Key Takeaways
- Conditional Access (CA) is a flexible security system that checks a number of factors before letting someone use cloud services.
- Microsoft Entra ID, which used to be called Azure AD, lets you set fine-grained CA rules that make security and compliance better.
- LBMC Technology Solutions helps businesses set up CA policies that are right for their risk level and compliance needs.
- Modern CA methods include more than just MFA. They also look at the health of the device, its location, session control, and risk-based access.
Why Conditional Access Is Essential
Passwords alone aren’t enough anymore, even when Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is used to protect them. Threat players are using advanced methods such as malware that can be used for phishing, session hijacking, and credential stuffing that is controlled by AI. Conditional Access (CA), an aspect of Microsoft Entra ID, lets you protect yourself from these threats by making decisions about access based on what’s happening in real time.
Conditional Access is more than just a security tool; it’s a way of thinking that balances protection with while still getting work done. Organizations can set “if-then” rules with it: If a person tries to log in from a place or device that you don’t trust, then you should either require extra authentication or deny them access.
Core Components of Conditional Access
The Conditional Access tool from Microsoft checks for signals like:
- Identity of a user or group
- Health and compliance with devices
- Place in the world
- The application that is being used
Microsoft Defender for Identity and Microsoft Sentinel can find risks in real time.
These messages are used to make sure that controls like:
- Having to use MFA
- Not letting people from certain countries access
- Limiting access to products that are compliant
- Putting limits on session length or needing reauthentication
As an example, a guideline could say that you can only access SharePoint from U.S.-based corporate-managed devices and that you need MFA to access Outlook from your own devices.
Learn more about Microsoft Entra Conditional Access here.
Real-World Use Cases
1. Securing Admin Accounts
Accounts with a lot of power are easy targets. Microsoft suggests that for these accounts, stronger MFA methods be used, such as FIDO2 keys or certificate-based identification. LBMC Technology Solutions helps its clients set up tiered access policies that separate admin jobs and make controls stricter.
2. Geo-Blocking
A lot of threats come from outside the U.S. Organizations can block or allow logins based on the user’s country with Conditional Access. This makes them less vulnerable to threats from other countries.
3. Device-Based Access
Conditional Access can enforce rules based on device compliance by connecting to Microsoft Intune. This makes sure that only safe, up-to-date devices can access private data.
4. Session Controls
A bigger problem is session theft. CA rules can set a time limit on sessions and require reauthentication after a certain amount of time. This lowers the chance of someone getting in without permission.
Compliance and Regulatory Benefits
Conditional Access supports compliance with frameworks like:
- HIPAA
- GDPR
- PCI-DSS
- CJIS
- ISO 27001
Organizations can show they are doing their part in compliance to protect sensitive data by enforcing access controls based on user roles, the sensitivity of the data and the amount of risk.
What’s New in Conditional Access
Microsoft has introduced several enhancements to Conditional Access in recent years:
- Authentication Strength Policies: Define which MFA methods are acceptable for different scenarios.
- Granular Session Controls: Apply real-time controls to limit user actions within apps like SharePoint and Exchange.
- Integration with Microsoft Defender XDR: Use risk signals from Defender to trigger CA policies automatically.
- Custom Security Attributes: Assign attributes to users and devices to create more targeted policies.
With these changes, Conditional Access is now smarter and more flexible than ever.
LBMC Technology Solutions: Your Trusted Partner
LBMC Technology Solutions helps businesses plan, carry out and improve their Conditional Access plans. Our team:
- Conducts risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities
- Designs custom CA policies aligned with your business goals
- Integrates CA with Microsoft Intune, Defender, and Entra ID
- Provides ongoing monitoring and tuning to adapt to evolving threats
Not only do we set up technology, but we also make sure it works for your people, processes and legal needs.
Explore our Conditional Access services at LBMC Technology Solutions here.
Are you ready to make your Microsoft 365 protection stronger? Get in touch with LBMC Technology Solutions right away to set up a free Conditional Access readiness review. Let us help you set up a cloud setting that is safe, legal, and useful.
More resources: https://www.lbmc.com/blog/microsoft-365-business-premium/