Conditional Access & Zero TrustConditional Access Fundamentals

Conditional Access Fundamentals

30 mins

Understanding the Concept

Conditional Access is the Zero Trust policy engine of Microsoft Entra ID. It brings signals together (user, device, location, risk, application) to make real-time access decisions: allow, block, or require additional verification.

Policies follow an if-then model: IF a user matches certain conditions (assignments), THEN enforce specific access controls (grant/session controls). Multiple policies can apply simultaneously, and the most restrictive controls win.

Conditional Access replaces the need for all-or-nothing security approaches. Instead of requiring MFA for every sign-in or blocking all external access, policies can be tailored to specific scenarios based on risk and context.

Key Points

  • Zero Trust engine: Never trust, always verify, every access request
  • Signal-based decisions: User, device, location, app, risk level
  • Assignments: WHO (users/groups), WHAT (apps), WHERE (locations/platforms)
  • Controls: Grant (MFA, compliant device, terms of use) or Block
  • Session controls: App-enforced restrictions, sign-in frequency, persistent browser

Conditional Access Policy Evaluation

Step 1

Signals

User, device, location, app, real-time risk detected

Step 2

Assignments

Policy checks: does this user/app/condition match?

Step 3

Evaluation

All matching policies combined, most restrictive wins

Step 4

Decision

Allow, Block, or Require additional verification

Step 5

Enforcement

Decision enforced at the resource level

Why This Matters in Real Organizations

Conditional Access is the cornerstone of Zero Trust security in Microsoft 365 and Azure. It enables organizations to move from perimeter-based security to identity-based security, making access decisions based on real-time context. Microsoft processes over 23 billion Conditional Access policy evaluations daily.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting with overly restrictive policies that block legitimate users
Not using report-only mode to test policies before enforcement
Forgetting to exclude break-glass accounts from block policies
Creating conflicting policies without understanding the evaluation logic

Interview Tips

  • Explain the if-then model with real examples
  • Discuss how multiple policies interact (most restrictive wins)
  • Mention report-only mode as a best practice for testing

Exam Tips (SC-300)

  • Know the assignment conditions: users, apps, conditions
  • Understand grant controls vs session controls
  • Know that Conditional Access requires Entra ID P1

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