The Importance of Identity and Access Management (IAM)
As businesses adopt cloud solutions, Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) has become essential for secure and efficient Identity and Access Management (IAM). It helps organisations ensure the right people have access to the right resources while simplifying logins and improving productivity.
What is Entra ID, formerly known as Azure Active Directory? Core Concepts Explained
Microsoft Entra ID, also known as Azure AD, is Microsoft’s cloud-based IAM platform. It enables organisations to manage user identities, control access to apps, and enforce security policies across cloud and hybrid environments. Whether you’re a small business or an enterprise, this cloud identity solution centralises authentication and secures remote access without relying on outdated on-premises systems.
Key Features: Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Conditional Access
- Single Sign-On (SSO): One login grants access to many applications. This reduces password fatigue and boosts productivity.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds a second layer of verification. This protects your business even if a password is compromised. MFA is especially critical for compliance and high-risk accounts.
- Conditional Access: Access rules based on user role, device status, or location keep systems secure and smart.
Entra ID vs. Traditional Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
While AD DS is tied to on-premise infrastructure, the Microsoft identity platform is built for the cloud. With AD DS, access is typically managed within the company network. Entra ID enables identity protection across apps such as Microsoft 365, remote endpoints, and third-party SaaS platforms. This makes it more relevant for today’s hybrid work environments.
Benefits of Entra ID for Security and User Experience
- Stronger security posture: Reduce breach risk with modern authentication techniques and adaptive policies.
- Streamlined user access: Simplify logins and approvals with intuitive interfaces and automated provisioning.
- Lower IT burden: Automate user lifecycle management and reduce password-related support tickets.
- Compliance-ready: Meet regulatory standards with built-in security reporting and auditing features.
Integrating Entra ID with Microsoft 365 and Third-Party Apps
Azure Active Directory integrates natively with Microsoft 365. This enhances collaboration through Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook with unified identity management. It also supports thousands of third-party SaaS applications (from Salesforce to Dropbox). This ensures consistent access policies across your tech stack and is key for SMBs that rely on diverse tools but need centralised control.
Veracloud’s Expertise in Implementing Entra ID Solutions in Malta
That’s where Veracloud comes in. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner with specialisations in Security, Modern Work, and Azure, we design and deploy IAM environments tailored to your business. Our ISO 27001:2022 certification and deep Microsoft 365 expertise allow us to deliver secure, compliant identity frameworks that scale with you.
From configuring MFA in Malta to rolling out conditional access policies across hybrid teams, our local team of certified engineers ensures a seamless transition. With access to Microsoft Premier Support, we resolve issues faster. This means your team stays focused.
The takeaway? With Azure AD and Veracloud, you get peace of mind, predictable costs, and a future-ready IAM foundation.
Secure your cloud resources and simplify user access with Azure Active Directory. Let’s talk about how Veracloud can help implement Entra ID tailored to your needs.
