Identify data sources to be ingested for Microsoft Sentinel

To enhance threat detection, investigation, and response, data must be ingested from various sources into Microsoft Sentinel. The ability to pull in data from a wide array of sources is one of Sentinel’s key strengths, as it enables organizations to have a holistic view of activities across their environments.

Data Sources for Microsoft Sentinel

1. Azure Activity Log

Azure Activity Log provides data about operations performed on resources in your Azure account. It’s a critical source for monitoring Azure’s infrastructure and services and gaining insight into Azure Resource Manager operational data.

2. Windows Security Events

Collecting security events from Windows servers and workstations provides visibility into a wide range of activities on your machines, such as logon attempts, access to resources, and changes to user privileges.

3. Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Logs

These logs contain valuable data related to user authentication and authorization activities, providing insights into sign-ins, user management actions, and conditional access policies, among other information.

4. Office 365 Audit Logs

Office 365 audit logs track user and admin activities across Office 365 services, which is crucial for understanding access to and usage of Office 365 applications such as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and OneDrive for Business.

5. Network Data Sources

Ingest network data for analysis by integrating Firewall logs, DNS logs, and other traffic-related data. Common examples include Azure Firewall, third-party firewalls, and network appliances.

6. Cloud Applications and Services

Logs from SaaS applications and other cloud services can be ingested into Microsoft Sentinel. This can include services such as Salesforce, AWS CloudTrail logs, and Google Workspace logs, providing comprehensive monitoring of cloud activities.

7. Threat Intelligence Feeds

Threat intelligence feeds from Microsoft and other providers can be ingested to enhance security event context, allowing analysts to map observed activities against known threats and indicators of compromise.

8. IoT and OT Environments

Microsoft Sentinel can ingest data from Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) devices, offering security insights into a broader surface of potential vulnerabilities and incidents.

9. API Data Connectors

Sentinel offers a range of API connectors for services that are not available as standard connectors, allowing for custom integrations and ingestion of data from various APIs.

10. Third-Party Solutions

Integrate logs from third-party solutions such as antivirus software, endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, and vulnerability scanners. Notable examples include solutions from Symantec, McAfee, and Fortinet.

Comparing Data Source Integration Methods

Best Practices for Data Ingestion

When identifying data sources for Microsoft Sentinel, consider the following best practices:

• Relevance: Choose data sources relevant to your security posture and operational needs.
• Volume and Velocity: Assess the volume and velocity of the data to plan for adequate capacity and performance.
• Quality: Ensure high-quality, clean and well-structured data for best analysis results.
• Compliance: Be mindful of compliance and regulatory requirements for data storage and retention.
• Cost Management: Understand the cost implications of data ingestion and storage, as Microsoft Sentinel pricing is based on the volume of data ingested.

By carefully selecting and integrating the right data sources, analysts can leverage Microsoft Sentinel to its full potential, thereby increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the security operations center (SOC). Each source contributes uniquely to the overall security picture, enabling comprehensive monitoring, proactive threat hunting, and swift incident response.