> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.dsalta.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Azure Defender should be enabled

> Checks that Microsoft Defender for Cloud is enabled on the Azure subscription.

Checks that Microsoft Defender for Cloud is enabled on the Azure subscription.

## About

When you connect Microsoft Azure to DSALTA, the platform retrieves the current security findings using read-only API access. DSALTA tracks their status and activates this check when action is required.

## Why This Matters

Open security findings represent active or potential threats sitting in your environment. The longer they stay unresolved, the longer your exposure window. Detecting and closing findings promptly is required by the incident-response controls in SOC 2 and ISO 27001.

## How to Fix

**Before you begin**

* Ensure you have **Security Admin** access to the Azure subscription.

**Enable Microsoft Defender for Cloud**

1. Sign in to the [Azure Portal](https://portal.azure.com/) and open **Microsoft Defender for Cloud**.
2. Go to **Environment settings**, select your subscription, and turn on the **Defender** plans you need.
3. Click **Save**.

Once Defender is enabled, DSALTA retrieves the change on the next sync and sets the check status to **Passing**.

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How often does this check run?">
    This check runs automatically every 24 hours while the Microsoft Azure integration is connected. You can also trigger a manual sync from **Integrations** in the sidebar.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if it keeps failing?">
    A failing check appears in your **Data Library → Tests** dashboard. Work through the steps above; once the underlying configuration is fixed, the status updates automatically on the next sync.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I exclude this check?">
    Yes. If it does not apply to your environment, mark it as **Not Applicable** with a justification. The exclusion is documented for auditors.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does DSALTA change my Microsoft Azure configuration?">
    No. DSALTA uses **read-only API access** and never modifies, creates, or deletes resources. All remediation is performed by your team directly in Microsoft Azure.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>