Tutorial / Cram Notes
What is an Access Package?
An access package is a collection of resources that a user or a group of users need access to. These resources can include Azure AD and Office 365 groups, applications, and SharePoint Online sites. Access packages simplify the process of granting and managing access to these resources for internal and external users.
Creating an Access Package
To create an access package, follow these steps:
- Sign in to the Azure portal with an account that is a Global Administrator or User Administrator.
- Go to Azure Active Directory > Identity Governance > Access Packages.
- Select New access package to start the wizard.
- In the Basics section, provide a Name and Description for the access package.
- Under the Resource roles and access section, define what resources will be included in the access package. This can be done by selecting resources such as groups, applications, or SharePoint sites and defining the role for each.
- In the Requests section, configure policies for how users will request access to this package. This includes defining who can request access (all users, specific users, or groups), how they will request it (directly or with approval), and how long they retain access.
Configuring Access Package Policies
Access package policies are rules that govern who can request access, whether approvals are required, and how long access is retained before it expires. To configure policies, do the following:
- In the same access package creation wizard, navigate to the Request section.
- Under Catalog, choose the catalog to which this access package will belong.
- Under Request, decide if approval is required. If it is, select Yes and then specify the approvers.
- Set the Requestor information needed, like justification or an answer to certain questions, which may be required during the request process.
- In the Lifecycle section, configure:
- Expiration: Define when access will expire, either after a certain duration (like 30 days) or on a specific date.
- Renewal: Determine whether users can renew their access and, if so, under what conditions.
- Under Requestor’s tasks after approval, configure whether the user must perform any tasks, like “Check-in,” to maintain access.
Example: Access Package for a Project Team
Let’s assume a scenario where you are setting up an access package for a project team that needs access to specific groups, a project management app, and SharePoint libraries.
- Name: “Project Alpha Access”
- Description: “Access to resources needed for team members of Project Alpha.”
- Resources:
- Group: “Project Alpha Team”
- App: “Project Management Software”
- SharePoint site: “Project Alpha Documentation”
- Role:
- Member for Group
- User for App
- Read for SharePoint site
- Access Review:
- Reviewers: Project manager and IT administrator
- Frequency: Biannually
Access Package Policies Comparison Table
| Policy Feature | Internal Users | External Users |
|---|---|---|
| Approval Required | No | Yes |
| Approver | N/A | Project Manager |
| Justification | Optional | Required |
| Expiration | 90 Days | 30 Days |
| Renewal Allowed | Yes | No |
| Lifecycle Management | Automatic | Manual |
Conclusion
Access packages significantly streamline the provisioning and deprovisioning process for organizations. It allows administrators to provide users with the necessary access without manual intervention systematically. Additionally, they provide review and governance features that ensure compliance and the principle of least privilege. Configuring access packages should be done with a clear understanding of the project requirements, expected user actions, approval workflows, and lifecycle policies to minimize risks and maintain control over company resources.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: Access packages in Azure AD can only be used to grant access to users within your own organization.
- False
Access packages can be used to grant access to both internal and external users in an organization.
True or False: When creating an access package, you can include applications, groups, and SharePoint sites as resources.
- True
Access packages can include a variety of resources such as applications, groups, and SharePoint sites.
In which Azure AD service are access packages configured?
- A) Azure Active Directory Users and Groups
- B) Azure Active Directory B2C
- C) Azure Active Directory Identity Protection
- D) Azure Active Directory Entitlement Management
D
Access packages are configured in Azure Active Directory Entitlement Management, a service within Azure AD.
Which policy type must be configured in an access package for external users to request access?
- A) Sharing policy
- B) Assignment policy
- C) Access review policy
- D) External access policy
B
An assignment policy must be set within an access package to manage how users, including external users, request and gain access.
True or False: Access reviews can be used to automatically review and revoke access granted through access packages.
- True
Access reviews can be set up within an access package to periodically verify the necessity of access and revoke it if it’s no longer needed.
True or False: Once created, access packages can’t be modified.
- False
Access packages can be modified after creation to update included resources, policies, or assignees.
What is required for a user to request an access package?
- A) The user must already have access to all resources in the package.
- B) The user must have global administrator privileges.
- C) The user must be assigned an assignment policy in the access package.
- D) The user must create a new access package.
C
A user needs to be assigned an assignment policy within the access package to request it.
