What is Conditional Access in Microsoft 365?

Conditional Access in Microsoft 365 is a security feature in Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) that enables organizations to enforce policies based on specific conditions. It ensures that only the right users, devices, and apps access company resources under predefined rules.

How Conditional Access Works

Conditional Access policies are triggered by specific signals, such as:

1. User or Group Membership:Policies targeting specific users or groups.
2. Location:Restrict or allow access based on geographic locations.
3. Device State: Enforce compliance by checking if a device is managed or secure.
4. App: Apply policies to specific cloud apps.
5. Risk Level: Block or allow access based on sign-in risk detected by Azure AD Identity Protection.

Actions Taken:

1. Allow Access: May require multi-factor authentication (MFA) or a compliant device.
2. Block Access: Deny access if conditions are not met.

Common Use Cases

1. Secure Remote Work: Require MFA for users signing in from untrusted locations.
2. Protect Sensitive Data: Restrict access to applications containing confidential information.
3. Control BYOD Access Allow access only from managed or compliant devices.

Benefits of Conditional Access

• Enhanced Security: Adds an extra layer of protection by evaluating context-specific risks.
• Granular Control: Tailor policies to meet organizational requirements
• Improved Productivity: Balance security with seamless access for trusted users and devices.

Conditional Access is a cornerstone of Microsoft 365 security, ensuring the right people have the right access, under the right conditions

Explore More

• Configuring Conditional Access Policy Using Intune Admin Center in Microsoft 365
• Fetch Conditional Access Policies Using Graph PowerShell