Azure Active Directory (Microsoft Entra ID)

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), now part of the Microsoft Entra product family, is Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) service. It acts as the backbone for managing users, applications, and devices across Microsoft 365, Azure, and thousands of third-party apps.

Azure AD enables secure sign-ins, single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and conditional access to ensure that the right users have access to the right resources at the right time.

Why the Transition to Microsoft Entra?

In 2022, Microsoft introduced Microsoft Entra as an umbrella brand for identity and access management solutions, including:

1. Azure AD: : Core identity and access management.
2. Entra Permissions Management: : Managing permissions across multi-cloud environments.
3. Verified ID: : Decentralized identity for secure credential sharing.

Azure AD remains integral to Entra, delivering identity services while aligning with the broader scope of Entra’s capabilities.

Key Features of Azure AD (Entra)

1. Identity Management: Centralized control over user and group identities.
2. Access Control: Advanced tools like conditional access and role-based access control (RBAC).
3. Seamless Integration: SSO across Microsoft 365 apps and third-party SaaS apps.
4. Enhanced Security: MFA, identity protection, and adaptive policies to counter cyber threats.

How Azure AD (Entra) Works in Microsoft 365

• Authentication: Verifies user identity during sign-in.
• Authorization: Determines user permissions for accessing resources.
• Directory Services: Maintains the organization’s directory of users, devices, and applications.

Use Cases

1. Secure user access with MFA and conditional access policies.
2. Enable collaboration with external users via B2B guest access.
3. Automate user provisioning and deprovisioning with Graph PowerShell.

Azure AD (Entra) ensures your Microsoft 365 environment is secure, scalable, and ready for modern identity challenges. Embrace the future of identity management today!