Configure and manage custom domains

When managing identities and access within an organization, it’s important to maintain consistent branding and ease of use, which can be accomplished by configuring and managing custom domains. For professionals preparing for the SC-300 Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator exam, understanding how to set up and manage custom domains within Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is vital.

Custom Domains in Azure Active Directory

By default, when you create a new tenant in Azure AD, you are given an onmicrosoft.com domain. While functional, it doesn’t represent your company’s branding. Adding and verifying a custom domain allows employees to sign in with a familiar domain name that aligns with your corporate identity.

Adding a Custom Domain

To add a custom domain to Azure AD:

1. Access Azure Active Directory: In the Azure portal, navigate to the Azure Active Directory service.
2. Navigate to Custom Domain Names: Under the Azure AD properties, find the Custom domain names section.
3. Add Custom Domain: Click “+ Add custom domain” and enter the domain name you wish to add.
4. Verify Domain: To prove ownership, you must update DNS records at your domain registrar. Azure AD will provide a TXT or MX record to enter in your domain’s DNS settings.
5. Verify in Azure Portal: After updating DNS records, go back to the Azure portal and verify the domain. The DNS changes might take some time to propagate.

Setting Primary and Secondary Domains

You can set a primary domain that will be used as the default domain for new users. Secondary domains can be beneficial when you have multiple divisions or subsidiaries within the same organization needing distinct email domains.

To set the primary or secondary domain:

• Select the Domain: In the Custom domain names section, click on the domain you wish to set as primary.
• Make Primary: Click “Make primary” to set the chosen domain as the default domain.
• Add Secondary Domains: Repeat the add and verify process for any additional domains.

DNS Records for Custom Domains

For single sign-on (SSO) and additional features, certain DNS records will need to be added or modified, such as CNAME, A, or SRV records. The specifics will depend on the services your organization uses (like Exchange Online, Teams, or SharePoint Online).

Monitor and Manage Domain Settings

It’s essential to monitor and manage these settings consistently:

• DNS Monitoring: Regularly check DNS records to ensure they are correct and have not been altered.
• Renew Certificates: Keep track of SSL/TLS certificates’ expiration dates for your custom domain and renew them accordingly.
• Audit Logs: Review audit logs to see if any changes have been made to the domain settings.

Managing Subdomains

If your organization also uses subdomains, these can be added as additional custom domains in Azure AD, and the same verification process will apply.

Troubleshooting Domain Issues

Common issues when configuring custom domains may include:

• DNS Propagation Delays: DNS changes could take up to 72 hours to propagate through the internet.
• Typographical Errors: Double-check all DNS records for accuracy.
• Existing Domain Verification Errors: You may encounter problems if the domain is already verified in another Azure AD tenant, which will require its removal or support intervention.

Custom Domains and Federated Identity

For organizations utilizing federated identity models with services like AD FS or PingFederate, domain federation settings will need to be configured to allow user authentication via the identity provider (IdP). Federation also entails maintaining IdP certificates and monitoring for service outages.

Conclusion

In summary, configuring and managing custom domains in Azure AD involves a clear set of steps: adding the custom domain, verifying ownership through DNS, setting primary and secondary domains, adjusting necessary DNS records, and continual monitoring and management. Properly managed custom domains enhance the professional appearance of your organization and streamline the user experience for identity and access management.

For the SC-300 exam, understanding these procedures, troubleshooting typical problems, and knowledge of federated identity integration will be critical for a successful outcome. Remember that precise execution of these tasks will ensure a seamless and secure identity experience for users within your organization.