Starting October 15th, 2024, Microsoft is rolling out mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all Azure users who sign into applications to perform any Create, Read, Update, or Delete (CRUD) operations. Part of a broader initiative within Microsoft’s significant $20 billion investment in security enhancements, this decision aims to address increasing cybersecurity threats.
Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
Microsoft’s new MFA Requirement Explained
All Azure sign-ins will require MFA to perform any Create, Read, Update, or Delete (CRUD) operations on the applications listed. This is part of enhancing security against increasing cyber threats.
Key Timelines for MFA Implementation
Microsoft is rolling out MFA in phases starting in the second half of 2024, giving businesses time to prepare. Here’s what you need to know about the timeline:
- Phase 1: Starting in October 2024, MFA will be required for signing into the Azure portal, Microsoft Entra admin center, and Intune admin center.
- Phase 2: Starting in early 2025, MFA requirements will extend to Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, Azure mobile app, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools.
A Step-by-Step MFA Checklist: How to Ensure Your Business is Ready
- Assess Current MFA Status: Identify any gaps in current MFA implementations across all user accounts.
- Plan for MFA Integration: Develop a strategy to implement or enhance MFA for all user accounts and applications.
- Communicate Changes: Inform all relevant stakeholders and users about the upcoming changes and training requirements.
- Test and Validate: Before full implementation, test the MFA setups to ensure they work as expected without disrupting business operations.
- Consider Technical Support and Resources: Microsoft provides documentation and support for businesses transitioning to these new security measures. Utilize these resources to understand the best practices and technical requirements for MFA.
- Monitor and Adjust: Post-implementation, continuously monitor the MFA setup for any issues or security alerts and adjust configurations as necessary to maintain security and usability.
These steps are essential to ensure compliance with the new security mandates and to protect organizational data and resources effectively. For more detailed guidance, check out the full announcement from Microsoft here.
For further guidance on MFA implementation and security best practices, reach out to our team of experts. We’re here to help you navigate these changes seamlessly and ensure your systems are fully protected for the future.
