Identify data sources for Microsoft Sentinel ingestion
5 minutes
5 Questions
Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-native SIEM solution that requires data ingestion from various sources to provide comprehensive security monitoring and threat detection. Understanding the available data sources is essential for effective security operations.
The primary data sources for Microsoft Se…Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-native SIEM solution that requires data ingestion from various sources to provide comprehensive security monitoring and threat detection. Understanding the available data sources is essential for effective security operations.
The primary data sources for Microsoft Sentinel ingestion include:
**Azure Native Sources:**
- Azure Active Directory (now Entra ID) logs including sign-in and audit logs
- Azure Activity logs capturing subscription-level events
- Azure Security Center alerts and recommendations
- Azure Firewall and Network Security Group flow logs
- Azure Key Vault diagnostics
**Microsoft 365 Sources:**
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint telemetry
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365 alerts
- Microsoft Defender for Identity signals
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps data
- Office 365 audit logs
**Infrastructure Sources:**
- Windows Security Events via Azure Monitor Agent
- Linux Syslog data
- DNS server logs
- DHCP server logs
- Windows Firewall logs
**Third-Party Integrations:**
- Common Event Format (CEF) supporting firewalls and network devices
- Syslog for Linux-based appliances
- REST API connections for custom applications
- Partner data connectors for solutions like Palo Alto, Cisco, and Fortinet
**Custom Data Sources:**
- Custom logs using Log Analytics custom log collection
- Azure Functions for specialized data transformation
- Logic Apps for workflow-based data collection
Data connectors in Microsoft Sentinel facilitate the connection process, providing pre-built configurations for many sources. These connectors handle authentication, data formatting, and schema mapping to ensure proper ingestion into Log Analytics workspaces.
When planning data ingestion, analysts must consider data volume, retention requirements, and associated costs. Prioritizing high-value security data sources ensures effective threat detection while managing operational expenses. Regular review of connected data sources helps maintain optimal security coverage across the environment.
Identify Data Sources for Microsoft Sentinel Ingestion
Why This Topic Is Important
Understanding data sources for Microsoft Sentinel ingestion is fundamental for Security Operations Analysts. Sentinel's effectiveness depends entirely on the quality and breadth of data it receives. As an SC-200 candidate, you must demonstrate knowledge of which data sources can feed into Sentinel and how to configure them properly. This skill directly impacts threat detection, investigation capabilities, and overall security posture.
What Are Data Sources for Microsoft Sentinel?
Data sources are the various logs, events, and telemetry that Microsoft Sentinel collects and analyzes. These include:
Microsoft Native Sources: - Microsoft 365 Defender (incidents and raw data) - Microsoft Defender for Cloud - Azure Active Directory (sign-in and audit logs) - Azure Activity logs - Microsoft Defender for Identity - Microsoft Defender for Office 365 - Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
Third-Party and Custom Sources: - Syslog (Linux systems, network devices) - Common Event Format (CEF) - Windows Event logs via Azure Monitor Agent - REST API-based connectors - Custom logs via Log Analytics API - Threat Intelligence platforms
How Data Ingestion Works
1. Data Connectors: Sentinel uses built-in data connectors to establish connections with various sources. Each connector has specific prerequisites and configuration steps.
2. Log Analytics Workspace: All ingested data flows into a Log Analytics workspace where it is stored and made available for queries.
3. Normalization: Sentinel uses the Advanced Security Information Model (ASIM) to normalize data from different sources into a common schema.
4. Data Collection Rules (DCR): For agent-based collection, DCRs define what data to collect and where to send it.
Key Connector Categories
- Service-to-Service Connectors: Native integration with Microsoft services - Agent-Based Connectors: Require Azure Monitor Agent or Log Analytics agent - API-Based Connectors: Use REST APIs to pull data - Custom Connectors: Built using Azure Functions or Logic Apps
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on This Topic
1. Know Connector Prerequisites: Questions often test whether you understand required permissions, such as Global Administrator or Security Administrator roles for certain connectors.
2. Understand CEF vs Syslog: CEF is a structured format built on Syslog. Know when each is appropriate—CEF for security devices that support it, raw Syslog for Linux systems.
3. Recognize Cost Implications: Some data sources have free ingestion (Azure Activity logs, Microsoft 365 Defender incidents), while others incur costs. Exam scenarios may include cost optimization.
4. Agent Selection: The Azure Monitor Agent (AMA) is the preferred modern agent. Legacy Log Analytics agents are being deprecated. Know the differences.
5. Data Residency: Understand that the Log Analytics workspace region determines where data is stored—important for compliance scenarios.
6. Common Scenario Questions: - Which connector for firewall logs? Usually CEF or Syslog - Which connector for Azure resources? Azure Activity or Diagnostic Settings - How to ingest custom application logs? Custom logs via API or Azure Monitor Agent
7. Watch for Multi-Workspace Scenarios: Questions may involve multiple workspaces for different regions or tenants. Know how cross-workspace queries work.
8. Memorize Free Data Sources: Azure Activity logs, Office 365 audit logs (with E5), and Microsoft Defender incident data have no ingestion charges.
9. Read Questions Carefully: Distinguish between what can be ingested versus what should be ingested based on the scenario requirements.