OS and data disks should be encrypted with customer-managed key (CMK)

HIGH

Ensures VM OS and data disks use customer-managed keys (CMK) for encryption instead of platform-managed keys.

What does this mean?

By default, Azure encrypts managed disks with platform-managed keys. This recommendation enforces the use of customer-managed keys (CMK), giving you full control over the encryption key lifecycle, rotation, and access policies.

Benefits of implementation

  • Full control over encryption key lifecycle and rotation
  • Meets regulatory requirements for key management
  • Enables integration with your own key management processes

Drawbacks and considerations

  • Requires Azure Key Vault setup and maintenance
  • Key availability directly impacts disk accessibility
  • Additional operational complexity for key rotation and backup

Implementation

Implementation guidance coming soon.

Related recommendations will be linked here.

Frameworks

Details
Risk Level
HIGH
Category
Data Encryption
Azure Resource

Frameworks
1 frameworks
Last updated
2026-02-12