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← Back to  Azure Administrator (AZ-104 )

Chapter 2 : Manage Azure Identities & Governance

 Azure Administrator (AZ-104 ) Last Updated: Jul 31, 2026

2.1 Introduction to Identity

In today's digital world, almost every application, website, and cloud service needs to identify who is trying to access it before allowing access to its resources. This identification process is known as Identity Management. Whether you are signing in to Microsoft Azure, Gmail, Office 365, or any other online service, your Identity is used to verify who you are.

Identity is one of the most important concepts in cloud computing because it helps protect resources, manage users, and ensure that only authorized people can access data and services.

 

What is Identity?

Definition

An Identity is a unique digital representation of a user, device, application, or service that is used to verify who or what is requesting access to a system or resource.

An Identity contains information such as a username, password, email address, user ID, or other authentication details that help identify an individual or service.

(Identity का मतलब किसी User, Device, Application या Service की एक अलग डिजिटल पहचान से है। इसी पहचान की मदद से सिस्टम यह पता करता है कि सामने वाला कौन है और क्या उसे किसी Resource का उपयोग करने की अनुमति है।

जब कोई User Microsoft Azure, Gmail या किसी भी Cloud Service में Sign In करता है, तो सबसे पहले सिस्टम उसकी Identity को देखता है। अगर उसकी पहचान सही मिल जाती है, तब उसे आगे जाने और उस Service का उपयोग करने की अनुमति मिलती है। अगर पहचान सही नहीं मिलती, तो सिस्टम उसे अंदर नहीं जाने देता।)

Explanation

Every person has a unique identity in real life, such as an Aadhaar Number, Passport Number, Employee ID, or Driving License. These documents help identify an individual.

Similarly, in the digital world, every User, Device, or Application requires a unique Identity. Without an Identity, a system cannot determine who is requesting access or what permissions should be granted.

For example, when a user signs in to Microsoft Azure using an email address and password, Azure first verifies the user's Identity. If the Identity is valid, Azure allows the user to access the assigned resources. If the Identity cannot be verified, access is denied.

Identity is not limited to users. Devices such as laptops and mobile phones, as well as applications and services, can also have their own digital identities.

Example

Suppose an employee wants to sign in to the Azure Portal.

Username: rahul@company.com

Password: ************

Azure first verifies the employee's Identity. If the credentials are correct, the employee is authenticated and allowed to access the Azure Portal.

 

Why Identity Management is Important?

Definition

Identity Management is the process of creating, managing, and securing digital identities while ensuring that the right users have access to the right resources at the right time.

Identity Management का मतलब Users, Devices और Applications की Identity को बनाना, उनका ध्यान रखना और उन्हें सुरक्षित रखना है।

किस User को कौन-सी Application या Resource का उपयोग करना है, यह भी Identity Management की मदद से तय किया जाता है। इससे कोई भी अनजान या गलत व्यक्ति कंपनी के महत्वपूर्ण डेटा या सेवाओं तक नहीं पहुँच सकता।

Explanation

In an organization, hundreds or even thousands of users work on different projects. Not every employee should have access to all company resources.

For example:

  • An HR employee should access only HR-related data.
  • A Finance employee should access financial records.
  • An IT Administrator should manage IT resources.

Identity Management helps organizations verify users, control access, improve security, and simplify user administration.

It also supports important security features such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR), and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).

Example

A company has three departments:

  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Finance
  • IT

Using Identity Management, employees in each department receive access only to the applications and data required for their job. This improves security and prevents unauthorized access.

2.2 Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra ID is Microsoft's cloud-based Identity and Access Management (IAM) service. It helps organizations securely manage Users, Groups, Devices, and Applications, ensuring that only authorized users can access company resources.

Previously known as Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), it was renamed Microsoft Entra ID in 2023. It is one of the core services used in Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365.

 

What is Microsoft Entra ID?

Definition

Microsoft Entra ID is Microsoft's cloud-based Identity and Access Management (IAM) service that helps organizations authenticate users, manage identities, and control access to cloud resources and applications.

