Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), now part of Microsoft Entra, is Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management service. Azure AD allows organisations to manage user identities and create policies for access control to applications and services, both in the cloud and on-premises. It’s a critical component for organisations that rely on Microsoft 365 and other cloud services, providing a single identity platform for secure login and access.
The service operates on a multi-tenant architecture, which means each organisation using Azure AD has its own dedicated and secure instance. This structure ensures that each organisation’s data is isolated and protected. Azure AD offers a range of features, including:
Single Sign-On (SSO): simplifies the employee experience by allowing people to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials, eliminating the need for multiple passwords. Reducing the number of passwords employees need to remember and manage can also help to increase productivity.
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, like a phone call or text message in addition to the password.
Conditional Access Policies: assess the risk level of a sign-in attempt and grant or deny access based on pre-set rules, such as requiring MFA when logging in from an unfamiliar location.
Azure AD also includes identity protection capabilities, which help detect potential vulnerabilities and automated responses to detected identity-based threats. Privileged identity management (PIM) is another feature that allows granular access control, providing just enough access for users to perform their tasks without excessive permissions that could be exploited.
For IT administrators, Azure AD provides tools to create and manage user profiles, assign roles, and control access to applications and services. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft services like Office 365, Dynamics CRM, and Azure itself, making it a versatile solution for enterprise identity management.
For developers, Azure AD provides a way to integrate identity management into their applications. It supports various industry-standard protocols, such as OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect, making it easier to implement secure authentication and authorisation in apps.
In summary, Azure Active Directory is a robust, cloud-based solution for managing identities and access in the modern enterprise. It enhances security, simplifies user access, and provides administrators and developers with the tools they need to manage and build on the Microsoft ecosystem. Whether it’s a small business or a large corporation, Azure AD is designed to meet the needs of any organization looking to streamline identity management in the cloud era.
