In order to gather security event logs from Azure virtual machines, which action must you take after activating Azure Security Center?

To effectively gather security event logs from Azure virtual machines after activating Azure Security Center, the primary action is to enable data collection within the Security Center. This step is crucial as it allows Security Center to start receiving, processing, and analyzing the security-related telemetry data generated by the virtual machines.

Enabling data collection ensures that logs and alerts can be generated based on the security posture of your Azure environment. This function allows for continuous monitoring and helps in detecting threats, vulnerabilities, and security misconfigurations by facilitating access to essential security data. By doing this, you can leverage Security Center's full capabilities, such as threat protection, incident response, and security assessments tailored specifically for the resources utilized in your Azure environment.

While registering a provider, creating workflow automation, and developing a workbook are important facets of managing your security infrastructure in Azure, they do not specifically pertain to the immediate need to collect security event logs. Data collection must first occur to enable these processes effectively.