Run playbooks on on-premises resources is a critical capability in Microsoft Sentinel that extends automated incident response beyond cloud environments to hybrid infrastructure. This functionality allows security analysts to execute Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) playbooks…Run playbooks on on-premises resources is a critical capability in Microsoft Sentinel that extends automated incident response beyond cloud environments to hybrid infrastructure. This functionality allows security analysts to execute Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) playbooks against resources located in on-premises data centers or private networks.
To achieve this, Microsoft Sentinel leverages Azure Logic Apps with on-premises data gateways or hybrid connections. The on-premises data gateway acts as a bridge, enabling secure communication between cloud-based Logic Apps and on-premises systems. This setup requires installing the gateway software on a server within your local network that can access the target resources.
When configuring playbooks for on-premises execution, security teams can integrate with various systems including Active Directory, on-premises SIEM solutions, network devices, firewalls, and custom applications. Common use cases include isolating compromised endpoints, disabling user accounts in local Active Directory, blocking IP addresses on on-premises firewalls, or collecting forensic data from local servers.
The architecture typically involves creating Logic App connectors that communicate through the gateway. Analysts must ensure proper network connectivity, firewall rules, and authentication credentials are configured. Service accounts with appropriate permissions are often required to perform remediation actions on local systems.
Key considerations include latency between cloud and on-premises resources, ensuring high availability of the gateway, and implementing proper security measures for the connection. Organizations should also establish governance policies around which automated actions are permitted on critical on-premises infrastructure.
By enabling playbook execution on on-premises resources, security operations centers can maintain consistent incident response procedures across their entire environment, reducing mean time to respond (MTTR) and ensuring comprehensive protection regardless of where assets are located. This hybrid approach is essential for organizations transitioning to cloud while maintaining legacy systems.
Run Playbooks on On-Premises Resources
Why It Is Important
Running playbooks on on-premises resources is crucial for organizations that maintain hybrid environments. Many enterprises still have critical infrastructure, legacy systems, or sensitive data residing on-premises. Security Operations Analysts must be able to automate incident response across both cloud and on-premises environments to ensure comprehensive threat remediation and minimize response times.
What It Is
Playbooks in Microsoft Sentinel are automated workflows built on Azure Logic Apps that execute predefined response actions when triggered by security incidents or alerts. When dealing with on-premises resources, these playbooks need a way to communicate with systems that exist outside of Azure. This is accomplished through the On-Premises Data Gateway, which acts as a bridge between Azure Logic Apps and your local infrastructure.
How It Works
1. On-Premises Data Gateway Installation: You must install the gateway on a Windows server within your on-premises network. This server needs network access to the resources you want to manage.
2. Gateway Registration: After installation, register the gateway with your Azure subscription, linking it to your Azure tenant.
3. Connector Configuration: Within your Logic App playbook, use connectors that support on-premises connections, such as: - SQL Server connector - File System connector - Active Directory connector - Custom HTTP connectors
4. Connection String Setup: Configure the connector to use the on-premises data gateway, specifying credentials and connection details.
5. Playbook Execution: When the playbook is triggered, Logic Apps routes the request through the gateway to execute actions on your local resources.
Key Components to Remember
- The gateway requires outbound HTTPS connectivity to Azure Service Bus - Gateway supports high availability mode with multiple gateway installations in a cluster - You need appropriate permissions in both Azure and on-premises systems - The gateway machine should be always-on and connected to the internet
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Run Playbooks on On-Premises Resources
Tip 1: When questions mention automating responses to on-premises systems like Active Directory or SQL Server, the answer typically involves the On-Premises Data Gateway.
Tip 2: Remember that the gateway is installed on-premises, not in Azure. Questions may try to confuse you with Azure-based solutions.
Tip 3: Understand that playbooks use Logic Apps connectors to communicate through the gateway. Know which connectors support on-premises connections.
Tip 4: For questions about requirements, recall that the gateway needs outbound connectivity on port 443 (HTTPS) to Azure Service Bus.
Tip 5: If a question asks about high availability for the gateway, the answer involves installing multiple gateways in a cluster.
Tip 6: Watch for scenario questions where an analyst needs to isolate an on-premises machine or reset a user password in local AD - these require the gateway solution.
Tip 7: The gateway uses Azure Relay for secure communication - understand this is how Azure services reach on-premises resources securely.