A thorough explanation of Microsoft Entra ID integration

What is Microsoft Entra ID? Name change from Azure AD

Microsoft Entra ID, formerly known as Azure AD, is an integrated identity management service with new features and enhanced security.

The service, previously known as Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), has been renamed and integrated into the Microsoft Entra lineup. The name change not only makes the user interface easier to understand, but also adds a new screen layout and expanded compliance features. It has evolved into an even easier-to-use service for unifying the management of cloud and on-premise environments.

Along with the name change, the administrator portal and authentication method settings have also been gradually updated. Companies that already use Azure AD can take advantage of the additional features while maintaining their existing directory synchronization and authentication settings. This high level of flexibility is another major attraction of Microsoft Entra ID.

New and enhanced features for Microsoft Entra ID

Since being rebranded as Microsoft Entra ID, more advanced multi-factor authentication and conditional access have been strengthened, increasing security options. The management portal UI has also been revamped, making policy settings and license assignment intuitive and easy. Furthermore, operational monitoring functions have been enhanced, and a number of features have been added to support secure operations, such as log-based alert settings and risk-based access control.

Difference Between Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra ID is a cloud-oriented service that differs significantly from traditional Active Directory in terms of operational design and functionality.

The on-premise version of Active Directory is a directory service based on a domain controller, and is designed primarily for authentication within internal networks and Windows environments. On the other hand, Microsoft Entra ID is designed for the cloud, offers excellent accessibility over the internet, and allows for smooth integration with multiple SaaS and web applications. For companies that operate in a hybrid environment, combining the two is a realistic option.

Microsoft Entra ID, in particular, is unique in that it offers a wide range of features suited to mobile environments and remote work, such as synchronizing user and group information to the cloud, single sign-on (SSO), and applying access control policies. Centralized management not only improves the user experience, but also unifies security levels and simplifies operational management. It's a good idea to understand the functional differences with on-premises Active Directory before choosing a hybrid configuration or a full cloud migration as needed.

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Differences in directory management and authentication methods

On-premises Active Directory is based on Windows-based operations, with a focus on clients joined to the domain. Microsoft Entra ID, on the other hand, supports a variety of protocols, including OAuth, OpenID Connect, and SAML, allowing for flexible cloud-based authentication. Microsoft Entra ID's wide range of protocol support is extremely useful when you want integrated management across multiple environments and devices.

Important points to note when connecting to an on-premise environment

When implementing a hybrid configuration, it is essential to accurately configure directory synchronization using Azure AD Connect and confirm network requirements. Duplicate user information between on-premises AD and Microsoft Entra ID, as well as delays in synchronization timing, can easily lead to security risks and login errors. It is also important to understand communication requirements, such as VPN and firewall settings, in advance and design a system to ensure smooth integration.

Key features of Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra ID offers a variety of features that are useful for daily operations, including advanced authentication and SSO.

One of the major features of Microsoft Entra ID is its ability to achieve SSO with Office 365 and other SaaS services commonly used by businesses. Managing different authentication information for each application can pose challenges in terms of both user convenience and security, but by using Microsoft Entra ID, you can manage it centrally. Furthermore, by combining it with multi-factor authentication and conditional access, you can ensure a higher level of security.

It also has an application proxy function for integrating with on-premise applications, enabling secure, serverless access to internal applications. This allows for flexible support for modern work styles where remote work is the norm, while minimising unauthorized access. These integrated ID management functions contribute to improving productivity and ensuring security in an increasingly diverse IT environment.

Single Sign-On (SSO) and SAML Authentication

SSO has the advantage of simplifying password management for users and eliminating the hassle of logging in for companies that use a large number of applications. Another attractive feature is that SAML authentication can be used to provide a consistent authentication experience regardless of whether the application is on-premise or cloud-based. Utilizing these features eliminates the need to enter credentials for each application, significantly reducing the support burden on administrators.

MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) and Conditional Access

Introducing MFA can significantly reduce the risk of password leaks and unauthorized logins. When combined with conditional access, Microsoft Entra ID allows you to flexibly set authentication strength according to the device, network, and user situation from which the access originates. This allows you to implement strict access control while striking a good balance between convenience and security.

On-premise integration via Application Proxy

Application proxy is a feature that allows secure external access to web applications in on-premise environments without publishing them directly to the cloud. Because an agent is placed on-premise and communication takes place via an HTTPS tunnel, VPN configuration is unnecessary or minimal. It is a very useful method for securely publishing resources in a hybrid cloud and on-premise environment.

Benefits of Microsoft Entra ID

There are many benefits to implementing Microsoft Entra ID, including reduced implementation costs, operational flexibility, and enhanced security.

A major advantage of using cloud-based services is that they reduce on-premises hardware management and maintenance costs. Furthermore, by using Azure AD Connect and other tools, a hybrid approach is possible, allowing you to gradually migrate to the cloud while still utilizing your existing Active Directory environment. This allows for a flexible operational model that allows you to gradually incorporate only the functions you need while keeping initial implementation costs down.

From a security perspective, features such as multi-factor authentication and conditional access can reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Furthermore, by establishing a centralized management system, it becomes easier to change IDs and grant or revoke privileges, making it possible to thoroughly enforce security policies. These measures will also contribute to business efficiency and will be a factor in improving the cost performance of the entire company.

Cost and operational benefits

By utilizing a cloud infrastructure, you can significantly reduce the operational burden of server management and other aspects. In addition, because license management is centralized, operations such as introducing additional users and changing editions can be done smoothly. Another major benefit is that the subscription model allows you to use only what you need, allowing you to optimally allocate your IT budget.

