Configuring and managing custom detections and alerts is a crucial topic under the SC-200 Microsoft Security Operations Analyst exam. Proficiency in this area is key to perform tasks such as alert tuning, creating and managing custom detection rules, and configuring machine learning thresholds to detect and respond to threats efficiently.
Part 1 – Understanding Detections and Alerts
Detection Rules are used to uncover suspicious behavior or discernable patterns that could indicate a potential security incident. An alert, on the other hand, is a signal that pops up when detection rules are triggered. Alerts allow security operations analysts to nab potential threats in real-time.
In Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, detections and alerts could be built around:
- Behavioral analytics
- Machine learning
- Anomalies (that could indicate malicious behavior)
- Hunting queries
Part 2 – Configuring Custom Detections
Custom detections are configured within Sentinel, Microsoft’s Cloud Security Information Event Management (SIEM) system. To create a new custom detection rule, follow the steps below:
- In the Azure portal, go to ‘Azure Sentinel > Configuration > Analytics’.
- Select ‘Create’ then ‘Scheduled query rule’.
- Enter a unique ‘Name’, ‘Description’, and ‘Tactics’ under ‘General information’.
- In the ‘Set Rule logic’ section, enter your query, select the scheduling ‘Frequency’ and ‘Period’.
- Set the desired ‘Severity’ and ‘Status’.
- In the ‘Incident settings’ section, specify the ‘Grouping’ options.
- Finally, review the data in the ‘Review and Create’ section and click ‘Create’.
Part 3 – Managing Alerts
Alerts in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint are managed through the Microsoft 365 security center. Alerts can be viewed, assigned, investigated, and responded to within the portal. You can filter alerts by severity, category, status, or assigned individuals. You can also turn rules on or off, change the severity level, and adjust rule settings to reduce alert fatigue.
Further into alert management, you must:
- Set up email notifications: To set up email notifications, go to “Settings > Alerts > Mail” in Microsoft 365 security center and select “Configure mail settings”.
- Assign alert to analysts: To assign an alert, select the alert you want to assign from the Alert queue, then pick an analyst from the drop-down in the “Assign to” option.
- Respond to an alert: View the alert details and take actions recommended under “Actions”.
Part 4 – Configuring Machine Learning Thresholds
Microsoft uses machine learning to detect anomalies and potential threats. These detections can be tuned according to the unique needs of your organization. For instance, when configuring the machine learning threat detection rule, you can adjust the sensitivity label to Low, Medium, or High. This label defines how likely it is that an anomaly can trigger an alert.
Machine learning thresholds are configured under Microsoft 365 Defender’s settings section. There, you can specify custom thresholds to better suit your company’s environment.
Conclusion
Mastering how to configure and manage custom detections and alerts is crucial to excel in the SC-200 Microsoft Security Operations Analyst exam. Not only does this skill help you detect, prioritize, and respond to threats efficiently, but it also optimizes your organization’s security posture. So, make sure you grasp these concepts well before heading for the exam.
Practice Test
True/False: Custom detections can only be configured on Azure Sentinel and not on Microsoft 365 Defender.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Custom detections can be configured on both Azure Sentinel and Microsoft 365 Defender, allowing for personalized security adjustments.
True/False: You can use Kusto Query Language (KQL) to create custom queries for alerts.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: KQL is a read-only request to process data and return results, and it can be used for creating custom queries in alerts.
In Microsoft 365 Defender, where will you typically configure custom detection rules?
- A) Attack Simulator
- B) Threat & Vulnerability Management
- C) Advanced Hunting
- D) Safe Attachments
Answer: C) Advanced Hunting.
Explanation: Advanced Hunting is the tool in Microsoft 365 Defender that allows you to customize detection rules using Kusto Query Language.
Which of the following is a component of Microsoft 365 security that can be used to manage alerts?
- A) SharePoint
- B) Exchange Online
- C) Compliance Center
- D) Teams
Answer: C) Compliance Center.
Explanation: Microsoft 365 Compliance Center can be used to manage alerts for compliance issues.
True/False: You can create custom detections through Azure Monitor.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Azure Monitor allows you to create and manage custom detections for a wide range of resources.
What command language is used to write custom detections in Azure Sentinel?