(Microsoft Entra ID माइक्रोसॉफ्ट की एक Cloud-based Identity and Access Management (IAM) Service है। इसका उपयोग Users, Groups, Devices और Applications की Identity को सुरक्षित तरीके से प्रबंधित करने के लिए किया जाता है।

जब कोई User Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 या किसी अन्य Cloud Application में Sign In करता है, तो सबसे पहले Microsoft Entra ID उसकी Identity की जाँच करता है। अगर पहचान सही मिलती है, तभी उसे उस Resource या Application का उपयोग करने की अनुमति मिलती है।

Explanation

Microsoft Entra ID acts as a central identity service where administrators can create users, assign permissions, manage groups, enable security features like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and control access to applications.

It allows users to sign in once and securely access multiple Microsoft cloud services using the same identity.

Example

A company creates employee accounts in Microsoft Entra ID.

When an employee signs in using rahul@company.com, Microsoft Entra ID verifies the user's identity and allows access to services such as Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Teams.

 

Benefits of Microsoft Entra ID

  • Microsoft Entra ID provides several benefits to organizations:
  • Centralized management of Users and Groups.
  • Secure authentication for cloud applications.
  • Supports Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
  • Enables Single Sign-On (SSO) for multiple applications.
  • Improves security by controlling user access.
  • Simplifies identity management for administrators.

(Microsoft Entra ID की मदद से सभी Users और Groups को एक ही स्थान से प्रबंधित किया जा सकता है। यह User की पहचान को सुरक्षित रखता है, कई Applications में एक ही Login से प्रवेश करने की सुविधा देता है और सुरक्षा बढ़ाने के लिए MFA जैसी सुविधाएँ भी उपलब्ध कराता है।)

Example

An employee signs in once using Microsoft Entra ID and can access Outlook, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Azure Portal without signing in separately to each application.

 

Features of Microsoft Entra ID

Some important features of Microsoft Entra ID are:

  • Identity Management – Manage Users, Groups, and Devices.
  • Authentication – Verify user identity before granting access.
  • Authorization – Control what resources users can access.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO) – One login for multiple applications.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adds an extra layer of security.
  • Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) – Allows users to reset their own passwords.
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) – Assign permissions based on user roles.
  • Application Management – Manage access to cloud and enterprise applications.

(Microsoft Entra ID में ऐसी कई सुविधाएँ हैं जो Identity को सुरक्षित रखने और Users का प्रबंधन आसान बनाने में मदद करती हैं। इसकी मदद से Users, Groups और Devices को प्रबंधित किया जा सकता है, MFA के द्वारा सुरक्षा बढ़ाई जा सकती है, Single Sign-On (SSO) से एक ही Login द्वारा कई Applications का उपयोग किया जा सकता है तथा RBAC के माध्यम से अलग-अलग Users को उनकी आवश्यकता के अनुसार अनुमति दी जा सकती है।)
 

2.3 Authentication and Authorization

Authentication and Authorization are two important security concepts used in Microsoft Entra ID and Azure. Before a user can access any application or resource, the system first verifies the user's identity and then checks what resources the user is allowed to access.

Although these terms are often used together, they have different purposes.

What is authentication?

Definition

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a User, Device, or Application before granting access to a system or resource.

(Authentication वह प्रक्रिया है जिसमें सिस्टम सबसे पहले यह जाँच करता है कि User वास्तव में वही है जो वह अपने आपको बता रहा है। यदि उसकी पहचान सही मिलती है, तभी उसे Sign In करने की अनुमति दी जाती है।)

Explanation

Authentication confirms the identity of a user by checking credentials such as:

  • Username
  • Password
  • OTP
  • Fingerprint
  • Face Recognition
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

If the provided credentials are correct, the user is authenticated and allowed to sign in.

Example

A user enters the following credentials to sign in to Microsoft Azure:

  • Username: rahul@company.com
  • Password: ********

Azure checks whether the username and password are correct. If they are correct, the user is authenticated.

 

What is Authorization?

Definition

Authorization is the process of determining what resources and actions an authenticated user is allowed to access.