Strengthened security and operational efficiency

By implementing multi-factor authentication and conditional access, cyber risks, including unauthorized logins, can be significantly reduced. Since permission management is centralized, users can be added and deleted centrally, greatly improving the efficiency of system operations. These efforts will stabilize security levels and allow on-site operations to proceed smoothly.

Steps to migrate from on-premise AD to Microsoft Entra ID

When migrating from on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID, advance preparations such as building a hybrid configuration and policy migration procedures are important.

Migrating from on-premises AD to Microsoft Entra ID begins with a thorough assessment of your current AD environment, identifying the number of users, group structure, access requirements, and other factors. Using this information, you can determine whether hybrid or fully cloud deployment is more appropriate. At the same time, you should also review the licenses and network settings required for the migration, and proceed with the plan on a reasonable schedule.

After the migration, it's important to regularly monitor the status of directory synchronization and the scope of policy application, and to establish a system for early detection of problems. When introducing enhanced features such as multi-factor authentication and conditional access, launching them in stages while also considering user convenience will help prevent confusion. It's best to gradually increase the security level, with a view to continuous operational improvement.

Step 1: Prepare for hybrid configuration

First, prepare tools such as Azure AD Connect to set up the environment required to integrate your on-premises AD with Microsoft Entra ID. It's important to carefully check that your domain controller configuration and name resolution settings are correct, including DNS operation. From a network security perspective, check your access routes to Azure and firewall settings to ensure traffic can pass through.

Step 2: Configure application migration and directory synchronization

Enable directory synchronization with the installed Azure AD Connect and integrate on-premises user and group information with Microsoft Entra ID. If necessary, register applications and configure federation settings to accompany the switch to the cloud, and reconstruct the access control mechanism. Once synchronization is complete, perform a sign-on test to verify that users are authenticated on the cloud side without any problems.

Step 3: Policy settings and security enhancements

After migration, you can further enhance security by considering conditional access and MFA settings and implementing risk-based access control. Setting flexible policies, such as requiring multi-factor authentication for specific applications, ensures safety while maintaining operational efficiency. It's also important to regularly check activity reports and establish a system that allows you to take prompt action if any abnormalities are detected.

Specific steps for setting up Microsoft Entra ID integration

We will introduce the registration process and group settings required when linking Microsoft Entra ID with an application.

To centrally manage various SaaS and internal applications, the first step is to properly register the applications on Microsoft Entra ID. Rather than setting up user accounts and permissions individually, you can efficiently manage them by utilizing group management. Furthermore, by configuring SAML integration, you can create a more secure and convenient authentication environment.

To prepare for any potential problems, it is important to regularly check the integrity of federation metadata and the expiration date of authentication certificates. In actual operation, there are ongoing tasks such as responding to user connection errors and updating policy settings. Even in such situations, administrators need to constantly monitor the federation status by utilizing operational monitoring functions and logs so that they can detect problems early and take prompt action.

Registering your application and setting the identifier

By registering your application with Microsoft Entra ID, you will be assigned identification information such as an object ID and application ID, making it easier to manage the integration. The registration procedure involves adding a new application from the management portal and configuring settings such as the redirect URI and sign-on URL. Registering these items correctly will ensure smooth SSO and token issuance.

How to grant group and user permissions

In large organizations, managing user permissions individually increases the workload. By using groups and assigning roles, you can automatically grant permissions to members, making management more efficient. When users are transferred or leave the company, you can remove them all at once by simply removing them from the group, reducing security risks.

Checking federation metadata required for SAML integration

When using SAML, you need to download federation metadata from the IdP (Identity Provider) and import it on the SP (Service Provider) side. Checking that the certificate and endpoint information in the metadata is correct and managing expiration dates appropriately can prevent authentication errors. Setting it up to automatically notify you when the renewal date is approaching can significantly reduce operational burden.

Troubleshooting Tips

If a federation or authentication information inconsistency occurs, the first step is to check the sign-in log on the Microsoft Entra ID portal and analyze the error code. There are many possible causes, such as misconfiguration or expired certificates, but the logs and messages provide clues for taking corrective action. By establishing a continuous monitoring system, performing regular operational tests, and preparing for failover, you can prevent problems before they occur.

Microsoft Entra ID integration with HULFT Square

​HULFT Square, an iPaaS provided by Saison Technology, allows you to build data flows that incorporate integration with Microsoft Entra ID, efficiently developing, operating, and automating processes such as user management, security event monitoring, and data integration with business applications.

HULFT Square also offers Microsoft Entra ID integration as an application. An application is a feature that provides pre-created data integration scripts as a package that is easy to reuse. Scripts copied from the application can be customized to shorten connection verification times and simplify flow creation.

summary

As companies increasingly use the cloud, Microsoft Entra ID integration is essential for achieving both security and convenience. Learn about the benefits and key configuration points to efficiently implement it.

Microsoft Entra ID is a service that offers the scalability and convenience of the cloud, not available with traditional Active Directory, and can flexibly meet strict security requirements. By utilizing directory synchronization and application proxy functions with Azure AD Connect, you can seamlessly integrate your on-premises environment with cloud services. By selecting the appropriate edition and configuring policies, you can simultaneously reduce operational costs and improve security levels.

The person who wrote the article

Affiliation: Marketing Department

Yoko Tsushima

After joining Appresso (now Saison Technology), he worked as a technical sales representative, in charge of technical sales, training, and technical events. After leaving the company to return to his hometown, he rejoined the company in April 2023 under the remote work system. After gaining experience in the product planning department, he is currently in charge of creating digital content in the marketing department.
(Affiliations are as of the time of publication)

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