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Enhancing Azure Sentinel Security: A Guide to TLS for Secure Syslog CEF Data Transfers

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ailona

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October 3, 2024

The TLS for Sentinel Syslog CEF Data connector enhances secure log transfers to Azure Sentinel, a cloud-native SIEM solution. It enables data collection from various sources using CEF or Syslog protocols, ensuring encrypted communication via TLS. This is crucial for compliance and security, particularly for third-party data sources.2. **:**

Secure Your Logs: TLS for Sentinel Syslog CEF Data Connector

Microsoft’s latest update introduces a significant enhancement for security professionals using Azure Sentinel. The new TLS (Transport Layer Security) feature for the Sentinel Syslog CEF Data Connector allows secure log transfers. This upgrade is crucial for organizations prioritizing data integrity and confidentiality.

What’s New?

The TLS integration enables encrypted connections for Syslog data transmission. Traditionally, Syslog messages were sent in plain text over TCP/UDP 514. Now, organizations can ensure that their logs are securely transmitted, protecting sensitive information from potential interception.

“This ensures that the data is encrypted and authenticated between the sender and the receiver.”

Major Updates

Two primary scenarios necessitate the use of TLS connections:

Third-party data sources that require TLS for Syslog events.
Organizations wanting to secure data over the public Internet.

For example, McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) mandates TLS for its Syslog connections. The new Sentinel Data Connector accommodates this requirement, streamlining integration with existing security tools.

Configuration Steps

Setting up TLS for Syslog involves several steps. First, install necessary packages on your Linux machine:

[root@node ~]# yum -y install gnutls-utils

Next, generate or obtain the required certificates and keys. Using GnuTLS, create a self-signed certificate:

[root@node ~]# certtool --generate-privkey --outfile ca-key.pem

Then, create the self-signed CA certificate:

[root@node ~]# certtool --generate-self-signed --load-privkey ca-key.pem --outfile ca.pem

What’s Important to Know?

Organizations must ensure that their systems are configured correctly to accept TLS connections. This includes generating machine certificates to identify the machine to remote peers. Proper configuration is essential for maintaining a secure environment.

“The Sentinel data connector does not guide on using TLS connection and related configuration.”

In summary, the TLS for Sentinel Syslog CEF Data Connector is a game-changer for organizations looking to enhance their security posture. By adopting this feature, businesses can ensure that their log data remains secure during transmission.

Facilitates integration of existing security tools with Azure Sentinel.

Supports secure log transmission using TLS for enhanced data protection.

Applicable for scenarios requiring encrypted connections for compliance.

Includes detailed steps for configuring TLS on Linux systems.

Generates self-signed certificates for secure syslog communication.

From the Core Infrastructure and Security Blog