Microsoft Entra for Identity

Microsoft Entra ID was developed as an Identity and Access Management solution. It was first created as Azure AD. It allows businesses to build platforms that customers can sign into using their Microsoft account.

This article introduces Microsoft Entra ID, its features, uses, benefits, licenses, and limitations.

What is Microsoft Entra ID?

Microsoft Entra ID, formerly referred to as Azure AD, is a cloud-powered identity and access management software application. It comprises network access, identity protection, governance, and verification management.

Microsoft Entra is an identity management service that often plays authentication and authorization roles when integrated into Microsoft 365, Dynamic 365, and Microsoft Azure. It was developed in May 2022 by Microsoft Corporation.?

Features of Microsoft Entra

1. Data Protection and Security

Microsoft Entra provides firm security policies for each user or device, enabling proper user data management.?

2. Accessibility

Using the adaptive identity and network access controls, Microsoft Entra allows users to access data on the platform on different devices and locations.?

3. Simplified User Experience

Microsoft Entra users enjoy a seamless user experience which makes workflow easier. This is possible due to "decreased IT friction and improved hybrid workforce experience”.

4. Reporting and Analytics

Microsoft Entra offers reporting and analytics tools that provide insights into security events, user activities, and compliance status.

5. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)?

This feature enables permissions to be assigned to users, based on their roles and responsibilities within the organization.

6. Identity Governance

This feature ensures the implementation of policies and controls to govern user identities.

Uses of Microsoft Entra

Microsoft Entra ID offers two services, Single sign-on and access control.

1. Microsoft Entra ID is used to control access to applications and application resources, based on business requirements. For instance, an IT admin can use Microsoft Entra ID to require multifactor authentication when accessing important organizational resources based on location. This can be done with conditional access policies.
2. Microsoft Entra ID can be used as a standard-based authentication provider that helps developers add single sign-on (SSO) to apps that work with a user's existing credentials. Developers can also use Microsoft Entra APIs to build personalized experiences using organizational data.

When Microsoft Entra ID is integrated into Microsoft 365, Office 365, Azure, and Dynamics, it ensures immediate access management of these cloud applications.

Benefits of Microsoft Entra

Integration

Microsoft Entra easily integrates with other Microsoft services including Microsoft 365, Directory 365, etc. This possibility creates a more productive tool for organizations to leverage and harness.

Advanced Security

With its advanced security features such as MFA (MFA), Microsoft Entra ID offers better security options to business organizations. Organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to data sources.?

Easy Management

Administrators in Microsoft Entra ID can now manage user identities, and policies, and assign roles and permissions from an easier standpoint. This reduces the cost of management and makes administrative tasks easier.

Scalability

Microsoft Entra ID allows for friction-free scalability i.e businesses can thrive and grow in size. This enables business organizations to evolve into new business objectives and needs.?

Microsoft Entra Licenses

Microsoft Entra ID has a free version with which users can create basic reports, on-premises directory synchronizations, provide user and group management, etc. It has licensed versions as well.?

• Microsoft Entra ID Premium 1
• Microsoft Entra ID Premium 2?

Limitations of Microsoft Entra ID

In an article by Wikipedia, the limitations of Microsoft Entra ID were listed.

• A user can belong to only a maximum of 500 AAD tenants.
• A user can create only a maximum of 200 directories.
• Max 256 characters for String-type extensions.
• Max 256 bytes for Binary-type extensions.
• Only 100 extension values across all types and all applications.
• Only User, Group, Tenant Detail, Device, Application, and Service Principal entities can be extended.
• 300 license-base subscriptions
• There are no more than 5,000 managed domain names
• Max of 50,000 Azure AD resources.
• A non-admin user cannot create more than 250 resources.
• A maximum of 100 users and service principals can be owners of an application.
• A user, group, or service principle can have a maximum of 1,500 application role assignments.

Conclusion

Microsoft Entra ID focuses on authentication and authorization services. To learn more about Microsoft Entra for Governance, watch this video and Subscribe to the channel.