share” button in the workbook configuration options. You can then decide who you want to share the workbook with and what permissions they will have.
How can you visualize Azure Active Directory Identity Protection risk events in Microsoft Sentinel?
Azure Active Directory Identity Protection risk events can be visualized in Microsoft Sentinel using the built-in KQL queries. Data connector and Azure AD risk detection schema provided by Microsoft Sentinel can also be used for such visualizations.
Can you clone a visualization in Microsoft Sentinel?
Yes, you can clone a visualization in Microsoft Sentinel by entering the visualization editing mode, then clicking the “clone” button. This will create a duplicate of the visualization, which you can then modify as needed.
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