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Mastering Microsoft Entra Authentication Contexts - Part 4: Monitoring and Reporting with KQL & M365IdentityPosture
We’ve covered what Authentication Contexts are, why they matter, and how they help us strengthen access and data security in Microsoft 365. Now it’s time to answer the next question - how do we monitor and report on their usage? Unfortunately, there’s no built-in way to gain that visibility today. Neither Entra ID nor Microsoft 365 provides a simple method to inventory or audit Authentication Contexts across our estate including Conditional Access, PIM and Sensitivity labels

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Nov 38 min read


Mastering Microsoft Entra Authentication Contexts - Part 3: Advanced Data Protection
With identities and access strengthened in part 2 , it’s time to turn our focus to real-world data protection with Authentication Contexts. One of the more underused capabilities of Authentication Contexts is their power to secure data across the environment, whether through direct enforcement using Sensitivity Labels or by protecting user sessions via Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps. In this post, we’ll explore exactly that: how to secure organizational data using Authent

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Oct 2010 min read


Mastering Microsoft Entra Authentication Contexts – Part 2: Real-World Access & Action Controls
In Part 1 of this mini-series, we explored the what, why, and how of Microsoft Entra Authentication Contexts, laying the foundation for what they are and how they work. In this second part, we’ll build on that foundation with real-world examples of how Authentication Contexts can secure user access and critical actions. Along the way, we’ll walk through configurations, share recommendations, and look at the Conditional Access policies that tie it all together. So, let’s dive

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Sep 298 min read


Mastering Microsoft Entra Authentication Contexts – Part 1: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Use Them
Over my last few posts, I’ve casually mentioned Authentication Context a few times, so I thought it was about time we gave the feature a proper spotlight. Within Microsoft Entra, we sometimes encounter scenarios where we need to enforce specific conditions for certain sub-actions or unique requirements. While Conditional Access can directly enforce conditions in most cases, there are times when it’s trickier — especially if we want to enforce a condition for a single action

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Aug 189 min read


PIMActivation: The Ultimate Tool for Microsoft Entra PIM Bulk Role Activation
Getting annoyed or impatient when activating eligible roles in PIM — especially multiple roles at once? You’re not alone. Today, I’m...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Aug 45 min read


Microsoft Entra Restricted Management Administrative Units: Delegating Control Without Sacrificing Security
Today, I’ll take a closer look at Microsoft Entra Administrative Units (AUs) and Restricted Management Administrative Units (RMAUs)...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Jun 98 min read


Securing Microsoft Business Premium Part 05: Efficient Identity Management for External Users with Microsoft Entra
Managing external users is one of the most tedious—but also critical—challenges in a Microsoft Business Premium environment. With...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
May 269 min read


God Mode with a Timer: Using Logic Apps to Restrict Elevated Access in Entra
In my last post I covered how to monitor the GOD Mode in Azure (Coined by the great John Savill ). While visibility and monitoring are...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Mar 38 min read


Unlocking Microsoft Entra’s Elevated Access Logs: Better Security, Better Insights
Elevating access to manage Azure subscriptions is a valuable tool for administrators, particularly when dealing with unknown or orphaned...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Feb 1813 min read


Your Microsoft Entra Tenant Isn’t as Secure as You Think – Fix It with Protected Actions!
Protecting highly critical configurations in our Entra tenants has never been easier! Join me as we explore Protected Actions in...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Feb 35 min read


Securing Microsoft Business Premium Part 01: The First Step to an Unbreakable Defense
Today kicks off a comprehensive blog series where I’ll delve into the security features of the Business Premium license SKU, offering...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Jan 2719 min read


Mastering Microsoft Azure RBAC & Entra ID Roles: Automated Role Assignment Reporting Across Your Tenant
As the season for audits approaches (though, let’s be honest, auditing should be an all-year-round endeavor), I’m excited to share a...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Jan 617 min read


Microsoft Entra Identity Governance Fundamentals: Access Packages
In this blog post, we’ll be covering the fundamentals of Access Packages in Microsoft Entra—it’s all about getting a solid understanding...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Dec 9, 202412 min read


Microsoft Entra Identity Governance Fundamentals: Access Reviews
Today, we’re exploring a vital feature of Microsoft Entra Identity Governance — Access Reviews . This powerful tool ensures that...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Nov 25, 202411 min read


Microsoft Entra Identity Governance Fundamentals: Privileged Identity Management
As the Conditional Access series wraps up , we’re diving headfirst into a new adventure in Identity Management! Join me as I explore the...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Nov 11, 202418 min read


Microsoft Entra Conditional Access Series (Part 5): Application-Specific Protections
As the countdown for my series draws to a close, there are still a few final points I’d like to explore, and hopefully, you’ll join me...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Nov 4, 20249 min read


Microsoft Entra Conditional Access Series (Part 3): Policies for Non-Human Identities
Today, we’re donning our coolest black shades, pulling on leather jackets, and proudly proclaiming, “We’ll be back!” —for when our...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Oct 20, 20246 min read


Microsoft Entra Conditional Access Series (Part 2): Managing Privileged Identities
Now that we’ve covered the baseline essentials, it’s time to focus our Conditional Access policy deployment a bit more. As I mentioned in...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Oct 17, 20246 min read


Microsoft Entra Conditional Access Series (Part 1): The Essentials
Welcome to Microsoft Entra, where Zero Trust, permissions, and the infamous policy change await. Buckle up—this rabbit hole goes deep!...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Oct 17, 20249 min read


Entra the Matrix: Navigating the Microsoft Authentication Flow Like a Pro
Understanding the authentication flow for Microsoft Entra is essential when working with IAM in a Microsoft environment. Like the...

Sebastian F. Markdanner
Oct 17, 202413 min read
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