Azure Sentinel Labs

To be useful, an Azure Sentinel lab must replicate an enterprise network as closely as possible. In the first post of our Azure Sentinel lab-building series, we learned how to automate the deployment of a team lab. In our second post, we learned how to automate user access provisioning. However, to be realistic, we must include an Active Directory Domain Controller.

By including a domain controller (DC), our team will enjoy a realistic, hands-on experience managing and securing centralized authentication, permissions, and user data. The DC will simulate an enterprise environment where users can practice configuring group policies, managing user accounts, and enforcing security protocols.

In the first post of our Azure Sentinel lab-building series, we learned how to deploy a team lab in a fully automated manner. Using Azure Bicep, it was possible to automatically provision a lab that included a Sentinel SIEM alongside a configurable number of virtual machines. Moreover, the lab included a Sysmon-based solution allowing users to create detection analytics targeting real-life adversary behaviours. Finally, the lab could be deployed and destroyed on-demand, helping save costs.

Since being launched in 2019, Azure Sentinel has quickly secured a spot within the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) space. In a market dominated by Microsoft software, its integration capabilities with the Azure Cloud platform and the Defender endpoint protection ecosystem have provided the platform with significant competitive advantages. Moreover, its ease of deployment has subverted the timelines and complexity typically associated with SIEM implementation projects.

As more businesses look to migrate or adopt Azure Sentinel, security teams must be ready to support their organisation’s ambitions - a Sentinel lab can help get your team ready before the time comes.