(Authorization वह प्रक्रिया है जिसमें सिस्टम यह तय करता है कि User को कौन-कौन से Resources, Applications या Services का उपयोग करने की अनुमति है।)

Explanation

Authorization takes place after Authentication.

Once a user's identity has been verified, the system checks the user's permissions or assigned role and decides what the user is allowed to do.

Different users may have different levels of access based on their job role.

Example

After Rahul successfully signs in to Azure:

  • He can manage Virtual Machines.
  • He cannot delete the Azure Subscription because he does not have permission.

 

This is Authorization.

Authentication vs Authorization

AuthenticationAuthorization
Verifies the identity of a UserDetermines what the User can access
Happens firstHappens after Authentication
Checks Username, Password, OTP, MFA, etc.Checks Roles and Permissions
Confirms Who are you?Confirms What are you allowed to do?
Example: Signing in to AzureExample: Accessing Virtual Machines


 

(Authentication का काम User की पहचान की जाँच करना है, जबकि Authorization का काम यह तय करना है कि उस User को कौन-कौन से Resources का उपयोग करने की अनुमति है। पहले Authentication होता है, उसके बाद Authorization होता है।)

 

Real-Life Example

Imagine you visit a company office.

  • At the entrance, the security guard checks your ID Card to verify your identity. This is Authentication.
  • After entering the building, you are allowed to enter only your assigned department, such as HR or IT. You cannot enter every room. This is Authorization.

(मान लीजिए आप किसी कंपनी के कार्यालय में जाते हैं। सबसे पहले सुरक्षा गार्ड आपका ID Card देखकर आपकी पहचान की जाँच करता है। यह Authentication है।

इसके बाद आपको केवल उसी विभाग में जाने की अनुमति मिलती है जहाँ आपका काम है। यदि आपको सर्वर रूम में जाने की अनुमति नहीं है, तो आप वहाँ प्रवेश नहीं कर सकते। यह Authorization है।)

 

2.4 Microsoft Entra ID Components

Microsoft Entra ID consists of several components that help organizations manage identities, users, devices, applications, and security. Each component has a specific role in managing access to Azure resources and cloud applications.

Microsoft Entra ID

Definition

Microsoft Entra ID is Microsoft's cloud-based Identity and Access Management (IAM) service that manages identities and controls access to cloud resources.

(Microsoft Entra ID एक Cloud-based Identity and Access Management (IAM) Service है, जो Users, Groups, Devices और Applications की Identity का प्रबंधन करती है तथा यह नियंत्रित करती है कि किसे किस Resource का उपयोग करने की अनुमति होगी।)

 

Tenant

Definition

A Tenant is a dedicated and isolated instance of Microsoft Entra ID created for an organization.

(Tenant किसी संस्था के लिए बनाया गया Microsoft Entra ID का एक अलग और सुरक्षित वातावरण होता है। उसी Tenant के अंदर उस संस्था के सभी Users, Groups, Applications और अन्य संसाधनों का प्रबंधन किया जाता है।)

 

Users

Definition

A User is an individual account that represents a person who can sign in and access Azure resources or applications.

(User वह खाता होता है जिसकी मदद से कोई व्यक्ति Sign In करके Azure या अन्य Cloud Services का उपयोग करता है।)

 

Groups

Definition

A Group is a collection of Users that simplifies permission and access management.

(Group कई Users का एक समूह होता है। इसकी मदद से एक-एक User को अलग-अलग अनुमति देने के बजाय पूरे Group को एक साथ अनुमति दी जा सकती है।)

 

Devices

Definition

A Device is a computer, laptop, mobile phone, or other hardware that is registered or joined with Microsoft Entra ID.

(Device वह कंप्यूटर, लैपटॉप, मोबाइल या अन्य उपकरण होता है जिसे Microsoft Entra ID के साथ जोड़ा या पंजीकृत किया जाता है, ताकि उसे सुरक्षित रूप से प्रबंधित किया जा सके।)

 

Applications

Definition

Applications are cloud or enterprise applications that use Microsoft Entra ID for user authentication and access management.

