cis-azure-storage-2-1-2-1-1

name	cis-azure-storage-2.1.2.1.1
description	Ensure Critical Data is Encrypted with Microsoft Managed Keys (MMK)
category	cis-azure-storage
version	1.0.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","azure","storage","sas","encryption","keys"]
cis_id	2.1.2.1.1
cis_benchmark	CIS Microsoft Azure Storage Services Benchmark v1.0.0
tech_stack	["azure"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

2.1.2.1.1 Ensure Critical Data is Encrypted with Microsoft Managed Keys (MMK) (Manual)

Description

Microsoft Managed Keys (MMK) [also known as Platform-managed keys (PMK)] provides a very low overhead method of encrypting data at rest and implementing encryption key management. Keys maintained in an MMK implementation are automatically managed by Azure and require no customer interaction.

Rationale

The encryption of data at rest is a foundational component of data security. Data at rest without encryption is easily compromised through loss or theft. Encrypting data at rest introduces confidentiality to the data by obfuscating the data contents with a cipher algorithm and provides an authentication requirement through the use of cryptographic keys. MMK makes the encryption of data at rest very easy to implement and maintain.

Impact

Not explicitly stated in the benchmark. MMK provides the lowest overhead approach to encryption at rest with no additional cost or management burden.

Audit Procedure

This is a Common Reference Recommendation. Audit and remediation procedures with full details will be found in the section dedicated to each specific service where this recommendation applies.

Expected Result

The encryption type for the storage account should be set to Microsoft Managed Keys (MMK).

Remediation

This is a Common Reference Recommendation. Audit and remediation procedures with full details will be found in the section dedicated to each specific service where this recommendation applies.

Default Value

By default, Encryption type is set to Microsoft Managed Keys.

References

1. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/security/fundamentals/data-encryption-best-practices#protect-data-at-rest
2. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/security/benchmark/azure/mcsb-data-protection#dp-5-use-customer-managed-key-option-in-data-at-rest-encryption-when-required
3. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/security/fundamentals/key-management

Additional Information

This recommendation falls under section 2.1.2 Encryption Key Management, which describes three options for Encryption Key Management in Azure Services:

1. Microsoft Managed Keys ('MMK') [Also known as Platform Managed Keys or PMK]: The storage, creation, and maintenance of encryption keys is performed automatically by Microsoft. This option uses the Microsoft key store and automates the control and rotation of keys. Where the security and compliance frameworks implemented by your organization do not specify otherwise, Microsoft Managed Keys is generally preferred, but it should be understood that there is an implied trust that your organization must assume.