- A) SQL
- B) Kusto Query Language (KQL)
- C) Python
- D) HTML
Answer: B) Kusto Query Language (KQL).
Explanation: KQL is used in Azure Sentinel to write custom detection queries.
Which of the following can be used to send a notification when specific events occur?
- A) Alerts
- B) Analytics
- C) Incidents
- D) Dashboards
Answer: A) Alerts.
Explanation: Alerts are used to notify the user of a specific event or situation that has occurred.
True/False: In Azure Sentinel, the incident settings can be customized.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: In Azure Sentinel, you can customize the incident settings according to your organization’s needs.
What can you use to generate alerts in Microsoft 365 Defender?
- A) Query rules
- B) Policy rules
- C) Detection rules
- D) Schema rules
Answer: C) Detection rules.
Explanation: Detection rules in Microsoft 365 Defender are used to identify suspicious activities and generate alerts.
Can system-generated alerts in Azure Security Center be disabled?
- A) Yes
- B) No
Answer: A) Yes.
Explanation: Azure Security Center allows you to disable system-generated alerts, however it’s not recommended as it may reduce the overall security posture.
True/False: Every alert generated in Azure Sentinel is associated with an incident by default.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Every alert in Azure Sentinel is associated by default with an incident to aid in investigation and response.
Multiple Select: Which of the following can be configured in the Azure Sentinel settings?
- A) Incident settings
- B) Playbook settings
- C) Analytics settings
- D) Email settings
Answer: A) Incident settings, B) Playbook settings, C) Analytics settings.
Explanation: Incident settings, playbook settings, and analytics settings are all configurable in the Azure Sentinel settings.
True/False: Custom detections can be created without any knowledge of Kusto Query Language (KQL).
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Creating custom detections generally requires some knowledge of using Kusto Query Language (KQL).
What should you define when setting up a new alert rule in Azure Sentinel?
- A) Alert name
- B) Severity level
- C) Alert status
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above.
Explanation: When setting up a new alert rule in Azure Sentinel, you should define the alert name, severity level, and alert status.
True/False: Custom alerts can be created in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint allows for the creation and management of custom alerts.
Interview Questions
What is the purpose of custom detections and alerts in Microsoft Security operations?
Custom detections and alerts in Microsoft Security operations allow organizations to tailor their security alerts based on specific needs and threats that are unique to their environment.
How can custom detections and alerts be configured in Microsoft Security operations?
Custom detections and alerts can be configured in Microsoft Security operations through the use of Microsoft Sentinel. This tool allows security analysts to create custom alert rules based on specific criteria.
What are some examples of custom detections that can be set up in Microsoft Security operations?
Examples of custom detections in Microsoft Security operations include setting up alerts for unauthorized access attempts, unusual login activity, or data exfiltration.
How can organizations ensure that custom alerts are relevant and actionable?
To ensure that custom alerts are relevant and actionable, organizations should regularly review and update their alert rules based on the latest security threats and trends.
Can custom detections and alerts be integrated with other security tools and platforms?
Yes, custom detections and alerts in Microsoft Security operations can be integrated with other security tools and platforms to provide a comprehensive view of the organization’s security posture.
What role does automation play in managing custom detections and alerts in Microsoft Security operations?
Automation plays a crucial role in managing custom detections and alerts in Microsoft Security operations as it helps in quickly identifying and responding to security incidents.
What steps should be taken to remediate threats identified through custom detections and alerts?
Once threats are identified through custom detections and alerts, organizations should have a predefined incident response plan in place to remediate the threats promptly.
How can organizations ensure that their custom detections and alerts remain effective over time?
To ensure that custom detections and alerts remain effective over time, organizations should continuously monitor and refine their alerting rules based on the evolving threat landscape.
What is the significance of tuning custom detections and alerts in Microsoft Security operations?
Tuning custom detections and alerts in Microsoft Security operations is essential to reduce false positives and ensure that security teams are focusing on the most critical alerts.
What are some best practices for managing custom detections and alerts effectively in Microsoft Security operations?
Some best practices for managing custom detections and alerts effectively include regularly reviewing and updating alert rules, conducting thorough investigations of alerts, and collaborating with other teams for incident response.
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