1. Open Azure Portal and Search for Defender for Cloud

• Go to Azure Portal
  
• In the top search bar, type “Defender for Cloud” and select it
  
  
• You will be taken to the Defender for Cloud Overview page

2. Enable Microsoft Defender Plans (If Not Already Enabled)

• In the Management section (left panel), click “Environment settings”
  
  
• Select the subscription you want to protect
  
  
• Under Microsoft Defender plans, click “Enable all” or selectively enable services:
  
  
  • Defender for Servers
    
    
  • Defender for App Services
    
    
  • Defender for Key Vaults
    
    
  • Defender for Storage, etc.

3. Set Up Email Notifications for Alerts

• Click on Email notifications, and add recipients for security alert emails
  
  
• Optionally, enable Send email to subscription owners

4. View Security Recommendations

• Go back to Defender for Cloud → Recommendations
  
  
• You’ll see recommendations grouped by severity (High, Medium, Low)
  
  
• These will guide you in improving your security posture

5. View Secure Score Dashboard

• From the sidebar, click Secure Score
  
  
• This gives a visual representation of your security posture and how to improve it
  
  
• Track your score as you implement recommended actions