Unit 4 of 4

Identity, Access, and Security

15 min +150 points

Learning objectives

When you finish this unit, you will be able to:

  • Describe directory services in Azure, including Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft Entra Domain Services.
  • Describe authentication methods in Azure, including single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and passwordless.
  • Describe external identities in Azure, including business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C).
  • Describe Microsoft Entra Conditional Access.
  • Describe Azure role-based access control (RBAC).
  • Describe the concept of Zero Trust.
  • Describe the purpose of the defense-in-depth model.
  • Describe the purpose of Microsoft Defender for Cloud.

Identity and security in Azure

Directory services

  • Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD): cloud-based identity and access management.
  • Microsoft Entra Domain Services: managed domain services for lift-and-shift scenarios.

Authentication

  • Single sign-on (SSO): one set of credentials for multiple applications.
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA): requires two or more verification methods.
  • Passwordless: authenticate using biometrics, security keys, or mobile apps.

External identities

  • B2B: collaborate with external partners and guests.
  • B2C: authenticate customers in consumer-facing applications.

Access control and security models

  • Conditional Access: enforce access policies based on user, device, location, and risk.
  • Azure RBAC: assign roles to users, groups, and service principals at defined scopes.
  • Zero Trust: verify explicitly, use least privilege, and assume breach.
  • Defense-in-depth: layered security controls across physical, network, identity, and data layers.
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud: unified security management and threat protection for cloud workloads.

Exam focus: match identity, authentication, and security concepts to the Azure service or model described in each question.

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