Microsoft.sql.managedinstances.databases.delete

​

Event Information

• The Microsoft.Sql.managedInstances.databases.delete event in Azure for AzureDatabaseService indicates that a database within a managed instance in Azure SQL Database is being deleted.
• This event signifies that the database and all its associated data and configurations will be permanently removed from the managed instance.
• It is important to note that this event should be handled with caution as it can result in data loss if not executed properly. It is recommended to have proper backups and confirm the deletion action before proceeding.

​

Examples

1. Unauthorized deletion: If security is impacted with Microsoft.Sql.managedInstances.databases.delete in Azure for AzureDatabaseService, one example could be an unauthorized user gaining access to the Azure portal or API and deleting a database instance without proper authorization. This could result in the loss of critical data and disruption of business operations.
2. Misconfiguration: Another example could be a misconfiguration in the access control settings for the Azure SQL Managed Instance. If the permissions are not properly configured, it could allow unauthorized users to delete databases, leading to potential security breaches.
3. Insider threat: A third example could be an insider threat where a privileged user with legitimate access intentionally or unintentionally deletes a database instance. This could be due to malicious intent, negligence, or lack of proper training and awareness. Implementing proper access controls, monitoring, and auditing mechanisms can help mitigate this risk.

​

Remediation

​

Using Console

1. Enable auditing and threat detection:
   • Navigate to the Azure portal and open the Azure SQL Database service.
   • Select the desired database and go to the “Security” section.
   • Enable auditing by clicking on “Auditing” and configuring the desired settings.
   • Enable threat detection by clicking on “Advanced Threat Protection” and configuring the required settings.
2. Implement network security groups (NSGs):
   • Go to the Azure portal and open the Azure SQL Database service.
   • Select the desired database and go to the “Firewalls and virtual networks” section.
   • Click on “Add existing virtual network” or “Add IP address range” to configure the NSG rules.
   • Configure the NSG rules to allow only trusted sources to access the database.
3. Implement data encryption:
   • Open the Azure portal and navigate to the Azure SQL Database service.
   • Select the desired database and go to the “Transparent data encryption” section.
   • Enable transparent data encryption by clicking on “Enable” and configuring the required settings.
   • Optionally, you can also enable customer-managed keys for enhanced security.

​

Using CLI

1. Enable auditing for Azure SQL Database:
   • Use the az sql server update-auditing command to enable auditing for the Azure SQL Server.
   • Specify the necessary parameters such as --state Enabled and --storage-account resource_id to configure auditing.
   • Example command: az sql server update-auditing --resource-group <resource_group_name> --server <server_name> --state Enabled --storage-account <storage_account_resource_id>
2. Enable diagnostic settings for Azure Database for PostgreSQL:
   • Use the az postgres server update command to enable diagnostic settings for the Azure Database for PostgreSQL.
   • Specify the necessary parameters such as --name, --resource-group, and --logs to configure diagnostic settings.
   • Example command: az postgres server update --name <server_name> --resource-group <resource_group_name> --logs <log_category>
3. Enable encryption for Azure Cosmos DB:
   • Use the az cosmosdb update command to enable encryption for Azure Cosmos DB.
   • Specify the necessary parameters such as --name, --resource-group, and --enable-encryption to configure encryption.
   • Example command: az cosmosdb update --name <cosmosdb_account_name> --resource-group <resource_group_name> --enable-encryption true

​

Using Python

1. Monitor and alert on database service events:
   • Use the Azure Monitor service to set up alerts for specific events or metrics related to your Azure Database Service.
   • Create an alert rule using the Azure SDK for Python to trigger an action when a specific event occurs.
   • Use the Azure Event Grid service to publish events to a topic and subscribe to those events using Python to take necessary actions.
2. Automate database backups:
   • Use the Azure SDK for Python to create a script that automates the backup process for your Azure Database Service.
   • Set up a scheduled task or a cron job to run the script at regular intervals.
   • Ensure that the script includes error handling and logging to capture any issues during the backup process.
3. Implement security best practices:
   • Use the Azure SDK for Python to configure firewall rules and virtual network service endpoints to restrict access to your Azure Database Service.
   • Enable auditing and threat detection for your database service using the Azure SDK for Python to detect and respond to potential security threats.
   • Regularly review and update the access control policies for your Azure Database Service using Python scripts to ensure compliance with security standards.