Check ID: monitor_alert_delete_sqlserver_fr
Provider: Azure
Service: monitor
Severity: MEDIUM
Categories: logging
Resource type: microsoft.insights/activitylogalerts

What this check verifies

Azure Monitor Activity log alerts watch the admin operation Microsoft.Sql/servers/firewallRules/delete, indicating when an Azure SQL firewall rule is removed across a subscription.

Risk

Without alerting on firewall rule deletions, unexpected changes to SQL network allowlists can go unnoticed, causing availability loss for apps and masking unauthorized tampering. A compromised admin could remove rules to disrupt service, erode control integrity, and delay response.

Recommendation

Create an activity log alert for Microsoft.Sql/servers/firewallRules/delete and route it via an action group for rapid triage. Enforce least privilege and separation of duties on SQL admins, add alerts for related create/update operations, integrate with SIEM, and require change approval to strengthen defense in depth.

Remediation

az monitor activity-log alert create --resource-group <resource_group_name> --name <alert_name> --scopes /subscriptions/<subscription_id> --condition "category=Administrative and operationName=Microsoft.Sql/servers/firewallRules/delete" --location global

References

Where this check fires

This check runs on every scheduled scan against your Azure account. Findings appear at Cloud Security → Findings filterable by Check ID = monitor_alert_delete_sqlserver_fr. To re-evaluate after a fix, hit Run now on the account’s schedule under Cloud Security → Schedules — the next scan re-checks this control and marks the finding fixed or keeps it persistent.
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