Create a Log Analytics Workspace, Azure Storage Account, and Data Collection Rule (DCR)

About this guide

Lab Scenario

As an Azure Security Engineer for a financial technology company, you are tasked with enhancing monitoring and security visibility across all Azure virtual machines (VMs) used for processing financial transactions and managing sensitive customer data. The security team requires detailed logs and performance metrics from these VMs to detect potential threats and optimize system performance. The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has asked you to implement a solution that collects security events, system logs, and performance counters. You have been assigned to configure the Azure Monitor Agent (AMA) along with Data Collection Rules (DCRs) to centralize log collection and performance monitoring.

Lab Objectives

Exercise 1: Deploy an Azure virtual machine

• Task 1: Deploy an Azure virtual machine

Exercise 2: Create a Log Analytics workspace

• Task 1: Create a Log Analytics workspace

Exercise 3: Create an Azure storage account

• Task 1: Create an Azure storage account

Exercise 4: Create a data collection rule.

• Task 1: Create a Data Collection Rule

Job Skills

The Cloudguides in this series help IT professionals gain practical skills related to making Microsoft Azure environments more secure, including how to implement security controls, manage identity and access, protect data and applications, monitor for threats, and maintain a secure posture across various Azure services.

Career Connections

With the increasing demand for cybersecurity expertise, professionals with the skills from this series can pursue job prospects in roles such as Cloud Security Engineer, Security Analyst, Azure Security Consultant, Security Administrator, and Compliance Manager.

As of 2025, average U.S. salaries range from $103,197 to $143,002 for entry-level roles and $120,201 to $203,652 for professionals with 5 years' experience across positions like Cloud Security Engineer, Security Analyst, Azure Security Consultant, Security Administrator, and Compliance Manager. Please note that these figures are approximate, derived from online sources, and can vary based on factors such as location, industry, and company size.