(Applications वे सॉफ़्टवेयर या Cloud Applications हैं जिनमें User की पहचान की जाँच करने और प्रवेश देने के लिए Microsoft Entra ID का उपयोग किया जाता है।)

 

Roles

Definition

A Role defines what actions a User is allowed to perform in Microsoft Entra ID or Azure.

(Role यह तय करता है कि किसी User को कौन-कौन से कार्य करने की अनुमति है। अलग-अलग Roles के अनुसार अलग-अलग अधिकार दिए जाते हैं।)

 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Definition

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security feature that requires users to verify their identity using two or more authentication methods.

(MFA एक अतिरिक्त सुरक्षा सुविधा है, जिसमें User को केवल Password ही नहीं, बल्कि एक और तरीका जैसे OTP, Mobile App या Fingerprint से भी अपनी पहचान साबित करनी होती है।)

 

Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR)

Definition

Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) allows users to reset their own passwords without contacting the administrator.

(SSPR की मदद से User अपना Password स्वयं बदल या रीसेट कर सकता है। इसके लिए हर बार Administrator की सहायता लेने की आवश्यकता नहीं होती।)

 

Administrative Units

Definition

An Administrative Unit is a logical container used to organize Users, Groups, and Devices so that administrative tasks can be delegated to specific administrators.

(Administrative Unit एक ऐसा तार्किक समूह है जिसमें Users, Groups और Devices को व्यवस्थित किया जाता है। इससे अलग-अलग Administrators को केवल अपने निर्धारित Users या विभाग का प्रबंधन करने की अनुमति दी जा सकती है।)

 

2.5 Tenant

A Tenant is one of the most important components of Microsoft Entra ID. Every organization that uses Microsoft Azure or Microsoft 365 has its own dedicated Tenant. It acts as a separate and secure environment where the organization's users, groups, applications, and other resources are managed.

 

What is a Tenant?

Definition

A Tenant is a dedicated and isolated instance of Microsoft Entra ID that is created for an organization. It stores and manages all the identities and resources belonging to that organization.

(Tenant Microsoft Entra ID का एक अलग और सुरक्षित वातावरण होता है, जो किसी एक संस्था के लिए बनाया जाता है। उसी Tenant के अंदर उस संस्था के सभी Users, Groups, Applications, Devices और अन्य संसाधनों का प्रबंधन किया जाता है।)

Explanation

When an organization creates a Microsoft Azure or Microsoft 365 account for the first time, Microsoft automatically creates a Tenant for that organization.

Each Tenant is completely separate from other organizations, which means the users and resources of one company cannot access another company's Tenant unless permission is explicitly granted.

Example

ABC Technologies creates a Microsoft Azure account.

Microsoft automatically creates a Tenant named:

abctecnologies.onmicrosoft.com

All the company's Users, Groups, Applications, and Azure Resources are managed inside this Tenant.

 

Why is a Tenant Required?

A Tenant is required because it provides a secure and organized environment for managing identities and cloud resources.

A Tenant helps to:

  • Store and manage all Users in one place.
  • Organize Groups, Devices, and Applications.
  • Control user authentication and access.
  • Apply security features such as MFA and Password Reset.
  • Keep one organization's data separate from other organizations.

Tenant की आवश्यकता इसलिए होती है क्योंकि यह किसी संस्था के सभी Users, Groups, Devices और Applications को एक ही स्थान पर सुरक्षित तरीके से रखने और उनका प्रबंधन करने की सुविधा देता है। 
यह भी ध्यान रखता है कि एक कंपनी का डेटा दूसरी कंपनी से पूरी तरह अलग और सुरक्षित रहे।

 

Tenant Example

Suppose there are two companies:

  • ABC Technologies
  • XYZ Solutions

 

Both companies use Microsoft Azure.

Microsoft creates two separate tenants:

  • abctechnologies.onmicrosoft.com
  • xyzsolutions.onmicrosoft.com

Each company manages its own Users, Groups, Applications, and Azure Resources inside its own Tenant. By default, users from one Tenant cannot access the resources of another Tenant.

