> ## 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 VMs should be protected from direct internet traffic

> Checks that Azure VMs are not directly exposed to the internet.

Checks that Azure VMs are not directly exposed to the internet.

## About

When you connect Microsoft Azure to DSALTA, the platform retrieves the list of resources in your environment using read-only API access. DSALTA then checks whether this configuration is in place. If it is not, DSALTA activates this check so you can remediate it.

## Why This Matters

Resources reachable directly from the internet are constantly scanned and probed for weaknesses. Removing public exposure and placing resources behind private networks or tight firewall rules dramatically shrinks your attack surface — a fundamental control in SOC 2, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS.

## How to Fix

**Before you begin**

* Ensure you have **Contributor** access to the Azure subscription.

**Disable public network access**

1. Sign in to the [Azure Portal](https://portal.azure.com/) and open the affected resource.
2. Go to **Networking**.
3. Set **Public network access** to **Disabled** (or **Selected networks** and add only trusted VNets/IPs).
4. For databases and storage, enable a **Private endpoint** for VNet-based access. For VMs, remove the public IP and use **Azure Bastion**.

Once public access is disabled, 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>