How to Setup Azure Multi Factor Authentication (MFA). Multi-factor authentication is how multiple systems verify a user’s access to an application.
For Azure clients, multi factor authentication provides improved security. Allows the client to decide whether they want to use multiple systems of credentials to grant users access to the applications.
Well, Azure clients protect on-premise and cloud directories with multi factor authentication as well. In this process, the user first signs in with the username and password. The credentials are then verified, and if the automated call authentication is activated, the user receives a call and is asked to confirm the sign in attempt.
Shall we start with How to Setup Azure Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)
What is Azure Multi Factor Authentication?
(MFA) is a security solution that demands multiple forms of identification from users before allowing them to log in or conduct any transactions. In turn, it makes it more challenging for an unauthorized user to access a target. If one of the factors is weak, there is still at least one more security measure the attacker needs to get past to gain access.
One of the most popular MFA methods is OTP. A one-time password token (OTP token) is a security hardware device or software program capable of producing a single use password or PIN passcode.
But why use Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) with Azure AD? Most organizations must secure cloud identities with a second authentication factor like Azure Multi Factor Authentication (MFA). It is essential to ensure safe access to data and applications.
With Azure Multi Factor Authentication (MFA), users sign in to their Azure Active Directory (AD) account using their credentials. They then must authenticate via a verification method such as; a phone call, text message, or mobile app verification. However, it is essential to note that Multi factor authentication is an available feature in Azure AD Premium licenses. Hence, it is not available without a premium license.
Multi factor authentication’s layered approach to security is what makes it secure. For attackers, it is tough to compromise several authentication factors.
Azure Multi Factor Authentication satisfies user demand for an easy sign in procedure while helping to secure access to data and applications. It delivers strong authentication through various verification options and third party OATH tokens. In addition, it adds additional security by requiring a second form of authentication.
How to Setup Azure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
What’s excellent about Azure MFA is that it’s straightforward to set up. Already enabled in your environment. Please follow the steps below how to configure and set up Azure Multi Factor Authentication.
Step 1
Go to the Azure portal, then click “Users” on the Azure Active Directory blade.
We must first establish a sample used to demonstrate how to use multi factor authentication in this guide. Select “New User“
Step 2
Input the username. For this tutorial, we’ll call this user “MFA_User” with a default role.
Step 3
Once the account is created, enable MFA for this user by clicking “Multi-Factor Authentication.”
A new Window appears, select this new user, and then enable MFA from the right hand panel.
Step 4
New pop up opens, click on “Enable Multi Factor Authentication.”
Then wait for confirmation.
Confirm if MFA has been enabled in the web interface:
Step 5
Set up the Microsoft Authenticator App on your smartphone. Look up “Microsoft Authenticator” on the app store.
Wait for the confirmation. Once the installation is completed, click on open and click on “Add” to register your first account.
Step 6
Click on “Work or school account.” Then go back to your PC and log into “https://myapps.microsoft.com.”
Step 7
Here, you must select “Mobile App” and select the second option.
Then it shows a QR code you need to scan using your smartphone App. The QR code is instantly renewed after 30 seconds.
Step 8
Go back to your browser and complete the process by clicking “save.”
However, if you lost your smartphone or just uninstalled the app, then you could still have access using your phone number. So, please type your phone number at this step to verify it. And that would be all. Once the process completes, it will log you into the account.
Step 9
After checking your access, open a new browser and try to log in to “https://myapps.microsoft.com” with this user.
How to Enable Azure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for All users
So we’ve described how to enable Azure MFA for a single user, but also use a conditional access policy to enable MFA for all users automatically. The following are the steps taken to make Azure MFA for all users:
Step 1: First, sign in to the Azure portal using a global administrator account.
Browse Azure Active Directory, Conditional access, and select “New policy.” Here, we will create a policy based on multiple criteria.
Step 2: Next, enter a friendly name for this policy. Then, select to which users the policy applies. Be careful not to lock yourself if you choose “All users.” Recommended to test a method on a small group of users initially to make sure it functions as intended.
Step 3: Choose which Apps comply with the policy here.
Now, adjust the conditions by allowing specific devices, e.g., Windows or iOS, from an exact location, with a particular client app (e.g., a web browser).
Step 4: Next, require the MFA authentication.
Step 5: Finally, confirm if the policy is enabled.
Note: You can automate this process through Windows PowerShell instead of going through these steps.
How to Setup Azure Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) Conclusion
Thanks to Azure Multi Factor Authentication, you secure access to data and applications. Azure Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of many answers, there are many solutions we can deploy, but it is straightforward to use.
When it comes to information security, the MFA plays a crucial role. Protects information from possible hacks, keeps an eye on employee accounts, and scares hackers away. In addition, even though their login credentials are leaked by accident, it still protects users.
Now that we have thoroughly examined the Azure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) concept, its benefits, and how it operates, you start setting up and using Azure Multi Factor Authentication on your own.
