AZ-500 Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Exam

Manage security controls for identity and access

Identity is the foundation of Azure security. In Microsoft Entra ID, every user, service, or device has an account that must be authenticated before accessing resources. Authentication is the process of verifying who a user or service is, while authorization determines what they can do. Protecting these identities is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Azure offers several security controls to strengthen identity protection. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) requires more than one method of verification, such as a password plus a text message code. Conditional Access allows administrators to set rules based on user risk, location, device state, or application. Underlining these controls ensures that only trusted sign-ins are allowed.

Managing permissions is streamlined through role-based access control (RBAC). Azure includes built-in roles:

• Owner
• Contributor
• Reader You can also create custom roles to meet specific needs. Assigning users the least privilege they need reduces risk and follows best practices.

Governance and monitoring complete the security picture. Privileged Identity Management (PIM) helps manage, control, and monitor access to important resources. Access reviews ensure that users still need the permissions they have. Together, these tools support ongoing compliance and visibility into identity usage.

Manage Microsoft Entra application access

Applications need secure access to Azure resources and user data. In Microsoft Entra, you register apps to give them an identity in the directory. Single Sign-On (SSO) lets users sign in once and access multiple applications, improving convenience and security. Managing these app identities helps keep permissions consistent and transparent.

Applications use standard protocols like OAuth 2.0 for delegated access and OpenID Connect for authentication. OAuth 2.0 lets an app act on a user’s behalf without sharing credentials, while OpenID Connect builds on OAuth to verify user identity. These protocols are essential for integrating third-party services and mobile or web applications.

Conditional access policies can also target applications. You can require compliant devices, specific network locations, or elevated authentication strength before an app can sign in a user. This layered approach ensures risky sign-ins are blocked or challenged. Application Conditional Access ties identity policies to the context of app usage.

App permissions and consent govern what data an application can access. Administrators can define application roles and scopes in the app registration. Users or admins grant consent to these permissions, creating a clear record of what each app can do. This consent framework simplifies auditing and ensures that apps only get the privileges they really need.

Conclusion

Securing identity and access in Azure involves managing both user and application identities with strong controls and clear policies. Implementing Conditional Access, enforcing multi-factor authentication, and following the principle of least privilege help protect against unauthorized access. Role-based access control and governance tools like PIM ensure that permissions are appropriate and regularly reviewed.

Applications registered in Microsoft Entra leverage industry-standard protocols such as OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect for secure authentication and authorization. Conditional access can also be applied at the app level to manage risk based on device, location, and user behavior. Defining application permissions and roles with a structured consent framework keeps access transparent and manageable.

By integrating these practices, organizations build a multi-layered defense that protects identities and resources. Continuous monitoring, access reviews, and adaptive policies ensure that security evolves with changing threats. Together, these strategies form a comprehensive approach to secure identity and access in Azure.