What are the advantages of implementing Conditional Access?

It seems that nearly as long as passwords have been around, they’ve been a major source of security concern. Eighty-one percent of security incidents happen due to stolen or weak passwords. Additionally, employees continue to neglect the basics of good cyber management.

For example, 61% of workers use the same password for multiple platforms. And 43% have shared their passwords with others. These factors are why compromised credentials are the main cause of data breaches.

Access and identity management have become a priority for many organisations. This is largely due to the rise of the cloud. As well as the practice of people needing to only enter a username and password to access systems.

Once a cybercriminal gets a hold of an employee’s login, they can access the account and any data that it contains. This is especially problematic when it’s an account like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. These accounts can access things like cloud storage and user email.

Below, we’ll explain what conditional access is. As well as how it works with multi-factor authentication (MFA). We’ll also review the advantages of moving to a conditional access process.

What Is Conditional Access?

Conditional access is also known as contextual access. It is a method of controlling user access. You can think of it as several “if/then” statements, meaning “if” this thing is present, “then” do this.

For example, conditional access allows you to set a rule that would state the following. “If a user is logging in from outside the country, require a one-time-passcode.”

Conditional access allows you to add many conditions to the process of user access to a system. It is typically used with MFA to improve access security without unnecessarily inconveniencing users.

Some of the most common contextual factors used include:

IP address
Geographic location
Time of day
The device used
Role or group the user belongs to

Conditional access can be set up in Azure Active Directory. It can also be set up in another identity and access management tool. It’s helpful to get the assistance of your IT partner. We can help with setup and the conditions that would make the most sense for your business.

The Benefits of Implementing Conditional Access for Identity Management

Improves Security

Using conditional access improves security. It allows you more flexibility in challenging user legitimacy. It doesn’t just grant access to anyone with a username and password. Instead, the user needs to meet certain requirements.

Contextual access could block any login attempts from countries where no employees are. It could also present an extra verification question when employees use an unrecognised device.

Automates the Access Management Process

Once the if/then statements are set up, the system takes over. It automates the monitoring for contextual factors and takes the appropriate actions. This reduces the burden on administrative IT teams and also ensures that no one is falling between the cracks.

Automated processes are more accurate and reliable than manual processes. Automation removes the human error component. This helps ensure that each condition is being verified for every single login.

Allows Restriction of Certain Activities

Conditional access isn’t only for keeping unauthorised users out of your accounts. You can use it in other ways. One of these is to restrict the activities that legitimate users can do.

For example, you could restrict access to data or settings based on a user’s role in the system. You can also use conditions in combination. Such as, lowering permissions to view-only. You could trigger this if a user holds a certain role and is logging in from an unknown device.

Improves the User Login Experience

Studies show that as many as 67% of businesses don’t use multi-factor authentication. This is despite the fact that it’s one of the most effective methods to stop credential breaches.

One of the biggest reasons it is not used is because of the inconvenience factor for employees. They may complain that it interferes with productivity or say that it makes it harder for them to use their business applications.

Using conditional access with MFA can improve the user experience. For example, you can require MFA only if users are off the premises. You can put in place extra challenge questions on a role or context-based basis. This keeps all users from being inconvenienced.

Enforces the Rule of Least Privilege

Using the rule of least privilege is a security best practice. It means only granting the lowest level of access in a system as necessary for a user to do their work. Once you have roles set up in your identity management system, you can base access on those roles.

Conditional access simplifies the process of restricting access to data or functions. You can base this on job needs. It streamlines identity management. This is because it contains all functions in the same system for access and MFA rules. Everything stays together, making management simpler.

Get Help Implementing Conditional Access Today!

Once conditional access is set up, the automated system takes over. It improves your security and reduces the risk of an account breach. Contact us today for a free consultation to enhance your cybersecurity.

Do you need the best IT Support and Maintenance for your business?

