Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is a cloud-based identity and access management service that helps you manage user identities and create access policies to protect your resources. Administrative accounts in Azure AD allow you to manage and secure resources in the cloud. Whether you have one resource or one hundred, Azure AD simplifies administration and enhances your security posture.
Azure AD offers a seamless way to manage and secure administrative accounts. It solves the problems of on-premises administration by providing simplified management and enhanced security through features such as Azure AD Roles and Permissions, Privileged Identity Management, Conditional Access Policies, and Multi-factor Authentication.
Benefits of moving to Cloud-only Administrative Accounts
Administrative accounts are essential for managing user accounts and protecting against various cyber threats. They provide access to sensitive information and systems that require heightened security. Therefore, it is essential to have secure administrative accounts to maintain the safety and integrity of company data.
In the past, on-premises administration was the norm. However, it has been proven to be challenging to manage, secure, and scale as organizations continue to grow. The on-premises infrastructure requires large investments in hardware, software and operations, which increases costs. Managing on-premises infrastructure is time-consuming and demanding, taking away valuable time from critical business operations.
- Increased Security
With cloud-only Administrative accounts, businesses gain access to Microsoft’s enterprise-grade security infrastructure. Azure AD provides identity and access management, and role-based access control, which gives administrators granular access control over the company’s resources, thus ensuring that only authorized personnel access sensitive information - Reduced Costs
Cloud-only administrative accounts offer cost advantages by reducing the dependence on physical hardware infrastructure while giving businesses greater flexibility to scale their operations. The reduced infrastructure investments enable businesses to redirect resources to their core competencies. - Simplified Management
Administration is simplified with Azure AD since it provides a single console for managing administrative accounts, applications, and policies across hybrid environments. It ensures that businesses have better visibility and control over their resources, which helps with regulatory compliance. - Improved User Experience
Azure AD provides businesses with a straightforward and streamlined process, which makes it easier for users to access company resources. The simplified registration, sign-in, and password reset process ensures that users do not experience unnecessary delays or complications while accessing their accounts
Features of Cloud-only Administrative Accounts
Cloud-only administrative accounts provide several benefits to organizations, including increased security, reduced costs, simplified management, and improved user experience. The features of Azure AD make it easier for administrators to manage their administrative accounts, increase visibility and control over resources while maintaining regulatory compliance.
When it comes to cloud-only administrative accounts in Azure AD, there are various features that set it apart from on-premises administration. These features include Azure AD Roles and Permissions, Privileged Identity Management, Conditional Access Policies, and Multi-factor Authentication.
- Azure AD Roles and Permissions
Azure AD roles and permissions give administrators fine-grained access control over Azure resources and other cloud services. - Privileged Identity Management
Privileged Identity Management offers just-in-time access to privileged roles. Privileged roles are only provided when needed, ensuring greater security and reduced risk. - Conditional Access Policies
Conditional Access Policies provides administrators with the ability to enforce access controls based on the user’s device’s risk profile, location, and application of the access request. - Multi-factor Authentication
Multi-factor Authentication(MFA) is an essential security feature provided by Azure AD that goes beyond the traditional username and password combination. It helps protect against data breaches caused by account phishing, password reuse, and other common attack vectors. - Auditing
Azure Active Directory monitors the sign-ins and with some alerts you can be aware of what is happening with those accounts.
Best Practices for Cloud-only Administrative Accounts
When it comes to managing administrative accounts in Azure AD, some best practices can make all the difference. Regularly reviewing assigned access can help ensure that permissions are only given to those who need them, while applying the principle of least privilege can limit potential damage if those permissions are ever abused. These practices may seem like common sense, but many organizations fail to implement them properly. Take the time to set up and follow best practices for managing your administrative accounts in Azure AD.
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