Using Remove-MgSecurityIncident in Graph PowerShell

Microsoft 365 administrators are often tasked with managing security incidents to maintain a robust cybersecurity posture. Security incidents, if left unchecked, can clutter dashboards and make it challenging to focus on current threats. The Remove-MgSecurityIncident cmdlet is a powerful Graph PowerShell tool for clearing resolved or obsolete incidents from your Microsoft 365 environment. This article delves into its syntax, practical usage examples, cmdlet tips, and real-world use cases, ensuring administrators have a comprehensive understanding of its functionality.

Cmdlet Syntax

Remove-MgSecurityIncident -IncidentId <String> [-Force] [<CommonParameters>]

Parameters:

• -IncidentId: (Required) The unique identifier of the security incident to be removed.
• -Force: (Optional) Suppresses confirmation prompts for the removal.
• <CommonParameters>: Supports additional parameters like -ErrorAction and -Verbose for debugging and customization.

Usage Examples

1. Single Incident Removal

Clear an individual resolved security incident using its unique IncidentId:

Remove-MgSecurityIncident -IncidentId "abc12345-6789-def0-1122-334455667788"

This command permanently removes the specified security incident from the Microsoft 365 Security portal.

2. Multiple Incident Removal

Remove multiple incidents by iterating through a list of IncidentId values:

$IncidentIds = @(
    "incidentId1",
    "incidentId2",
    "incidentId3"
)

foreach ($Id in $IncidentIds) {
    Remove-MgSecurityIncident -IncidentId $Id -Force
}

This script automates the removal of multiple security incidents...

3. Bulk Removal via CSV

Remove incidents in bulk using a CSV file containing IncidentId values:

$CsvData = Import-Csv -Path "C:\Incidents.csv"

foreach ($Incident in $CsvData) {
    Remove-MgSecurityIncident -IncidentId $Incident.IncidentId -Force
}

This method is ideal for clearing a large number of resolved incidents efficiently.

Cmdlet Tips

• Audit Before Removal: Always review incidents thoroughly before deletion. Consider exporting unresolved incidents for record-keeping or auditing purposes using the Get-MgSecurityIncident cmdlet.
• Use with Care: Incident removal is permanent. Administrators should confirm that incidents are truly resolved and no longer relevant before running the cmdlet.
• Automation Opportunities: Integrate this cmdlet into larger scripts for automated security incident lifecycle management. For example, pair it with email notifications to inform stakeholders about cleanup activities.
• Leverage the -Force Parameter: When managing a high volume of incidents, the -Force parameter eliminates confirmation prompts, streamlining bulk operations.

Use Cases

• Streamline Security Dashboards: Security teams often face overwhelming dashboards filled with resolved incidents. By periodically clearing these incidents, administrators ensure that focus remains on active and critical threats.
• Regulatory Compliance: Some regulations require organizations to maintain a clean and updated incident repository. Using Remove-MgSecurityIncident, administrators can ensure compliance by removing outdated or irrelevant incidents.
• Enhance Incident Response Efficiency: A clutter-free environment helps analysts identify and respond to new threats faster. Automating incident cleanup tasks with this cmdlet can significantly enhance overall incident response efficiency.
• Incident Lifecycle Management: Incorporating Remove-MgSecurityIncident into your organization's incident lifecycle management strategy ensures a clear distinction between active and resolved cases, fostering better reporting and tracking.

Possible Errors & Solutions

Error	Cause	Solution
Error: Access Denied	Missing or incorrect API permissions.	Grant the SecurityIncident.ReadWrite.All permission in Azure AD and consent to the changes.
Error: Invalid IncidentId	The specified IncidentId does not exist or is incorrect.	Validate the IncidentId using Get-MgSecurityIncident before attempting to remove it.
Error: Insufficient Privileges	The user account lacks sufficient privileges.	Run the cmdlet with an account that has appropriate administrative rights.
Rate Limit Exceeded	Too many requests sent in a short duration.	Implement a delay in scripts handling bulk operations or adhere to Microsoft Graph API rate limits.

Conclusion

The Remove-MgSecurityIncident cmdlet is an indispensable tool for Microsoft 365 administrators, enabling efficient cleanup of resolved security incidents. Whether you're managing a single incident or clearing thousands using automation, this cmdlet ensures your security portal remains focused on current threats. By integrating this cmdlet into your incident management strategy, you can maintain an optimized and effective security environment.

Administrators are encouraged to test and validate scripts in a non-production environment to prevent accidental data loss. With thoughtful implementation, Remove-MgSecurityIncident can significantly enhance your organization's cybersecurity operations.