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Introduction
In today’s digital landscape, securing access to corporate resources is paramount. Traditional VPNs have served us well, but they come with inherent risks and limitations. Microsoft Entra ID provides a modern solution: Internet Access (IA) and Private Access (PA), which replace traditional VPN with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). In this blog post, we’ll explore how to configure Private Access for on-premises app access, apply Conditional Access policies, and monitor security events.
What is Microsoft Entra ID Global Secure Access?
Microsoft Entra ID Global Secure Access is a modern approach to secure access that combines IA and PA to provide a more secure, scalable, and easier-to-manage solution than traditional VPNs. IA allows remote users to access cloud resources, while PA extends this functionality to on-premises apps.
How Global Secure Access Replaces Traditional VPN
Traditional VPNs create a secure tunnel between the user and the corporate network. However, they can be complex to manage and vulnerable to security threats. Global Secure Access offers a more secure approach by using Just-In-Time (JIT) access to only the necessary resources. This reduces attack surfaces and improves overall security.
Configuring Private Access for On-Premises App Access
To configure Private Access, you’ll need to deploy the Global Secure Access client, create a connector for your on-premises app, and configure traffic forwarding profiles. This allows remote users to securely access your on-premises apps without the need for a traditional VPN.
Applying Conditional Access Policies
Conditional Access policies can be applied to Global Secure Access traffic to further enhance security. For example, you can require multi-factor authentication or device compliance before allowing access.
Monitoring Access and Security Events in Global Secure Access
Access logs can be monitored in the Entra admin center to keep track of who is accessing your resources and when. This helps you identify potential security threats and take action as needed.
Conclusion
By replacing traditional VPNs with Microsoft Entra ID Global Secure Access, you can improve security, simplify management, and provide a more modern approach to secure access. If you’re ready to make the switch, consider enrolling in our Microsoft Cloud Security Training for comprehensive guidance on all things Microsoft Cloud Security.
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Written by Mohammed Akhter
Founder of ITP Training. 50,000+ students trained across 30+ countries in Microsoft endpoint and cloud security. Learn more →