Applying Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in Azure Cloud

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your Azure resources by requiring users to provide two or more forms of verification. This can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Prerequisites for Applying MFA in Azure Cloud

Before applying MFA in Azure Cloud, ensure that the following prerequisites are met:

User Accounts:

• Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) accounts: All users who need to access Azure resources must have Azure AD accounts.

• User licenses: The users must have appropriate Azure AD licenses that enable MFA.

Azure AD Configuration:

• Azure AD Premium: For advanced MFA features like risk-based authentication and conditional access policies, you'll need an Azure AD Premium license.

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enabled: MFA must be enabled for the Azure AD tenant.

Verification Methods:

• Choose a verification method: Decide whether you want to use phone calls, SMS messages, or authentication apps for MFA verification.

• Set up verification methods: Ensure that users have set up their preferred verification methods.

Conditional Access (Optional):

• Define conditions: If you want to enforce MFA based on specific conditions (e.g., location, device), you'll need to create conditional access policies.

Additional Considerations:

• User training: Provide users with training on how to use MFA and understand its importance.

• Support: Ensure that your organization has adequate support mechanisms in place to assist users with MFA issues.

• Review and update: Regularly review and update your MFA policies and settings to adapt to changing security requirements.

Enabling MFA for Azure Active Directory Users

1. Log in to the Azure portal.

2. Navigate to Azure Active Directory > Users > All users.

3. Select the user you want to enable MFA for.

4. Under Manage, click Multi-Factor Authentication.

5. In the Multi-Factor Authentication blade, set the Require multi-factor authentication switch to On.

6. Click Save.

   Enforcing MFA with Conditional Access Policies

   1. Navigate to Azure Active Directory > Security > Conditional Access.

   2. Click + New policy.

   3. Give the policy a name and description.

   4. Under Assignments, select the users or groups you want to apply the policy to.

   5. Under Conditions, add a condition to require MFA for specific applications or locations.

   6. Under Access controls, select Grant access and then Require multi-factor authentication.

   7. Click Create.

   8. 

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   9. Azure portal showing the steps to create a conditional access policy

Verifying MFA Setup

1. Sign out of your Azure account and try to sign in again.

2. You should be prompted to complete a multi-factor authentication verification.

Note: You can choose different verification methods, such as phone calls, SMS messages, or authentication apps.

Additional Tips

• Enable MFA for all users: It's recommended to enable MFA for all users to enhance security.

• Consider using Azure AD Premium: Azure AD Premium offers additional features like risk-based MFA and conditional access policies.

• Test MFA regularly: Ensure that MFA is working as expected by testing it periodically.

By following these steps, you can effectively apply MFA to your Azure resources and enhance their security.

Sources and related content

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/topic/what-is-multifactor-authentication-e5e39437-121c-be60-d123-eda06bddf661#:~:text=You%20need%20a%20second%20verification,to%20prove%20who%20you%20are.