Introduction to Microsoft EntraWhat is Microsoft Entra?

What is Microsoft Entra?

20 mins

Understanding the Concept

Microsoft Entra is a family of identity and network access products that provides a unified approach to identity management, access control, and network security for organizations of all sizes.

At its core is Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), the cloud-based identity and access management service that helps employees sign in and access resources. Entra extends beyond traditional IAM to include identity governance, verified ID, permissions management, and network access.

The rebranding from Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID in 2023 reflects Microsoft's vision of a comprehensive identity solution that goes beyond just directory services to encompass the entire identity lifecycle.

Key Points

  • Microsoft Entra ID is the new name for Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)
  • Cloud-based Identity and Access Management (IAM) service
  • Supports SSO to thousands of SaaS applications
  • Provides MFA, Conditional Access, and Identity Protection
  • Part of the broader Microsoft Entra product family

Microsoft Entra Product Family

Step 1

Entra ID

Core identity platform - SSO, MFA, Conditional Access, directory services

Step 2

Entra ID Governance

Access reviews, entitlement management, lifecycle workflows

Step 3

Entra External ID

Customer and partner identity management (B2B/B2C)

Step 4

Entra Verified ID

Decentralized identity credentials and verification

Step 5

Entra Permissions Mgmt

Multi-cloud permissions management (CIEM)

Step 6

Entra Internet Access

Secure web gateway and network access control

Why This Matters in Real Organizations

Identity is the new security perimeter in the cloud era. With 80% of breaches involving compromised credentials, a robust identity platform is essential. Microsoft Entra ID manages over 600 million identities and processes 76 billion authentications daily, making it the backbone of enterprise security.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing Microsoft Entra ID with on-premises Active Directory Domain Services
Not understanding the difference between Entra ID and the broader Entra family
Assuming Azure AD features have been removed with the rename - it is purely a rebrand
Ignoring the identity-first security approach in favor of network-only security

Interview Tips

  • Explain the evolution from Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID
  • Discuss the broader Entra product family beyond just Entra ID
  • Mention the scale - 600M+ identities, 76B+ daily authentications
  • Reference the Zero Trust model where identity is the control plane

Exam Tips (SC-300)

  • Know the full Microsoft Entra product family and each product's purpose
  • Understand that Entra ID = Azure AD (it is a rename, not a replacement)
  • Be familiar with the Entra admin center navigation

Course Complete!

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