Description:
This control ensures an Azure Activity Log Alert is configured to detect when a Public IP address is created or modified. Since Public IP addresses expose Azure resources to the internet, monitoring these changes is essential for reducing security risks. The alert enables real-time visibility into configuration changes that directly affect external access. This helps administrators quickly identify and investigate network exposure events.
Rationale:
Without monitoring Public IP changes, unauthorized exposure may go unnoticed and increase the risk of attacks. Automated alerts enable timely detection of risky modifications, support rapid incident response, and help maintain compliance through improved visibility and audit tracking of network configuration changes.
Default Value:
By default, no Activity Log Alert is configured to monitor the creation or modification of Public IP addresses.
Impact:
Enabling this alert provides quick visibility into external exposure changes with minimal impact, limited to receiving notifications.
Test Plan:
Sign in to the Azure Portal at https://portal.azure.com
Navigate to Monitor
Select Alerts
Open Alert rules
Verify an Activity Log Alert exists for Create or Update Public IP Address
Verify the alert scope includes the required subscription
Verify that an Action Group is associated
If the alert does not exist, follow the implementation steps
Implementation steps:
Sign in to the Azure Portal at https://portal.azure.com
Navigate to Monitor
Select Alerts
Click Create and select Alert rule
Set the Scope to the appropriate subscription
Under Condition, click See all signals, search for Create or Update Public IP Address, and select the signal
Associate with an existing Action Group or create a new one
Provide an alert rule name and select a resource group
Click Review + Create
Click Create
Backout Plan:
Sign in to the Azure Portal at https://portal.azure.com
Navigate to Monitor
Select Alerts
Open Alert rules
Locate the Create or Update Public IP Address alert
Delete the alert rule
Confirm the deletion
References:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/alerts/activity-log-alerts
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/alerts/alerts-create-new-alert-rule
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/public-ip-addresses


