1. Azure directory services
In this lesson we will discuss Azure directory services.
2. Directory services
Active Directory is a conventional tool for managing identity and permissions in on-premises Windows based environments.
Microsoft Entra ID is its cloud counterpart; a more straightforward, simplified, and user-friendly online version.
3. Active Directory (AD)
Active Directory, or AD, acts as an address book for an organization's digital assets, organizing and storing information about users, computers, and resources.
It operates as a centralized identification service for users and computers while managing access to company resources.
4. Active Directory (AD)
Think of it like a key card access system for an office building, where only employees with such card can enter.
Similarly, in Active Directory, only authorized users and computers can access the organization's resources and files.
Permissions are granted based on roles, mirroring how employees have access in specific building areas limited to their roles.
This permission structure ensures that users can only access resources they are allowed to.
5. AD structure
Active Directory categorizes users as individuals and computers as devices within the network.
Groups unite users or computers with shared characteristics or permissions, and groups can be nested.
AD objects are collectively referred to as entities, each possessing distinct characteristics and properties based on their entity type, such as user, computer, or group.
6. Azure directory services
Azure directory services are cloud-based tools for managing user identities and access.
They support secure access to applications and resources, playing a key role in authentication, authorization, and identity management in both Azure and hybrid environments.
Microsoft Entra ID is the main feature of Azure directory services.
7. Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Entra ID serves as a master key for the Azure cloud environment, simplifying online experience with a single set of login credentials for services like email, file storage and other cloud resources.
It prioritizes convenience, eliminating the need to remember multiple usernames and passwords for various Microsoft cloud platforms.
8. Microsoft Entra ID use cases
Microsoft Entra ID offers key services like:
Authentication, to verify identity for accessing applications, with features like multi-factor authentication, which we will look at later on.
Single Sign-On (SSO), to remember one username and password for multiple applications and platforms, simplifying the security model.
Application management for both cloud and on-premises apps.
Device management and access policies for enhanced security.
9. External identities
Microsoft Entra ID improves collaboration using external identities (individuals or devices outside your organization) to access resources without creating additional user accounts.
This is particularly beneficial when working with external partners, consultants, or suppliers, as it simplifies resource access without the need for new user accounts.
10. Hybrid environments
A hybrid environment refers to a computing infrastructure that combines elements of both on-premises (traditional, local data centers) and cloud-based services.
This approach provides the ability to leverage the benefits of both on-premises and cloud solutions based on specific needs and requirements.
It also allows businesses to transition gradually to the cloud while maintaining certain aspects of their infrastructure on-premises.
11. Hybrid environments
In a hybrid setup, Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID can work together to share information about users, computers, groups, and their properties.
This synchronization enables access to resources in both cloud and local networks.
12. Hybrid environments
Think of it as having multiple office branches.
Employees are recognized across all branches, and their access to certain facilities in each branch is allowed even though they are different buildings.
Much like accessing various buildings within a company, Active Directory and Entra ID function together to enable access across both cloud and on-premises environments.
13. Conclusion
Microsoft Entra ID is essential for efficient and secure identity and access management in the cloud.
Without it, organizations would deal with disorganized authentication, resulting in a confusing user experience and increased security risks.
Microsoft Entra ID simplifies this by providing a unified set of credentials for accessing various resources, making it easier for users, and ensuring consistent security measures.
Without it, organizations may find it challenging to efficiently revoke access and adjust permissions, increasing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
14. Let's practice!
Let's review our understanding of the fundamentals of Azure directory services!