# Cis Azure Foundations 8.1.3.4

> Ensure 'Agentless scanning for machines' component status is set to 'On'

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-azure-foundations-8-1-3-4` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-azure-foundations-8-1-3-4`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-azure-foundations-8-1-3-4/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Web & Frontend
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-azure-foundations-8-1-3-4

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# 8.1.3.4 Ensure that 'Agentless scanning for machines' component status is set to 'On' (Manual)

## Description

Using disk snapshots, the agentless scanner scans for installed software, vulnerabilities, and plain text secrets.

## Rationale

The Microsoft Defender for Cloud agentless machine scanner provides threat detection, vulnerability detection, and discovery of sensitive information.

## Impact

Agentless scanning for machines requires licensing and is included in Defender CSPM and Defender for Servers plan 2.

## Audit Procedure

**From Azure Portal:**

1. From the Azure Portal `Home` page, select `Microsoft Defender for Cloud`.
2. Under `Management` select `Environment Settings`.
3. Select a subscription.
4. Under `Settings` > `Defender Plans`, click `Settings & monitoring`.
5. Under the Component column, locate the row for `Agentless scanning for machines`.
6. Ensure that `On` is selected.

Repeat the above for any additional subscriptions.

## Expected Result

Agentless scanning for machines should be set to `On`.

## Remediation

**From Azure Portal:**

1. From the Azure Portal `Home` page, select `Microsoft Defender for Cloud`.
2. Under `Management` select `Environment Settings`.
3. Select a subscription.
4. Under `Settings` > `Defender Plans`, click `Settings & monitoring`.
5. Under the Component column, locate the row for `Agentless scanning for machines`.
6. Select `On`.
7. Click `Continue` in the top left.

Repeat the above for any additional subscriptions.

## Default Value

By default, Agentless scanning for machines is `off`.

## References

1. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/defender-for-cloud/concept-agentless-data-collection
2. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/security/benchmark/azure/mcsb-incident-response#ir-2-preparation---setup-incident-notification
3. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/defender-for-cloud/enable-agentless-scanning-vms

## Profile

- Level 2