Microsoft Entra Private Access is an identity-centric Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA solution designed to provide secure and seamless connectivity to private applications and resources, regardless of their location—on-premises or across any cloud. By eliminating the need for traditional VPNs, it enhances security by enforcing least-privilege access and preventing lateral movement within networks. This approach ensures that users can efficiently and securely access the applications they need from any device and any network, aligning with modern security principles.
Key Features and Functionality:
- Zero Trust Access: Enforces adaptive Conditional Access policies, including multifactor authentication (MFA, location-based security, and least-privilege access, without requiring changes to existing applications or resources.
- Seamless User Experience: Provides fast and easy access to private apps through Microsoft's global private network, enhancing productivity for users working remotely or in hybrid environments.
- Broad Protocol Support: Supports secure connectivity across various operating systems and accommodates any port and protocol, including RDP, SSH, SMB, FTP, and other TCP/UDP-based protocols.
- Integration with Existing Security Services: Integrates with Microsoft Entra ID Governance and Privileged Identity Management (PIM to secure just-in-time access to sensitive resources for privileged users.
- Simplified Deployment: Offers Quick Access policies to facilitate the transition from legacy VPNs, allowing for easy onboarding and network segmentation without extensive configuration.
Primary Value and User Solutions:
Microsoft Entra Private Access addresses the challenges associated with traditional VPNs by providing a modern, secure, and efficient method for accessing private applications. It reduces operational complexity and costs, enhances security by enforcing strict access controls, and improves user productivity through seamless and fast connectivity. By adopting this solution, organizations can effectively implement Zero Trust principles, ensuring that access to private resources is both secure and user-friendly.