Tutorial / Cram Notes
Understanding Conditional Access
Conditional Access is a tool used by Azure Active Directory to bring signals together, to make decisions, and to enforce organizational policies. Conditional Access policies are if-then statements; if a user wants to access a resource, then they must complete an action. Examples of signals that can be evaluated include user or group membership, IP location information, device state, applications, and risk detection.
Components of Conditional Access Policies
A Conditional Access policy is established using the following components:
- Assignments: These define the ‘who’ and ‘what’ of a policy:
- Users and groups: The individuals or groups whom the policy will target.
- Cloud apps or actions: The specific applications or user actions to which the policy applies.
- Conditions: These are the signals that are evaluated to trigger the policy. Common conditions include:
- Sign-in risk: An assessment of how likely it is that the sign-in request isn’t legitimate.
- Device platforms: The platform of the device being used (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.)
- Locations: Defined IP address ranges. Policies can differentiate between trusted locations and others.
- Client apps: The types of client apps accessing the resource (browser, mobile, desktop).
- Access controls: These define what happens if the assigned conditions are met:
- Grant: Whether to grant access, and whether that access requires multi-factor authentication (MFA), device compliance, hybrid Azure AD join, or a combination of these.
- Session: Apply policies to session controls, like app enforced restrictions or continuous assessment.
Designing Conditional Access Policies
When designing Conditional Access policies, a structured approach is necessary to ensure security without compromising user productivity. Consider the following best practices:
- Begin with a baseline policy that applies to all users and includes multi-factor authentication.
- Define high-privileged roles within your organization and create policies that apply stricter controls to these accounts.
- Factor in the user experience to ensure that the policy does not hinder productivity. For instance, you could exclude low risk scenarios from MFA.
Example Policies
Here’s a look at some example Conditional Access policies:
| Policy Goal | Assignment (Who and What) | Conditions | Access Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enforce MFA for all users | All users; All cloud apps | Any location | Require MFA |
| Block access from untrusted locations | All users; Select cloud apps | Any location (excluding trusted IPs) | Block access |
| Require compliant devices | All users; All cloud apps | Any location | Require device to be marked as compliant |
| Secure privileged accounts | Admin roles; All cloud apps | Any location | Require MFA and compliant device |
Implementation and Testing
Before rolling out a Conditional Access policy, it’s essential to thoroughly test it to ensure it doesn’t disrupt the normal business workflow. Microsoft provides a “What If” tool within Azure AD to simulate the policy’s impact. The report details which policies will apply in a given scenario, helping admins to tweak their policies before deployment. It is recommended to start with pilot users before deploying policies organization-wide.
Monitoring and Reporting
After implementing Conditional Access policies, continuous monitoring is vital to maintain compliance and to respond to any access anomalies promptly. Azure AD offers sign-in and audit logs, which should be reviewed regularly. These logs can alert you to failed sign-in attempts and give insights into user behaviors that may necessitate policy adjustments.
Effectively planning and managing Conditional Access policies is key to maintaining a strong security posture in Microsoft 365 environments. IT professionals preparing for the MS-100 exam should focus on understanding both the theory and practical application of these policies, to design solutions that protect organizational resources while supporting user productivity.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: Conditional Access policies can only be applied to user accounts, not to groups or roles.
- False
Conditional Access policies can be applied to users, groups, and roles to provide granular control over access to resources.
True or False: Conditional Access policies are enforced after the first-factor authentication has been completed.
- True
Conditional Access policies are evaluated after the first-factor authentication is successful and before granting access to a resource.
Which of the following conditions can be used in a Conditional Access policy? (Select all that apply)
- A. User risk level
- B. Sign-in risk level
- C. Time of day
- D. Device health
Answer: A, B, D
User risk level, sign-in risk level, and device health are conditions that can be evaluated in a Conditional Access policy. Time of day is not a standard condition available in Conditional Access.
True or False: Conditional Access policies are only applicable to users within your organization.
- False
Conditional Access policies can also be applied to guest and external users accessing your organization’s resources.
