Introduction
Efficient data management and security monitoring are critical in cloud environments. While working on the Defender for Identity Workbook for Microsoft Sentinel Toolkit and the Defender for SQL Deployment Accelerator Toolkit, I realized the necessity to streamline the custom table creation process. This insight led to the development of two PowerShell functions aimed at enhancing the setup and management of Azure Log Analytics workspaces.
Toolkit Overviews
- Defender for Identity Workbook for Microsoft Sentinel Toolkit
- This toolkit helps users enhance identity monitoring within Microsoft Sentinel by simplifying the management and analysis of security data related to user identities.
- Defender for SQL Deployment Accelerator Toolkit
- Focused on SQL Server security, this toolkit aids administrators by enabling the creation of custom logs that better manage and monitor SQL Server’s security activities.
Function Overview
- New-LAWTableColumn Function
- This function is designed to facilitate the creation of individual columns for custom tables in Azure Log Analytics. It allows users to specify the column name and data type, ensuring that each column is configured to accurately represent the data it will store.
- New-LAWCustomTable Function
- Complementing the column creation function, this function is used to assemble these columns into a structured custom table. It integrates the columns into a single table schema, sets up the table in the specified Azure Log Analytics workspace, and prepares it to receive and store data.
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Output
Benefits of Using These Functions
- Efficiency
- Automates the complex setup processes, saving time and minimizing errors.
- Customization
- Offers the flexibility to define and organize data within tables based on specific monitoring and analysis needs.
- Scalability
- Facilitates easy scaling of data architecture to accommodate growing data volumes or evolving business requirements.
Querying Custom Tables in Azure Log Analytics
After setting up custom tables, you can list all such resources in a specific Azure Log Analytics workspace using the PowerShell script below. This script helps you monitor and manage your custom tables by showing key details like names, retention periods, and plans.
Get-AzOperationalInsightsTable -ResourceGroupName "MYRESOURCEGROUP" -WorkspaceName "MYWORKSPACENAME" |
Where-Object {$PSItem.Name -like "*_cl*"} |
Select-Object Name,RetentionInDays,Plan
Conclusion
The New-LAWTableColumn and New-LAWCustomTable functions are indispensable for those looking to enhance their Azure Log Analytics configurations.
