Conditional Access Policy

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🛡️ What is a Conditional Access Policy in Microsoft 365 / Azure AD?

Conditional Access Policy is a security feature in Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) that controls how users access apps and data based on certain conditions.

Basically, it’s "if this, then that" logic for access control.

🧠 Simple Definition:

“Only allow access if certain conditions are met. Otherwise, block or require extra steps (like MFA).”

🔧 How It Works (Basic Logic):

IF a user meets a certain condition (like location, device, role, or app)...
THEN enforce a policy (like require MFA, block access, or allow only if compliant).

📋 Common Conditions You Can Set:

Condition TypeExample Use
User or groupApply policy only to admins or executives.
LocationBlock logins from outside your country.
Device stateOnly allow devices that are domain-joined or compliant (via Intune).
ApplicationOnly apply the policy when accessing sensitive apps like SharePoint or Exchange.
Sign-in riskIf login looks suspicious (from unknown IP or impossible travel), require extra verification.

🛠️ Actions (What You Can Enforce):

ActionExample
Require MFAPrompt for Multi-Factor Auth when outside corporate network.
Block accessPrevent access from certain countries or insecure devices.
Require compliant deviceOnly allow devices enrolled and compliant in Intune.
Require app protection policyOnly allow access through protected apps (like Outlook mobile with Intune policies).

🔐 Example Scenario:

Scenario: You want to protect sensitive HR files in SharePoint.

  • Condition: User is accessing from outside your corporate network.

  • Policy: Require MFA + only allow access from compliant devices.

✅ You just created a Conditional Access policy!

🧱 Why Use It?

  • Enforce Zero Trust access.

  • Prevent breaches from compromised credentials.

  • Apply context-aware access control.

  • Keep corporate data safe without blocking productivity.

💡 Pro Tip:

Always test your policies before enforcing them. You can run them in "Report-only" mode to see how they would behave without actually blocking anyone.

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