What is required to use Conditional Access policies in Microsoft 365?
- A. Azure AD Premium P1 or P2 license
- B. Office 365 E3 license
- C. Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
- D. Intune subscription
Answer: A
An Azure AD Premium P1 or P2 license is required to use Conditional Access policies.
True or False: You can apply Conditional Access policies to specific applications.
- True
Conditional Access policies can be applied to specific applications to control access at the app level.
What action can you NOT take with a Conditional Access policy?
- A. Require multi-factor authentication
- B. Block access
- C. Force password reset
- D. Limit session access
Answer: C
While Conditional Access policies can require multi-factor authentication, block access, and limit session activities, they cannot force a password reset. Password policy is handled separately.
True or False: Conditional Access policies support location-based conditions, allowing you to restrict access from specific locations.
- True
Conditional Access policies support location-based conditions, enabling you to allow or block access based on the location from which the access attempt is made.
True or False: It is recommended to have a single, complex Conditional Access policy rather than multiple targeted policies.
- False
It’s better to have multiple targeted Conditional Access policies rather than a single complex one to allow for easier management, understanding, and troubleshooting.
Which of the following is NOT typically a signal used to determine access in Conditional Access policies?
- A. User or group membership
- B. IP address
- C. Browser type
- D. Device compliance
Answer: C
While user or group membership, IP address, and device compliance are standard signals in Conditional Access, browser type is not typically used for determining access.
True or False: Once a Conditional Access policy is enabled, it cannot be modified.
- False
Conditional Access policies can be modified after they are enabled. It’s common practice to adjust policies as organizational needs evolve.
What is the minimum role required in Azure AD to manage Conditional Access policies?
- A. Global Administrator
- B. Security Administrator
- C. Conditional Access Administrator
- D. Any of the above
Answer: D
Global Administrators, Security Administrators, and Conditional Access Administrators all have the necessary permissions to manage Conditional Access policies.
Interview Questions
What is a conditional access policy?
A conditional access policy is a set of rules that define the conditions under which a user or device is granted access to a resource.
How do conditional access policies work?
Conditional access policies evaluate a set of conditions that are defined by an organization and then allow or block access to resources based on those conditions.
What are some common use cases for conditional access policies?
Common use cases for conditional access policies include requiring multi-factor authentication, restricting access to certain devices, and requiring users to connect through a corporate VPN.
What are the components of a conditional access policy in Intune?
The components of a conditional access policy in Intune include the target resource, the conditions that must be met, and the actions that are taken when those conditions are met.
How can conditional access policies be configured in Intune?
Conditional access policies can be configured in Intune by creating a new policy and defining the target resource, conditions, and actions.
What types of devices can be targeted with conditional access policies in Intune?
Conditional access policies in Intune can be targeted to Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
How can conditional access policies be tested in Intune?
Conditional access policies can be tested in Intune by using the “What if” feature, which simulates the policy without actually applying it.
What are some best practices for configuring conditional access policies in Intune?
Best practices for configuring conditional access policies in Intune include starting with a pilot group, defining clear policies and requirements, and regularly reviewing and updating policies.
What is the relationship between conditional access policies and compliance policies in Intune?
Conditional access policies and compliance policies in Intune work together to ensure that only compliant devices and users can access organizational resources.
How can conditional access policies help improve security in an organization?
Conditional access policies can help improve security in an organization by ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access sensitive data and systems, and by requiring additional authentication factors or other security measures when appropriate.
This blog post on planning conditional access policies for the MS-100 exam is really helpful. Thanks!
Great insights into conditional access policies. Clear and to the point.
Just a quick question: How do conditional access policies handle guest users in Microsoft 365?
What are the best practices for setting up conditional access policies to secure Microsoft 365 without hampering user experience?
I’m a bit confused about the difference between conditional access and identity protection. Can anyone clarify?
This post came at the right time. I was just about to start studying for the MS-100 exam. Thanks a bunch!
Is there any way to apply conditional access policies to only specific applications within Microsoft 365?
How does excluding trusted locations work in conditional access policies?