Cis Azure Foundations 8.1.3.5

8.1.3.5 Ensure that 'File Integrity Monitoring' component status is set to 'On' (Manual)

Description

File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) is a feature that monitors critical system files in Windows or Linux for potential signs of attack or compromise.

Rationale

FIM provides a detection mechanism for compromised files. When FIM is enabled, critical system files are monitored for changes that might indicate a threat actor is attempting to modify system files for lateral compromise within a host operating system.

Impact

File Integrity Monitoring requires licensing and is included in 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 File Integrity Monitoring.
6. Ensure that On is selected.

Repeat the above for any additional subscriptions.

Expected Result

File Integrity Monitoring 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 File Integrity Monitoring.
6. Select On.
7. Click Continue in the top left.

Repeat the above for any additional subscriptions.

Default Value

By default, File Integrity Monitoring is Off.

References

1. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/defender-for-cloud/file-integrity-monitoring-overview
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/file-integrity-monitoring-enable-defender-endpoint

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