How to Configure Azure Conditional Access Policies and Best Practices

With cloud adoption accelerating, securing user access to applications and data has never been more critical. Traditional perimeter-based security is no longer enough—organizations need a Zero Trust approach.

Azure Conditional Access, part of Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), is a powerful security feature that enforces contextual access policies based on user, device, location, and risk.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What Conditional Access is and why it matters
• How to configure Conditional Access policies step by step
• Key policy scenarios and examples
• Best practices for deployment and management

What Is Azure Conditional Access?

Conditional Access (CA) is a policy engine that evaluates access attempts in real time and enforces rules such as:

• Require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for risky logins
• Block access from untrusted locations
• Require compliant devices for sensitive apps
• Limit session access based on conditions

It provides fine-grained control to balance security and productivity, forming a core component of Microsoft’s Zero Trust model.

Core Components of a Conditional Access Policy

When creating a CA policy, you configure conditions (who, what, where, how) and controls (what action to enforce).

1. Assignments (Conditions)

• Users or groups – Target specific users, groups, or roles.
• Cloud apps or actions – Choose apps like Exchange Online, SharePoint, or Microsoft Teams.
• Conditions – Apply rules based on:
  • Sign-in risk
  • Device platform (Windows, iOS, Android, etc.)
  • Locations (trusted or untrusted networks)
  • Client apps (browser, legacy authentication, etc.)

2. Access Controls

• Grant controls – Require MFA, compliant device, or hybrid-joined device.
• Session controls – Restrict session lifetime, enforce read-only, or monitor downloads.

Step-by-Step: Configure a Conditional Access Policy

Step 1: Sign in to the Azure Portal

Navigate to:
Azure Portal → Microsoft Entra ID → Security → Conditional Access

Step 2: Create a New Policy

Click + New policy and give it a descriptive name (e.g., “Require MFA for Admins”).

Step 3: Assign Users and Groups

• Under Users, select specific accounts, groups, or roles.
• Exclude break-glass emergency accounts to prevent lockouts.

Step 4: Select Cloud Apps

Choose the apps this policy should apply to, such as:

• All cloud apps
• Microsoft 365 apps
• Specific applications

Step 5: Configure Conditions

• Sign-in risk: Apply stricter policies for risky sign-ins.
• Locations: Block access from outside trusted IPs.
• Device state: Require device compliance for corporate access.

Step 6: Define Access Controls

• Under Grant, select conditions like:
  • Require MFA
  • Require device to be compliant
  • Require hybrid Azure AD-joined device
• Under Session, add restrictions like:
  • Limit user to browser-only access
  • Use app-enforced restrictions in SharePoint/OneDrive

Step 7: Enable and Test

• Set the policy to Report-only first to monitor effects.
• Move to On once tested and validated.

Common Conditional Access Scenarios

1. Require MFA for all users
   • Apply to all apps and users, but exclude service accounts.
2. Block legacy authentication
   • Legacy protocols (POP, IMAP, SMTP) bypass MFA and should be blocked.
3. Enforce compliant devices for sensitive data
   • Require Intune-compliant devices for accessing SharePoint or Teams.
4. Restrict access by location
   • Allow access only from trusted corporate networks or known countries.
5. Protect admin roles with stricter policies
   • Apply stricter MFA and device requirements for privileged accounts.

Best Practices for Azure Conditional Access

• Start with Report-Only Mode – Evaluate policy impact before enforcing.
• Use Exclusions Carefully – Always exclude break-glass accounts from critical policies.
• Block Legacy Authentication – Prevent attackers from bypassing MFA.
• Combine with Identity Protection – Use sign-in risk conditions for smarter enforcement.
• Prioritize Admin Accounts – Apply strictest controls to Global Admins and privileged roles.
• Use Named Locations – Define trusted IP ranges for corporate offices.
• Document Policies – Maintain clear documentation for troubleshooting and audits.
• Regularly Review Policies – Business needs evolve; ensure policies remain relevant.

Conclusion

Azure Conditional Access is a cornerstone of modern identity security. By enforcing context-based access rules, organizations can balance security and usability, protecting both users and critical data.

With a well-planned strategy—using report-only mode, applying MFA broadly, blocking legacy authentication, and monitoring policies—your organization can move closer to a Zero Trust model while maintaining productivity.