Ensuring Secure Azure Monitoring with AutoMonX

The Problem with Over-Permissioned Readers

The default 'Reader' role is convenient. It gives you full read access to every resource in Azure—but that’s also the problem. This includes read access to sensitive resources like:

• VPN gateways

• Network connections

• Key Vaults

• Certificates

  
  

This opens the door to unnecessary exposure and potential lateral movement in the event of a compromise.

Introducing the Minimal Monitoring Reader for the Azure Service Principal

AutoMonX recommends and provides a secure role template: the Minimal Monitoring Reader. This custom Azure RBAC role grants only the exact permissions required for the Azure Sensor Pack to function correctly—nothing more.

Key permissions include:

• Microsoft.Insights/metrics/read

• Microsoft.Compute/virtualMachines/instanceView/read

• Microsoft.OperationalInsights/workspaces/query/read

• Microsoft.ContainerService/managedClusters/read

• Microsoft.Web/sites/read

• Microsoft.CostManagement/query/action

• Microsoft.Advisor/advisorScore/read

  
  

And it specifically excludes high-risk services like:

• Microsoft.Network/vpnGateways/*

• Microsoft.Network/connections/*

• Microsoft.KeyVault/vaults/*

  
  

How to Deploy the Azure Secure Role

Here’s how to lock down your monitoring identity using the custom user role:

1. Create an Azure App Registration (Service Principal)

Follow Microsoft’s guide to create a service principal and record the Application ID, Tenant ID, and Client Secret.

2. Define and Assign the Role

Use the JSON file provided (AutoMonX_Azure_MinimalMonitoringReader.json),

AutoMonX_Azure_Minimal Monitoring Reader.json

Download JSON • 4KB

and run the following Powershell commands:

3. Configure AutoMonX Sensor Pack for Azure

Open the AutoMonX Sensor UI, and add the Azure tenant with the credentials from step 1. If you prefer manual configuration, update AutoMonX_AzureSensor.ini or AzureConnProfiles.ini.

4. Enable Encryption (Recommended)

In the AutoMonX UI, tick the encryption checkboxes for App ID, Secret, and Tenant ID. Once encrypted, they are unreadable - even by AutoMonX support. Backup these values securely.

Why This Approach Matters?

Using the minimal monitoring Reader for the Service Principal configured for monitoring dramatically reduces your risk. If the monitoring identity is ever compromised, it won’t be able to touch your networking infrastructure or secrets. This approach also helps with:

• Meeting internal and external compliance requirements.

• Avoiding over-privileged accounts in audit reports.

• Ensuring cleaner RBAC practices across your Azure estate.

  
  

Conclusion: The Importance of Least Privilege

In conclusion, securing your Azure monitoring setup with a least-privilege approach is essential. By using the Minimal Monitoring Reader, you can ensure that your monitoring identity has only the permissions it needs. This minimizes risk and enhances your overall security posture.

Need Help?

The AutoMonX team is happy to assist you with implementing secure monitoring. Email us at support@automonx.com or download the role template directly.