Azure MFA: Multi-Factor Authentication & Conditional Accesstoday Microsoft Entra MFA

What is MFA?

MFA stands for Multi-Factor Authentication (German: Multi-Faktor-Authentifizierung). This is a security system that makes unauthorised access significantly more difficult. When a company uses a cloud service, it means that employees can access the relevant services via the internet. However, this always presents the risk that unauthorised persons may also attempt to gain access in this way. The traditional method of preventing this requires users to enter a username and password. They are only granted access if the details entered are correct.

However, this form of authentication is causing an increasing number of problems. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to discover a user's password and log into the account in this way. To counteract this, Microsoft offers the option to use MFA when using Azure.

Several factors are used for this authentication system: One option is to request a value that only the relevant user can know. As a rule, as before, this is a password. However, this alone is not sufficient for authentication. An additional factor is required. This could be, for example, an object that the authorised user possesses and which only they can access. A smartphone, for example, is suitable for this purpose. Another option is to use biometric data, such as a fingerprint. The combination of the different authentication methods significantly increases security.

Why is MFA needed?

Microsoft Azure offers companies the opportunity to store important data. However, these are a popular target for industrial espionage. If a competitor is able to access the data, this often results in losses running into millions. Good security is therefore indispensable here. MFA makes unauthorised access significantly harder and therefore helps to ward off such attacks.

MFA and Conditional Access

Which device / user is permitted time-controlled access to which resources? MFA is not the only way to make unauthorised access more difficult. In addition, Microsoft offers the option to combine this technology with Conditional Access. This means that the company can set specific requirements for access. Controlling devices, for example, is very popular.

In doing so, it is possible to grant access only if an authorised company device is used. The company can specify precisely what steps should be initiated if a visitor attempts to log in using a different device. Furthermore, it is possible to establish specific rules for access from different regions or to define completely custom risk factors.

MFA services from New Media Service GmbH

If you use Microsoft Azure, New Media Service GmbH supports you in making its usage secure. We handle the setup of MFA and offer training for your employees. In this way, you avoid unauthorised access to your data and ensure the smooth use of the authentication process.

If you would like to find out more, you can simply contact us for a free, non-binding consultation. We will be happy to inform you about this topic and, if required, handle the implementation and execution for you.