What is Entra ID?
Entra ID (formally known as Azure AD or Azure Active Directory), is Microsoft's cloud-based Identity and Access Management Service. It is a complete identity and access management solution that combines Directory Services, Advanced Identity Governance, and Application Access Management. Entra ID is a component of Microsoft's Azure cloud platform which provides secure and seamless single sign on access to a variety of applications, both on-premises and in the cloud.
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Key features of Entra ID include:
Identity Management: Entra ID is a cloud-based identity provider, allowing organizations to manage and authenticate users. It can store the On-Premise AD objects which is synced using AD Connect and it supports various authentication methods, including username and password, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and much more.
Single Sign-On (SSO): Entra ID provides SSO feature that enables users to access multiple applications and services with a single set of credentials. This improves user experience while accessing the applications and simplifies access management for administrators.
Application Integration: Entra ID integrates with a wide range of applications, whether they are hosted in the cloud or on-premises. It supports pre-integrated applications available in the Entra ID App Gallery and allows custom application integration.
Conditional Access: This is one of the powerful features that helps organizations to define policies based on conditions such as user location, device health, and sign-in risk. Conditional Access policies help enforce adaptive access controls, ensuring secure access to resources.
Identity Protection: Entra ID includes features to help protect user identities. It leverages machine learning to detect suspicious activities and potential security risks, providing insights and recommendations to administrators.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Entra ID supports multi-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security beyond just a username and password. This feature helps in preventing unauthorized access, even if login credentials are compromised.
B2B and B2C Collaboration: Entra ID supports business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C) scenarios, enabling secure collaboration with external users and customers.
Entra ID is a critical component for organizations leveraging Microsoft's cloud services and applications. It plays a pivotal role in managing user identities, securing access to resources, and ensuring a seamless and secure user experience across various platforms and devices.