(मान लीजिए ABC Technologies और XYZ Solutions नाम की दो कंपनियाँ Microsoft Azure का उपयोग करती हैं।
Microsoft दोनों कंपनियों के लिए अलग-अलग Tenant बनाता है। अब दोनों कंपनियों के Users, Groups, Applications और अन्य Resources अपने-अपने Tenant के अंदर ही रहेंगे। एक कंपनी का User दूसरी कंपनी के Tenant का उपयोग नहीं कर सकता, जब तक उसे विशेष अनुमति न दी जाए।)

 

2.6 Users

A User is an individual account in Microsoft Entra ID that represents a person who can sign in and access Azure resources, Microsoft 365 services, and other cloud applications. Every user has a unique identity that is used for authentication and authorization.

 

What is a User?

Definition

A User is an individual identity in Microsoft Entra ID that allows a person to sign in and access Azure resources and cloud services.

(User Microsoft Entra ID में एक व्यक्तिगत खाता होता है, जिसकी मदद से कोई व्यक्ति Sign In करके Azure, Microsoft 365 और अन्य Cloud Services का उपयोग कर सकता है। प्रत्येक User की अपनी अलग Identity होती है।)

Explanation

Organizations create user accounts for employees so that they can securely access applications and resources. Each user is assigned a username, password, and permissions based on their role.

Example

A company creates a user account:

  • Username: rahul@company.com
  • Role: Virtual Machine Administrator

Rahul can sign in to Azure and manage only the resources assigned to him.

 

Types of Users

Microsoft Entra ID supports different types of users based on how they are created and managed.

The three main types are:

  • Cloud User
  • Guest User
  • Directory Synchronized User

(हर User एक जैसा नहीं होता। Microsoft Entra ID में अलग-अलग आवश्यकता के अनुसार अलग-अलग प्रकार के Users बनाए जा सकते हैं।)

 

Cloud User

Definition

A Cloud User is a user account that is created and managed directly in Microsoft Entra ID.

(Cloud User वह User होता है जिसे सीधे Microsoft Entra ID में बनाया और प्रबंधित किया जाता है। इसका पूरा प्रबंधन Cloud में ही होता है।)

Example

An administrator creates rahul@company.onmicrosoft.com directly from the Azure Portal.

 

Guest User

Definition

A Guest User is an external user who is invited to access an organization's Azure resources or Microsoft 365 applications.

(Guest User वह User होता है जो किसी दूसरी संस्था या संगठन से आता है, लेकिन उसे सीमित अनुमति देकर आपकी संस्था के कुछ Resources या Applications का उपयोग करने की अनुमति दी जाती है।)

Example

ABC Company invites amit@gmail.com to collaborate on a project in Microsoft Teams.

 

Directory Synchronized User

Definition

A Directory Synchronized User is a user account that is synchronized from an on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID using synchronization tools such as Microsoft Entra Connect.

(Directory Synchronized User वह User होता है जिसे पहले On-Premises Active Directory में बनाया जाता है और फिर Microsoft Entra Connect की सहायता से Microsoft Entra ID में अपने आप सिंक किया जाता है।)

Example

A company already has employee accounts in Windows Server Active Directory. These accounts are synchronized to Microsoft Entra ID so employees can use the same account for both on-premises and cloud services.

 

2.7 Groups

A Group in Microsoft Entra ID is a collection of Users. Instead of assigning permissions to each User individually, administrators can assign permissions to a Group. This makes user and permission management easier, especially in large organizations.

 

What is a Group?

Definition

A Group is a collection of Users that is used to simplify the management of permissions, access, and resources in Microsoft Entra ID.

(Group कई Users का एक समूह होता है। अलग-अलग Users को एक-एक करके अनुमति देने के बजाय, सभी Users को एक Group में जोड़कर एक साथ अनुमति दी जा सकती है।)

Explanation

Groups help administrators manage multiple users efficiently. When a permission is assigned to a Group, all members of that Group automatically receive the same permission.

Example

An administrator creates an HR Group and adds all HR employees to it. When access to the HR application is given to the Group, every member of the HR Group automatically gets access.

 

Why are Groups Used?

Groups are used to simplify user and permission management.

