Azure Active Directory Advanced Features

Azure AD Identity Protection

Azure AD Identity Protection is a suite of features that detects common identity-related vulnerabilities and enables the configuration of remediation, such as blocking sign-ins, requiring password changes, or users performing self-service password resets. It leverages machine learning and risk detection algorithms to identify and respond to potential threats.

• Risk Detection: Monitors user and sign-in activities for suspicious patterns.
• Risk Policies: Automates the response to detected risks (e.g., requiring MFA, resetting password).
• Reporting and Dashboards: Provides insights into identity risks and remediation efforts.

Key benefits include:

• Reduced risk of compromised credentials.
• Automated security responses.
• Improved visibility into identity security posture.

For example, a risk policy can be configured to prompt users for a multi-factor authentication (MFA) if their sign-in is detected from an unfamiliar location or if a password has been leaked.

# Example: Configuring a risk policy for users
# This is illustrative and not actual code.
if (userRiskLevel == "High") {
    requireMFA();
    requirePasswordChange();
} elsif (userRiskLevel == "Medium") {
    requireMFA();
}
                

Azure AD Conditional Access

Conditional Access is the Azure AD's tool for bringing identity and access management together to give you that needed visibility and control over your corporate resources. It acts as the decision engine for access to cloud applications. Policies are enforced based on conditions such as user, application, device, location, and real-time risk.

With Conditional Access, you can enforce access controls like:

• Requiring MFA for specific applications or user groups.
• Restricting access from untrusted locations or devices.
• Enforcing device compliance (e.g., managed, compliant).
• Limiting session duration or control download of data.

This provides a granular way to balance security with user productivity.

# Example: Conditional Access Policy Logic
condition {
    user in ["Sales Team"]
    application in ["CRM App"]
    location is not ["Trusted IP Ranges"]
    device state is "Not Compliant"
}
grant {
    access = "Block"
    session control = "None"
}
                

Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM)

Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is a service that helps you manage, control, and monitor access to important resources in Azure AD and Azure. PIM enables you to provide just-in-time (JIT) privileged access to Azure AD and Azure resources. This can also help you manage, secure, and operate your environment, reduce operational risk, and improve compliance.

• Just-In-Time (JIT) Access: Users request access when they need it, and it's granted for a limited time.
• Approval Workflows: Access requests can be routed for approval.
• Auditing and Reporting: Provides a history of privileged role assignments and activities.
• Role Assignment Scopes: Manage access to Azure AD roles, Azure roles, and Azure AD resources.

PIM is crucial for enforcing the principle of least privilege for administrative accounts.

Azure AD Access Reviews

Azure AD Access Reviews enable organizations to manage group memberships, application access, and role assignments. It allows for the regular review of who has access to what, with the ability to delegate reviews to appropriate managers or users.

• Scheduled Reviews: Automate the process of reviewing access at set intervals.
• Delegation: Assign review responsibilities to others.
• Self-Service and Manager Reviews: Users can review their own access or have managers review their team's access.
• Policy Enforcement: Define policies for review completion and what happens to access if reviews are not completed.

This feature is vital for maintaining compliance and ensuring that access rights are still appropriate.

Azure AD Identity Governance

Azure AD Identity Governance provides tools to manage your digital identity lifecycle at scale. It unifies identity lifecycle management and identity governance capabilities, helping you ensure the right people have the right access to the right resources.

Key components include:

• Lifecycle Management: Automate user provisioning and deprovisioning.
• Entitlement Management: Streamline access requests and approvals for resources.
• Access Reviews: As discussed above, for periodic access validation.
• Privileged Identity Management: For managing elevated access.

Identity Governance helps organizations achieve compliance, enhance security, and improve operational efficiency.