Check ID: vm_ensure_unattached_disks_encrypted_with_cmk
Provider: Azure
Service: vm
Severity: MEDIUM
Categories: encryption
Resource type: microsoft.compute/disks

What this check verifies

Unattached Azure managed disks use Customer-Managed Keys (CMK) for server-side encryption rather than platform-managed keys. Only disks not currently attached to a VM are in scope.

Risk

Without CMK, you lack independent key control on unattached disks. A compromised admin could attach a disk to read or alter data before you can revoke access. Missing customer-controlled rotation and revocation weakens confidentiality and integrity, and can hinder data-sovereignty compliance.

Recommendation

Encrypt unattached disks with CMK backed by a hardened key service. Enforce least privilege for disk attachment and key usage, enable key rotation and auditing, and restrict access to keys. Apply lifecycle governance-remove stale disks-to reduce exposure and support defense in depth.

Remediation

az disk update -g <RESOURCE_GROUP> -n <DISK_NAME> —encryption-type EncryptionAtRestWithCustomerKey —disk-encryption-set <DES_ID>

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 = vm_ensure_unattached_disks_encrypted_with_cmk. 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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