Benefits of Groups

  • Manage multiple Users together.
  • Assign permissions to an entire Group instead of individual Users.
  • Reduce administrative effort.
  • Make access management easier.
  • Improve consistency in permission assignment.

(Group का उपयोग इसलिए किया जाता है ताकि कई Users का प्रबंधन एक साथ किया जा सके। यदि किसी Group को कोई अनुमति दी जाती है, तो उस Group के सभी Users को वही अनुमति अपने आप मिल जाती है। इससे समय की बचत होती है और एक-एक User को अलग से अनुमति देने की आवश्यकता नहीं पड़ती।)

Example

Instead of giving Azure Virtual Machine access to 50 employees one by one, the administrator creates a VM Administrators Group and grants permission to the Group.

 

Types of Groups

Microsoft Entra ID mainly provides the following two types of Groups:

  • Security Group
  • Microsoft 365 Group

(अलग-अलग आवश्यकताओं के अनुसार Microsoft Entra ID में अलग-अलग प्रकार के Groups बनाए जा सकते हैं।)

 

Security Group

Definition

A Security Group is used to assign permissions and control access to Azure resources, applications, and other services.

(Security Group का उपयोग Users को किसी Resource, Application या Azure Service का उपयोग करने की अनुमति देने के लिए किया जाता है।)

Example

An administrator creates a Network Admins Security Group and grants it permission to manage Azure Virtual Networks.

 

Microsoft 365 Group

Definition

A Microsoft 365 Group is used to help users collaborate by providing shared resources such as Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and Planner.

(Microsoft 365 Group का उपयोग टीम के Users को एक साथ काम करने की सुविधा देने के लिए किया जाता है। इसके साथ साझा Mailbox, Calendar, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint और अन्य सहयोगी सेवाएँ उपलब्ध होती हैं।)

Example

A project team creates a Project Alpha Microsoft 365 Group, allowing all team members to share emails, files, meetings, and conversations.

 

Difference Between Security Group and Microsoft 365 Group

Security GroupMicrosoft 365 Group
Used for managing permissions and accessUsed for collaboration among Users
Controls access to Azure resourcesProvides shared collaboration tools
Does not provide shared mailbox or TeamsIncludes Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Planner, etc.
Mainly used for security and access managementMainly used for teamwork and communication

 

(Security Group का मुख्य उद्देश्य Permissions और Access को प्रबंधित करना है, जबकि Microsoft 365 Group का मुख्य उद्देश्य टीम के Users को एक साथ काम करने की सुविधा देना है।)

 

2.8 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security feature that requires users to verify their identity using two or more authentication methods before accessing an account or resource. It provides an additional layer of security beyond just a username and password.

 

What is MFA?

Definition

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security process in which a user must provide two or more verification methods to prove their identity before access is granted.

(Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) एक ऐसी सुरक्षा सुविधा है जिसमें User को अपनी पहचान साबित करने के लिए केवल Password ही नहीं, बल्कि एक और तरीका भी उपयोग करना पड़ता है। इससे किसी Account की सुरक्षा और अधिक बढ़ जाती है।)

Explanation

Normally, users sign in using only a username and password. However, if the password is stolen, someone else may gain access to the account.

MFA reduces this risk by asking for an additional verification method, such as an OTP or approval through the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Even if someone knows the user's password, they still cannot access the account without completing the second verification step.

Example

Rahul signs in to Microsoft Azure.

  • Step 1: Enter Username and Password.
  • Step 2: Enter the OTP received on the registered mobile phone.

Only after completing both steps is Rahul allowed to access Azure.

 

Why is MFA Required?

MFA is required because passwords alone are not always secure.

It helps to:

  • Protect user accounts from unauthorized access.
  • Prevent attacks using stolen or weak passwords.
  • Increase the security of cloud resources.
  • Protect sensitive company data.
  • Reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

(आज के समय में केवल Password पर भरोसा करना सुरक्षित नहीं माना जाता। यदि किसी का Password किसी दूसरे व्यक्ति को पता चल जाए, तो वह आसानी से Account में Sign In कर सकता है।

MFA एक अतिरिक्त सुरक्षा परत जोड़ता है। इसमें User को Password के साथ एक और पहचान का तरीका भी देना पड़ता है। इसलिए केवल Password जान लेने से कोई भी व्यक्ति Account का उपयोग नहीं कर सकता।)

 

Benefits of MFA

Some important benefits of MFA are:

  • Adds an extra layer of security.
  • Protects accounts from unauthorized access.
  • Reduces the chances of password-based attacks.
  • Secures Azure resources and cloud applications.
  • Helps organizations meet security and compliance requirements.

