What is Entra?
Microsoft Entra, formerly known as Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), is a cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) solution offered by Microsoft. It serves as a central directory for user identities and access permissions, granting secure access to various cloud and on-premises applications.
Key functionalities of Entra_
- User Authentication: Entra verifies user identities using various methods, including passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), smart cards, and certificates.
- Authorisation: Entra defines and manages access permissions for users and applications. It determines which users have access to specific applications and resources, and what level of access they have (e.g., view-only, edit, or full control).
- Single Sign-On (SSO): Entra allows users to sign in once with a single set of credentials to access multiple applications, improving user experience and security.
- Directory services: Entra functions as a central directory for user identities, streamlining user management and access control across various applications.
- Conditional access: Entra enables organisations to implement conditional access policies. These policies define additional access control criteria based on factors like user location, device type, or real-time risk signals, enhancing security.
Benefits of using Entra_
- Improved security: Centralised identity management and access control strengthen overall security posture by reducing the risk of unauthorised access.
- Enhanced user experience: Single sign-on simplifies user access and reduces the need to manage multiple login credentials for different applications.
- Increased productivity: Streamlined user provisioning and access management save IT teams time and resources.
- Simplified administration: Entra provides a centralised platform for managing user identities and access permissions across various applications.
- Scalability and flexibility: Entra scales to meet the needs of organisations of all sizes and can integrate with a wide range of cloud and on-premises applications.
Microsoft Entra and the UK market_
For UK-based organisations, Entra offers several advantages:
- Compliance with data privacy regulations: Entra helps organisations comply with data privacy regulations like the GDPR by providing robust access controls and audit trails.
- Integration with Microsoft 365: Entra seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft 365 services, offering a unified security and identity management experience.
- Support for UK Sovereign Clouds: Entra supports deployment in UK sovereign clouds, addressing data residency concerns for some organizations.
By adopting Entra organisations can achieve a more secure, efficient, and compliant identity and access management strategy.
In essence, Entra is the evolution of Azure AD, offering a broader suite of identity and access management functionalities under the Microsoft Entra security umbrella.
