In this blog we will cover Microsoft Entra ID Protection can be effectively used to detect, investigate, and remediate risky activities. The blog outlines the platform's features, including real-time threat detection, AI-driven risk analysis, and tools for managing Conditional Access policies and authentication strategies, offering valuable insights for proactive identity security management.
The rise in cyberattacks
Cyberattacks continue to escalate at an alarming rate, posing significant threats to organizations and individuals alike. While technological advancements have transformed how we work and interact, these innovations also open avenues for exploitation. Threats can emerge unexpectedly, often disguised as trusted entities such as colleagues, potential business partners, or financial representatives, making vigilance and risk mitigation strategies essential.
To gain some insight into planning and implementing a strategy let’s put ourselves in the shoes of Alex Meyers, a Systems administrator. As a systems administrator, Alex received an alert signaling an unusual spike in failed login attempts across multiple accounts. Concerned about potential credential compromise, Alex accessed Microsoft Entra ID Protection to perform critical checks. Using the dashboard, Alex began by reviewing the latest risky detections, which highlighted several unfamiliar IP addresses originating from different geographic regions attempting to access sensitive accounts. Alex quickly cross-referenced these findings with the list of risky sign-ins to identify patterns in login behaviors, such as anomalous locations or atypical device activity.
What is Microsoft Identity Protection?
Alex mentioned using Microsoft Entra ID Protection to monitor and address multiple login attempts from various credentials across the company. This platform helps detect, investigate, and remediate risky users, manage Conditional Access policies, Authentication policies, password resets, create Custom security attributes, and monitor Risky activities. Listed below is a short summation of its’ capabilities.
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Detect
- Microsoft automatically updates its security systems to spot new threats. Identity Protection uses real-time signals, threat intelligence, and AI to detect suspicious activities across user accounts and sign-ins without needing manual updates from administrators.
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Investigate
- After risky activity is detected, admins review details to decide if there’s a real threat. Investigation focuses on three areas:
- Risky detections: Alerts based on unusual or suspicious behavior, like strange locations, anonymous IPs, or leaked passwords
- Risky sign-ins: Specific login attempts that look suspicious — for example, someone logging in from two countries within minutes.
- Risky users: Users flagged as high-risk because their accounts show signs of compromise, based on multiple risky activities.
- After risky activity is detected, admins review details to decide if there’s a real threat. Investigation focuses on three areas:
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Remediate
- Once risks are investigated, admins take action to protect the organization. This can happen in two ways:
- Manual Remediation: Admins personally review risky accounts and decide whether to block access, reset passwords, or dismiss false alarms.
- Automatic Remediation: Organizations set up policies so risky sign-ins or users are handled automatically — for example, forcing a password change if a high-risk event is detected.
- Once risks are investigated, admins take action to protect the organization. This can happen in two ways:
Administrative Access to Microsoft Entra ID Protection
It is essential to recognize that specific administrative roles are required to access certain features and functionalities within the system. Below is a comprehensive list of the necessary roles. For further details regarding restrictions and permissions, please refer to the link provided: What is Microsoft Entra ID Protection? - Microsoft Entra ID Protection | Microsoft Learn.
Administrator Roles Necessary
- Security Administrator
- Security Operator
- Security Reader
- Global Reader
- User Administrator
Building on the understanding of Microsoft Entra ID Protection, let’s delve into the capabilities offered by the Microsoft Entra ID Protection Dashboard.
Observing Microsoft Entra ID Protection Dashboard
The Microsoft Entra ID Protection Dashboard offers a robust set of features that empower administrators to monitor and mitigate identity risks effectively. Key functionalities include:
- Risk Detection: Provides insights into sign-in risks and user risks, enabling proactive identification of vulnerabilities.
- Policy Customization: Allows configuration of conditional access policies based on detected risks to strengthen security measures.
- Real-Time Alerts: Sends prompt notifications about suspicious activities and potential threats for immediate action.
- Detailed Reporting: Offers comprehensive risk analysis reports to support decision-making and enhance audit trails.
- Integration Capability: Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft solutions for a unified security ecosystem.
The dashboard helps you stay on track with notifications, reports, and monitoring risks. Now let’s take a look at Risk-Based Conditional Policies.
Risk-Based Conditional Policies
Risk-Based Conditional Access Policies are a cornerstone of Microsoft Entra ID Protection, enabling administrators to enforce tailored security measures based on detected identity risks. These policies leverage real-time risk assessments to dynamically adjust access controls, ensuring that organizational resources remain protected without compromising user productivity.
To better understand Risk-Based Conditional Access Policies, it’s vital to explore the two primary types of conditions they incorporate: Sign-In Risk and User Risk.
Sign-In Risk
Sign-In Risk refers to the likelihood that a specific authentication attempt may be compromised. This could stem from unusual activity patterns, such as sign-ins from unfamiliar locations, the use of flagged devices, or anomalous behaviors detected during login attempts. For example, if a sign-in originates from a geography that the user has never accessed before, or from an IP address associated with malicious activity, the system flags this as a potential risk.
A practical use case: Consider an employee attempting to log in from an uncharacteristic region while traveling. The Sign-In Risk policy might prompt additional authentication factors, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), before granting access. This ensures that even if malicious actors have acquired login credentials, they cannot bypass the elevated security measures.
User Risk
User Risk, on the other hand, evaluates the broader likelihood that a user’s account may have been compromised. Indicators include flagged activities over time, such as repeated failed login attempts, phishing detections, or indications that credentials may have been leaked online. The focus is less on individual sign-ins and more on the overall security profile of the user.
A practical use case: Suppose a user’s account is suspected of being compromised due to credential leaks found on the dark web. In this scenario, the User Risk policy might immediately block access and require the user to reset their password and complete a thorough identity verification process. This proactive approach ensures minimal exposure to sensitive data.
Comparison of Sign-In Risk and User Risk
While both Sign-In Risk and User Risk pivot on identifying and mitigating threats, their scopes differ. Sign-In Risk targets anomalies in specific authentication attempts, making it ideal for addressing situational threats. In contrast, User Risk evaluates the overall security of a user’s account, focusing on cumulative and ongoing risk trends. Together, these conditions provide a layered defense against identity threats. By integrating these policies, Microsoft Entra ID Protection empowers organizations to safeguard their assets while maintaining operational continuity.
With Risk-Based Conditional Access Policies as a dynamic shield against evolving threats, administrators can enforce both situational and comprehensive safeguards that adapt to modern digital environments.
Conclusion
In summary, Microsoft Entra ID Protection emerges as a powerful and versatile solution for identifying and mitigating security risks. By leveraging advanced tools and policies, administrators can detect anomalies, evaluate risk factors, and implement tailored safeguards. Whether addressing specific incidents like unusual sign-ins or assessing broader patterns of user behavior, these capabilities ensure a proactive and dynamic approach to securing digital assets. For those eager to explore the full potential of Microsoft Entra ID Protection, the links below provide a gateway to deeper insights and comprehensive documentation.
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