Microsoft Entra ID

What it is

Microsoft Entra ID, formerly Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), is Microsoft's cloud identity and access management (IAM) service. Organisations use it to manage workforce identities, connect users to cloud and on-premises applications with single sign-on, and enforce strong authentication and Conditional Access policies as part of a Zero Trust approach.

What it helps with

- Centralising identity for Microsoft 365, Azure and thousands of SaaS applications.
- Enforcing multi-factor authentication, passwordless sign-in and phishing-resistant authentication.
- Applying Conditional Access policies based on user, device, location and risk signals.
- Supporting hybrid identity with directory synchronisation from on-premises Active Directory.
- Detecting risky sign-ins and protecting privileged access with P2 capabilities such as ID Protection and Privileged Identity Management.
- Giving employees self-service password and access workflows that reduce helpdesk load.

Who it's for

Identity and access administrators, CISOs and IT security teams that need cloud IAM for Microsoft estates, hybrid directories or multi-app SSO, from small businesses on included Free capabilities through enterprises on P1 or P2.

Worth knowing

A Free edition ships with many Microsoft commercial cloud subscriptions (basic directory, SSO and MFA foundations). Paid Microsoft Entra ID P1 and P2 add Conditional Access depth, identity protection, privileged identity management and governance features. Official plans and pricing are on Microsoft Security. Renamed from Azure AD in 2023; this listing uses the current product name.