Global Secure AccessPrivate Access & Internet Access

Private Access & Internet Access

30 mins

Understanding the Concept

Microsoft Entra Private Access provides zero-trust network access to private (on-premises or IaaS) resources. Unlike VPN which grants broad network access, Private Access provides per-app access based on identity. Users only reach the specific applications they are authorized for.

Microsoft Entra Internet Access is a secure web gateway (SWG) that filters internet-bound traffic. It can block access to risky websites, prevent data exfiltration, and apply web content filtering policies. The M365 traffic profile provides optimized, secure routing for Microsoft 365 services.

Both services integrate with Conditional Access for policy enforcement. A private access policy can require MFA and a compliant device before granting access to an internal application, while internet access policies can block high-risk web categories for specific user groups.

Key Points

  • Private Access: Per-app access to private resources (replaces VPN)
  • Quick Access: Fast setup for common private app scenarios
  • Internet Access: Web filtering, threat protection for internet traffic
  • M365 profile: Optimized routing and security for Microsoft 365
  • Universal CA: Network + identity policies in one framework

Private & Internet Access Flows

Step 1

Private Access

App segments define internal resources, connectors route traffic

Step 2

Quick Access

Simplified setup for IP/FQDN-based private app access

Step 3

Internet Access

Web filtering policies applied to internet-bound traffic

Step 4

M365 Profile

Dedicated traffic profile for M365 with security policies

Why This Matters in Real Organizations

VPNs grant overly broad network access and are a common attack target. Private Access provides zero-trust per-app access. Internet Access extends corporate web security to remote workers without backhauling traffic. Together, they form a complete SSE solution.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Configuring Private Access connectors in the same group as Application Proxy connectors
Not defining app segments granularly enough, creating broad network exposure
Applying internet access policies too broadly without testing first
Forgetting to enable the M365 traffic profile for compliance scenarios

Interview Tips

  • Explain per-app access vs traditional VPN broad access
  • Discuss when to use Private Access vs Application Proxy
  • Mention the M365 traffic profile use case for tenant restrictions

Exam Tips (SC-300)

  • Know Private Access components: connectors, app segments, Quick Access
  • Understand Internet Access web filtering capabilities
  • Know the M365 traffic profile and its security features

Course Complete!

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