Azure AD Blog

Azure AD Conditional Access: The Ultimate Guide

In today's dynamic cloud landscape, robust security is paramount. Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Conditional Access policies act as your organization's gatekeeper, allowing you to enforce granular access controls to your cloud applications and data based on specific conditions. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to effectively implement and manage Conditional Access.

What is Azure AD Conditional Access?

Conditional Access is a feature of Azure AD that enables you to centrally manage access to cloud apps and resources. It allows you to create policies that grant or deny access based on various factors, including:

• User or group: Who is attempting to access the resource?
• Application: Which application are they trying to access?
• Device platform: What type of device are they using (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)?
• Location: Where is the access request originating from?
• Client application: What application or browser is being used?
• Risk: Is there unusual sign-in behavior or user risk detected by Azure AD Identity Protection?

Key Components of a Conditional Access Policy

Each policy is built around several core components:

• Assignments: This is where you define the users, groups, or applications the policy applies to. You can also specify conditions like device platforms or locations.
• Access Controls: This section dictates what happens when the conditions are met. You can choose to grant access (with or without requiring specific controls like multi-factor authentication or compliant devices) or block access entirely.

Common Scenarios and Best Practices

Here are some common and highly recommended scenarios for using Conditional Access:

1. Require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all users: This is a foundational security control. You can enforce MFA for all access to cloud apps.

   Policy Name: Require MFA for All Users
   Users: All users (exclude emergency access accounts)
   Cloud apps or actions: All cloud apps
   Conditions: None
   Grant: Grant access, Require multi-factor authentication

2. Block legacy authentication: Legacy protocols (like POP, IMAP, SMTP) don't support MFA, making them a significant security risk.

   Policy Name: Block Legacy Authentication
   Users: All users
   Cloud apps or actions: All cloud apps
   Conditions: Client applications - Configure to include "Mobile apps and desktop clients", Exclude "Browser"
   Access controls: Block access

3. Require compliant devices for access: Ensure users are accessing resources from devices managed by your organization.

   Policy Name: Require Compliant Devices
   Users: All users
   Cloud apps or actions: All cloud apps
   Conditions: Device platforms - Configure as needed
   Access controls: Grant access, Require device to be marked as compliant

4. Restrict access from untrusted locations: Block sign-ins from specific geographic locations or require MFA from outside your trusted network.

Implementing Conditional Access

Getting started with Conditional Access involves a few steps:

1. Navigate to Azure AD: Log in to the Azure portal and go to Azure Active Directory.
2. Find Conditional Access: Under the "Security" section, select "Conditional Access."
3. Create a New Policy: Click "New policy" and start configuring your assignments and access controls.
4. Test Thoroughly: Always use the "Report-only" mode first to understand the impact of your policies before enforcing them.

Advanced Features

Conditional Access integrates seamlessly with other Azure AD features, such as:

• Azure AD Identity Protection: Leverage risk detection to automatically apply access controls.
• Microsoft Intune: Manage device compliance policies.
• Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps: Discover and control app usage.

By leveraging Azure AD Conditional Access, you can significantly enhance your organization's security posture, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Start by implementing basic policies and gradually mature your strategy based on your organization's specific needs and risk appetite.