Entra ID Is the New Azure Active Directory

Entra ID is the New Azure Active Directory - SkyTerra

Entra ID is the latest offering from Microsoft poised to revolutionize how businesses handle user identities and access management. With its roots in the trusted Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), Entra brings a fresh perspective and enhanced capabilities to the table. 

As a Microsoft Tier 1 Cloud Solution Provider (CSP), we have the Microsoft knowledge and expertise you seek when it comes to the nitty gritty of Entra ID and Azure. 

Entra Access Reviews Explained

Entra introduces a powerful feature known as access reviews, designed to streamline cloud access management and bolster security measures across enterprise applications such as Teams, SharePoint and Yammer.

Entra access reviews offer organizations a systematic approach to managing group memberships and user access to enterprise applications. By conducting regular reviews, businesses can ensure that only authorized individuals have consistent access, mitigating the risk of unauthorized entry and data breaches.

Practical Implementation of Access Reviews

Implementing access reviews with Entra involves strategically assessing user roles and permissions. Particularly crucial for users in privileged roles, these reviews help identify anomalies, such as excessive administrative access or lingering guest accounts. 

Scrutinizing group memberships and guest access allows organizations to maintain a robust cybersecurity posture and uphold compliance standards.

Recurring Reviews for Sustained Security

We recommend periodic access reviews across your business. Entra facilitates the automation of periodic reviews, allowing organizations to schedule assessments at intervals suited to their compliance needs — whether that’s weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually. Reviewers are promptly notified at the outset of each review cycle, enabling swift action to approve or deny access as necessary.

Empowering Reviewers With Smart Recommendations

Entra empowers reviewers with intuitive interfaces and smart recommendations, facilitating informed decision-making during access reviews. Reviewers can leverage Entra’s user-friendly interface to efficiently navigate through access permissions and make data-driven decisions to uphold security and compliance standards.

So, with all of that in mind, let’s address some common questions we hear about Microsoft Entra:

What is the meaning of Entra ID?

Entra ID represents Microsoft’s commitment to empowering businesses with a modern, flexible and secure identity management solution. This is a signal of innovation and evolution for identity and access management technology. 

Entra encompasses a suite of tools and features designed to streamline identity management processes, enhance security and enable seamless access to resources across diverse environments.

Is Microsoft Entra ID the same as Azure AD?

While Entra ID builds on the foundation laid by Azure Active Directory, it introduces several key enhancements and refinements. Think of it as the next iteration of Azure AD, with added functionalities and a renewed focus on empowering businesses to adapt to recent global technology upgrades. 

Entra retains the core principles of Azure AD while introducing new capabilities to address emerging challenges and opportunities in identity management.

Why did Microsoft change Azure to Entra?

The transition from Azure AD to Entra ID reflects Microsoft’s commitment to continuous innovation and customer-centricity. By rebranding and enhancing the identity management platform, Microsoft aims to better align with the evolving needs and expectations of businesses worldwide. 

Entra signifies a shift towards a more integrated, intelligent and adaptive approach to identity management, ensuring that organizations can stay ahead in an increasingly complex digital environment.

What does Microsoft Entra mean?

Entra embodies the essence of empowerment and enablement. It signifies the ability to enter, access, and navigate digital environments with confidence and ease. From Microsoft themselves, Entra refers to “the product family name for all identity and network access solutions from Microsoft.”

Microsoft Entra represents a holistic identity management solution that empowers businesses to unlock the full potential of their digital transformation initiatives. 

The bottom line? It enables seamless collaboration, enhances security and drives productivity across the organization.

When did Azure AD become Entra?

The name transition from Azure AD to Entra began rolling out on July 15th, 2023, marking the start of a new era in identity management. Microsoft has gradually introduced Entra’s features and capabilities, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for Azure AD users. 

As organizations embrace Entra, they can look forward to a future-ready identity management solution that empowers them to thrive.

How You Can Implement the Latest Tech

With its enhanced capabilities, intuitive interface and unwavering commitment to security, Microsoft Entra is poised to become the go-to choice for businesses seeking to streamline their identity management processes and elevate their security posture. 

If you want to implement Entra access reviews across your organization, consider working with SkyTerra. Contact us or book a meeting today to see how we can help your business leverage Microsoft Entra.

Get ready to unlock the full potential of your digital identity with Microsoft Entra and SkyTerra by your side.

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Dan Bergeron

Dan spearheads the company’s business development initiatives, operations, and vision for a client-first centric culture of excellence.