(MFA का सबसे बड़ा लाभ यह है कि यह User Account को पहले से अधिक सुरक्षित बना देता है। यदि किसी का Password चोरी हो जाए, तब भी बिना दूसरी पहचान पूरी किए कोई भी व्यक्ति Account में प्रवेश नहीं कर सकता।)

 

Authentication Methods

Microsoft Entra ID supports multiple authentication methods for MFA, including:

  • Password
  • One-Time Password (OTP)
  • Microsoft Authenticator App
  • SMS Verification
  • Phone Call Verification
  • Fingerprint
  • Face Recognition

(Microsoft Entra ID में MFA के लिए कई तरीके उपलब्ध हैं। संस्था अपनी आवश्यकता के अनुसार इनमें से किसी एक या एक से अधिक तरीकों का उपयोग कर सकती है।)

Example

A company enables MFA for all employees.

When an employee signs in:

  • Enter Username and Password.
  • Approve the sign-in request using the Microsoft Authenticator App.

Only after both steps are completed is access granted.

 

2.9 Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR)

Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) is a feature of Microsoft Entra ID that allows users to reset or change their own passwords without contacting an administrator. This reduces the workload of IT administrators and helps users regain access to their accounts quickly.

 

What is Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR)?

Definition

Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) is a Microsoft Entra ID feature that allows users to securely reset or change their passwords on their own after verifying their identity.

(Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) Microsoft Entra ID की एक सुविधा है, जिसकी मदद से User अपना Password स्वयं बदल या रीसेट कर सकता है। इसके लिए हर बार Administrator से संपर्क करने की आवश्यकता नहीं होती।

Password बदलने से पहले User को अपनी पहचान साबित करनी होती है, जैसे OTP, Security Questions या Microsoft Authenticator App के माध्यम से। पहचान सही होने के बाद User नया Password बना सकता है।)

Explanation

In many organizations, users often forget their passwords. Without SSPR, they must contact the IT administrator to reset the password.

With SSPR enabled, users can verify their identity using one or more authentication methods and reset their password themselves. This saves time for both users and administrators.

Example

Rahul forgets his Microsoft Azure password.

Instead of contacting the IT administrator, he verifies his identity using an OTP sent to his registered mobile number and creates a new password.

 

Benefits of SSPR

SSPR provides several benefits:

  • Allows users to reset passwords without administrator assistance.
  • Reduces the workload of IT administrators.
  • Helps users regain account access quickly.
  • Improves productivity by reducing downtime.
  • Increases account security through identity verification.

(SSPR की मदद से Users अपना Password स्वयं बदल सकते हैं। इससे IT Administrator का समय बचता है और User को अपना Account दोबारा उपयोग करने के लिए अधिक इंतज़ार नहीं करना पड़ता। क्योंकि Password बदलने से पहले User की पहचान की जाँच की जाती है, इसलिए यह सुविधा सुरक्षित भी होती है।)

 

How SSPR Works

The basic steps of Self-Service Password Reset are:

  1. The User selects Forgot Password.
  2. The User enters the username.
  3. Microsoft Entra ID asks the User to verify their identity using methods such as OTP, Microsoft Authenticator, or Security Questions.
  4. After successful verification, the User creates a new password.
  5. The User signs in using the new password.

(जब कोई User अपना Password भूल जाता है, तो वह Forgot Password विकल्प का उपयोग करता है। इसके बाद Microsoft Entra ID उसकी पहचान की जाँच करता है। यदि पहचान सही मिल जाती है, तो User नया Password बना सकता है और उसी Password से दोबारा Sign In कर सकता है।)

Example

An employee forgets the password for their Microsoft 365 account.

