Microsoft Azure Multi-Factor Authentication: Strengthening Security Measures

Enhance your Azure security with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which requires multiple verification methods before granting access to applications. Applicable to both on-premises and cloud directories, MFA offers users various authentication options, including automated calls, text messages, and mobile app notifications, providing an added layer of protection for Azure clients.

Microsoft Azure - Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before accessing an application. It can be applied to both on-premises and cloud directories, providing an additional layer of security for Azure clients. Users can opt for various methods such as automated calls, text messages, or mobile app notifications to authenticate their access attempts.

How Multi-Factor Authentication Works

  1. Initial Sign-In: The user signs in with their username and password.
  2. Verification: After the initial credentials are verified, additional authentication steps are triggered, such as:
    • Mobile App: Available on Android, iOS, and Windows platforms, the app sends a notification to approve or deny the sign-in attempt.
    • Text Message: A one-time password (OTP) is sent to the registered mobile phone, which the user can either reply to or enter on the sign-in page.
    • Automated Call: An automated call prompts the user to validate the sign-in by pressing a key on their phone's dial pad.

Creating a Multi-Factor Authentication Provider

  1. Go to New at the bottom left corner → App Services → Active Directory → Multi-Factor Auth Provider → Quick Create.
  2. Enter a name for the MFA provider.
  3. Select the usage model. For this example, choose Per Authentication. Note that the usage model cannot be changed once the provider is created, so choose carefully based on your needs.
  4. Optionally link an existing directory, such as 'tutorialsarena', to the multi-factor provider.
  5. After clicking Create, the provider will appear in your services list. Select the newly created provider to view its details.
  6. Click Manage at the bottom of the screen to access the configuration page.
  7. Select Configure to customize authentication settings.
  8. Under general settings, you can:
    • Set the number of authentication attempts.
    • Change the phone number for call verifications.
    • Adjust timeouts for two-way messages and OTPs.
    • Provide an email address for notifications if OTP is bypassed.
  9. In the fraud settings section, you can enable options such as:
    • Allowing users to send fraud alerts.
    • Blocking users who report fraud.
    • Setting an email address to receive fraud alerts.

Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication for Existing Directories

To enable MFA for existing directories:

  1. Go to your directory by selecting it from the left panel and click Manage Multi-Factor Auth at the bottom of the screen.
  2. You will be directed to a screen where you can select users and enable or disable MFA for each user.

Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication for On-Premises Applications

To enable MFA for on-premises applications:

  1. After creating a new MFA provider, manage it by following the steps outlined earlier. To enable MFA for on-premises applications, install the authentication server by clicking the highlighted link on the management page.
  2. Download the setup and generate activation credentials to log in to the server and configure the necessary settings.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of setting up and managing multi-factor authentication in Microsoft Azure, offering enhanced security for both cloud and on-premises applications. Explore our latest online courses to deepen your understanding and become a certified expert in Azure, boosting your career prospects!