True or False: Access packages are part of the Azure AD Premium P2 feature set.
- True
Access packages are a feature of Azure AD Identity Governance, which is included in the Azure AD Premium P2 tier.
Which one of the following is NOT a valid lifecycle stage for an access package request?
- A) Delivered
- B) Pending Approval
- C) In Review
- D) Expired
C
While “Delivered,” “Pending Approval,” and “Expired” are valid lifecycle stages for an access package request, “In Review” is not a designated lifecycle stage in this context.
True or False: Access packages can enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) as part of the assignment policy.
- True
An assignment policy within an access package can indeed enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for users requesting access.
Which Azure role is required to manage access packages in Azure AD?
- A) User administrator
- B) Cloud application administrator
- C) Global administrator
- D) Identity Governance administrator
D
The Identity Governance administrator role is specifically created for managing governance features, including access packages, within Azure AD.
True or False: To create an access package, you must also create a catalog to contain it.
- True
Access packages are organized within catalogs, and you must create a catalog before or while you create an access package.
Interview Questions
What are access packages in Azure Active Directory?
Access packages are collections of entitlements that can be assigned to users.
What is the purpose of access packages in entitlement management?
The purpose of access packages in entitlement management is to simplify the process of managing user access, making it easier to assign and revoke entitlements in a consistent and efficient manner.
How do you create an access package in Azure Active Directory?
To create an access package in Azure Active Directory, you need to sign in to Azure Active Directory, navigate to Entitlement Management, click on Access Packages, and then click on New Access Package.
What types of entitlements can be included in an access package?
Entitlements that can be included in an access package include applications, groups, or other resources.
What are access policies in relation to access packages?
Access policies define who can approve access requests and under what circumstances, and are associated with an access package.
How can access packages help with compliance?
By managing access to resources in a consistent and auditable manner, access packages can help improve compliance with regulatory requirements.
Can access packages provide granular entitlements?
Yes, access packages can be configured to provide granular entitlements, ensuring that users have only the access they need to perform their jobs and nothing more.
Can access packages be automated?
Yes, access packages can be automated using PowerShell or other tools, making it easier to manage large numbers of entitlements.
How do access packages simplify entitlement management?
Access packages simplify entitlement management by grouping entitlements together and making it easier to assign and revoke entitlements in a consistent and efficient manner.
How can organizations benefit from using access packages in Azure Active Directory?
Organizations can benefit from using access packages in Azure Active Directory by simplifying entitlement management, improving compliance with regulatory requirements, and providing granular entitlements.
What is the first step in creating an access package in Azure Active Directory?
The first step in creating an access package in Azure Active Directory is to sign in to Azure Active Directory and navigate to Entitlement Management.
What types of entitlements can be included in an access package?
Entitlements that can be included in an access package include applications, groups, or other resources.
What is the purpose of access policies in relation to access packages?
The purpose of access policies in relation to access packages is to define who can approve access requests and under what circumstances.
Can access packages be customized after they are created?
Yes, access packages can be customized after they are created by adding or removing entitlements, updating access policies, or changing other settings as needed.
How do access packages help organizations manage user access more efficiently?
Access packages help organizations manage user access more efficiently by simplifying entitlement management and making it easier to assign and revoke entitlements in a consistent manner.
This blog really helped me understand access packages for SC-300 certification!
I found it confusing to configure the policies for the access packages. Any tips?
You should start with defining clear and distinct policies for each type of access package. Grouping similar permissions can make it easier to manage.
Agreed! Also, ensure you use descriptive names for each policy to avoid confusion later.
Is there a way to automate the assignment of access packages to new users?
Yes, you can use Azure AD dynamic groups to automate this. Set the criteria for the group, and users who match the criteria will automatically get the access package.
Had issues with the guest users’ access configuration. Anyone else faced this?
Yes, make sure to configure the right external collaboration settings under Azure AD. Misconfigurations there could be causing your issue.
Thanks for the detailed guide on access packages!
Why would you prefer access packages over traditional role assignments?
Access packages provide more granular control and easier auditing. Roles can be too broad sometimes for specific needs.
Also, access packages can incorporate just-in-time access, which improves security.
Any advice on lifecycle management for access packages?
Enable the access reviews for your packages. This will help you keep track of who should still have access and revoke access for those who don’t need it anymore.
The blog missed out on some advanced configurations. Could have been better.