They click Forgot Password, verify their identity using the Microsoft Authenticator App, create a new password, and successfully sign in without contacting the administrator.

 

2.10 Administrative Units

Administrative Units (AUs) are logical containers in Microsoft Entra ID that help organizations divide administrative responsibilities. They allow administrators to manage only specific Users, Groups, or Devices instead of the entire organization.

This is especially useful in large organizations where different administrators are responsible for different departments or locations.

 

What are Administrative Units?

Definition

An Administrative Unit (AU) is a logical container in Microsoft Entra ID that is used to organize Users, Groups, and Devices so that administrative tasks can be delegated to specific administrators.

(Administrative Unit Microsoft Entra ID का एक Logical Container होता है, जिसका उपयोग Users, Groups और Devices को व्यवस्थित करने के लिए किया जाता है।

इसकी मदद से किसी Administrator को पूरी संस्था का नियंत्रण देने के बजाय केवल एक निश्चित विभाग, शाखा या Users के समूह का प्रबंधन करने की अनुमति दी जा सकती है।)

Explanation

In a large organization, there may be thousands of users working in different departments such as HR, Finance, Sales, and IT.

Instead of giving one administrator permission to manage everyone, Microsoft Entra ID allows organizations to create Administrative Units. Each Administrative Unit can have its own administrator who manages only the users assigned to that unit.

This improves security and makes administration easier.

Example

A company has three departments:

  • HR
  • Finance
  • IT

The company creates three Administrative Units:

  • HR AU
  • Finance AU
  • IT AU

The HR Administrator can manage only HR users, the Finance Administrator can manage only Finance users, and the IT Administrator can manage only IT users.

 

Why are Administrative Units Used?

Administrative Units are used to simplify administration and improve security in large organizations.

Benefits of Administrative Units

  • Divide administrative responsibilities.
  • Allow administrators to manage only specific Users or Groups.
  • Improve security by limiting administrative access.
  • Simplify management of large organizations.
  • Support department-wise or location-wise administration.

(Administrative Units का उपयोग बड़ी संस्थाओं में Administration को आसान बनाने के लिए किया जाता है।

यदि किसी संस्था में कई विभाग या अलग-अलग शाखाएँ हैं, तो प्रत्येक विभाग के लिए अलग Administrator बनाया जा सकता है। उस Administrator को केवल अपने विभाग के Users, Groups और Devices का प्रबंधन करने की अनुमति मिलेगी। इससे सुरक्षा भी बढ़ती है और गलती से दूसरे विभाग में बदलाव होने की संभावना भी कम हो जाती है।)

Example

A company has offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

The company creates three Administrative Units—one for each office—and assigns a local administrator to each unit.

Each administrator can manage only the users and groups of their own office and cannot make changes in other offices.
 

Practical 1: Create a User in Azure Portal

  • Sign in to the Azure Portal.
  • Search for Microsoft Entra ID.
  • Click Microsoft Entra ID.
  • In the left pane, select Users.
  • Click + New User.
  • Select Create new user.

Enter the following details:

  1. User Principal Name (UPN)
  2. Display Name
  3. Password (Auto-generated or Create your own)
  • Click Review + Create.
  • Click Create.
  • Verify that the new user appears in the Users list.

Practical 2: Reset User Password

  • Sign in to the Azure Portal.
  • Open Microsoft Entra ID.
  • Go to Users.
  • Select the required User.
  • Click Reset Password.
  • Choose Auto-generate Password or enter a custom password (if available).
  • Click Reset Password.
  • Copy the new password or note it down.
  • Share the new password securely with the user.

 

Practical 3: Create an Administrative Unit

  • Sign in to the Azure Portal.
  • Open Microsoft Entra ID.
  • In the left pane, select Administrative Units.
  • Click + Add.

Enter the following details:

  1. Name
  2. Description (Optional)
  • Click Review + Create.
  • Click Create.
  • Open the newly created Administrative Unit.
  • Add Users, Groups, or Devices as required.
  • Assign an Administrator to manage the Administrative Unit (optional).

Related: Azure System Administration - Job Ready Internship Program