You need the best IT support in London. Technology is complicated and expensive. It’s so hard to maintain everything and know what to do when something breaks or goes wrong. IT problems can put a damper on your day. They’re frustrating, time-consuming, and seem like a never-ending cycle of issues.

Why you should choose Penntech IT Solutions

Customer Satisfaction Levels/NPS Score

Penntech’s average NPS score over 90 days is 84. The average Net Promoter Score (NPS) for IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can vary. Still, an NPS of around 50 is considered excellent in this industry, with scores above 70 exceptional and rare.

No lengthy contract tie-ins and a trial period

We offer our services on a trial basis for the first three months because we’re confident in our delivery and approach.

Comprehensive 24/7 IT Support

Penntech offers a wide range of IT services, from strategic project management to 24/7 remote support, ensuring all your IT needs are always covered.

Cybersecurity Expertise

We provide advanced cybersecurity measures and expertise, including penetration testing services and Cyber Essentials, to protect clients from cyber threats.

Scalability

We offer Clients the ability to scale IT services up or down based on their needs. This flexibility is crucial for businesses that experience seasonal changes or rapid growth.

Tech Focus, not Sales Focus

Other providers often enforce their preferred IT stack, but we don’t, as IT is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Disaster Recovery and Backup Solutions

We ensure our Clients’ business continuity through robust disaster recovery and backup solutions.

Expertise Across Industries

With experience in various verticals and industries, Penntech understands different businesses’ unique IT challenges and can provide customised solutions..

Contact us today or explore the range of support packages on offer.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Me Mo 
 10 February 2023
 
 
  We cannot recommend Penntech highly enough for their continuous IT support, we have worked with them for years and there is truly nothing that they cannot solve or help with. Their vast amount of knowledge and speed in response is second to none.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Alasdair Gray 
 6 February 2023
 
 
  We have been using Penntech for around 6 years now and have had a great experience. Every member of the team we interreact with is friendly and helpful and our queries are always answered quickly.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Chris Sheasby 
 22 March 2021
 
 
  I've known Lewis since working with him at CIFF in 2011.  More recently, he has built-up an excellent business which supports a number of my past and present clients.  He also supports my business.  Lewis is first rate and equally importantly, he has built a good team around him to provide quality, responsive IT support.  I can't recommend Penntech highly enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Rebecca Groves 
 20 July 2020
 
 
  Penntech have worked with us for a number of years now and have always gone above and beyond to provide an efficient professional service in every circumstance. Their friendly responsive approach is refreshing and nothing is too big or too small to assist with.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    nick groves 
 20 July 2020
 
 
  Lewis and his team are fantastic! Highly recommended
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Demstone Chambers 
 29 May 2020
 
 
  Friendly and approachable, but also excellent technically. As a barristers chambers  we have industry-specific data protection requirements. Penntech showed in-depth knowledge about the interaction between these requirements and technical IT aspects.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Marion Caillat 
 20 May 2020
 
 
  Penntech helped us migrate and merge our inbox's for our small restaurant and bar group. They were super efficient and got everything done within 24 hours. I highly recommend them and will be using them again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Jonathan Davies 
 18 May 2020
 
 
  Heartstyles have worked with Penntech for 3 years. The initial brief to sort out our global IT requirements. Penntech have always been refreshing clear in their comms, avoiding IT gobbledygook. No job has been too small to support and they always deliver above and beyond what was required and within budget. They clearly know what they’re doing and the level of service is always outstanding
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    leigh ryan 
 18 May 2020
 
 
  Lewis and the team at Penntech are seen very much as an extension of our business. They are professional, technically brilliant, don't over complicate things, very friendly and the staff feel comfortable dealing with them on a daily basis.  They have a good understanding of our needs and go above and beyond to ensure we can get on with our day to day business, safe in the knowledge that if anything goes wrong technically that Penntech will resolve it efficiently. Leigh Ryan, CIO, MGAM Ltd
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 24 reviews