Check ID: sqlserver_recommended_minimal_tls_version
Provider: Azure
Service: sqlserver
Severity: MEDIUM
Categories: encryption
Resource type: microsoft.sql/servers

What this check verifies

Azure SQL logical servers are assessed for the configured minimum TLS version for client connections. The finding determines whether the minimal accepted version aligns with recommended modern values such as 1.2 or 1.3.

Risk

Without a modern minimum, clients can negotiate weak TLS or be downgraded, enabling MITM and decryption. This jeopardizes confidentiality (credential/data exposure) and integrity (query tampering), and may disrupt availability via session resets during handshake interference.

Recommendation

Set the minimum TLS to 1.2 or higher (prefer 1.3 when supported). Upgrade client libraries and OS trust stores; remove legacy protocols and weak ciphers to prevent downgrades. Validate compatibility before enforcement and monitor connections for outdated TLS. Uphold encryption in transit and defense in depth.

Remediation

az sql server update -n <SQL_SERVER_NAME> -g <RESOURCE_GROUP> --set minimalTlsVersion="1.2"

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 = sqlserver_recommended_minimal_tls_version. 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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