What if it is said that all your digital connections in the world are secure and protected?
A similar question was asked to Microsoft a year ago and it has brought a game changer “Microsoft Entra Private Access” that secures every connection with Microsoft with no strings attached.
It is said that it was the single question that inspired Microsoft to take the next step towards a tremendous digital journey of security and privacy with zero trust network access with Entra.
Protecting data and access is critical in today’s technology modernization as they are easily stalked by cyberattacks which have become frequent in recent years.
This article on Microsoft Entra Private Access setup guide reveals entire information about how to use it and the ways it helps secure one’s identity and access.
Let’s learn the newbie!!
What is Microsoft Entra Private Access?
Microsoft Entra Private Access is a ZTNA – Zero Trust Network Access solution serving the purpose of providing secure and seamless access to private apps without any dependency on third-party VPNs.
It enables secure connectivity to on-prem, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments, granting users access to internal applications from anywhere while enforcing strong identity and access controls.
The solution is part of the Microsoft Entra suite and modernizes older access methods while complying with the very tenets of Zero Trust.
How Microsoft Entra Private Access Works?
To understand how Microsoft Entra Private Access works, one must appreciate the essence of Zero Trust. Access is granted based on an identity device’s health, user location, and policy compliance, rather than the location of the network itself. Rather than allowing all internal network access, Microsoft Entra allows for per-app access under certain defined policies and conditions.
When a request for access to a private application is made, Microsoft Entra access for hybrid works evaluates the end user’s identity and context and routes the traffic through secure connectors, lightweight agents that have been deployed in the target network. These connectors create outbound-only connections to the Microsoft Entra service, providing a solution that does not require the enabling of inbound ports or maintaining complex VPN infrastructure.
“More than 60% of enterprises are planning to replace VPNs with ZTNA solutions by 2025.” – Gartner, Market Guide for Zero Trust Network Access
How to Secure Private App Access Using Microsoft Entra?
To provide private app access with Entra, organizations must also put in place granular access controls alongside identity intelligence. Microsoft Entra Private Access allows admins to:
- Set Conditional Access that applies correctly to each application
- Enforce device compliance and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Supervise user sessions and enforce Just-In-Time access
- Audit and log access attempts via Microsoft Defender and Sentinel integrations
With these capabilities, secure private app access with Entra is assured for hybrid work environments where users get to access only what they are authorized to, avoiding unnecessary exposure to internal networks.
“80% of data breaches involve compromised credentials.”
– Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2024
A Step-by-Step Guide on Mounting Microsoft Entra Private Access
This setup procedure sets you on the path of configuring access for your internal applications using Entra Private Access:
Enable Entra Private Access: Log into the Microsoft Entra admin center and enable Private Access from either the Security or the Applications section.
Deploy Connectors: Install Entra connectors on the on-premises servers or cloud VMs. These connectors allow secure outbound connections to Entra.
Register Applications: Register your internal applications (typically web-based, legacy, or custom) within the portal and set the access URLs.
Configure Conditional Access: Create access policies that define which users or groups can access specific apps based on factors like risk level, state of the device, or geolocation.
Enable Session Controls: Configure session recording, time-limited access, or blocking download options if needed.
Test Access and Monitor: Simulate user access, validate policy enforcement, and audit your logs and reports to ensure everything is in place for secure and efficient operation.
This setup walks you through a step-by-step process to ease the transition to zero trust network access with Microsoft Entra while enabling secure qualification.
Microsoft Entra Private Access Licensing
Entra Private Access licensing is one of the features included in Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) and Entra Internet Access bundles. It has multiple tiers based on security features and usage requirements.
Microsoft Entra ID P1/P2: Advanced conditional access and identity protection features.
Microsoft Entra Internet Access & Private Access bundle: Full suite for internet and private app access.
Standalone Add-ons: Available for enterprises with specific Zero Trust Network Access for hybrid work demands.
Organizations should assess their security posture and hybrid work strategies to determine the right Entra Private Access licensing tier.
Microsoft Entra Private Access Suite - Overview
This suite of Microsoft Entra offers more than just Private Access, it incorporates:
Entra ID (Azure AD): Centralized identity management and the conditional access
Entra Permissions Management: Monitor and govern cloud permissions
Entra Verified ID: Decentralized identity and credential verification
Entra Internet Access: Secure web traffic with identity-based filtering
Entra Private Access: Secure access to internal/private apps
These components together provide full zero-trust access for legacy apps, SaaS applications, and hybrid infrastructures.
“Zero Trust is not a product, it’s a strategy. Microsoft Entra helps you operationalize it.” – Joy Chik, President of Identity and Network Access, Microsoft
Current ZTNA Made Simple by HexaCorp – Zero Trust Access, Minus the Hassle!
Under HexaCorp, enterprises embrace modern ZTNA through Microsoft Entra, while avoiding the problems caused by legacy VPNs, isolated security tools, and variable user experience. Whether securing a global workforce, enabling contractors, or migrating apps to Azure, HexaCorp offers customization for deployment, integration, and support.
Customizing conditional access and session controls, deploying Entra Private Access connectors, and aligning zero-trust network access with your specific business context. This is what HexaCorp does. ZTNA for Microsoft 365 and Azure becomes a reality with HexaCorp without any complexities.
Conclusion
Microsoft Entra Private Access appears to redefine how organizations secure private app access in a hybrid world. Identity-centric controls, per-app access, and seamless integration with the broader Entra suite is a hallmark of revolutionary ZTA strategies. Whether enabling secure remote work, protecting legacy systems, or doing away with outdated VPNs, Entra brings tools for all. This is where HexaCorp’s experience comes in, and sure enough, today is the day you start with the journey called modern, secure, and scalable access.
Happy Learning!!
FAQs
How does Microsoft Entra Private Access work?
Microsoft Entra Private Access uses identity based, Zero Trust policies to grant secure access to internal apps without relying on VPNs. It routes user traffic through outbound-only connectors, evaluating access based on user identity, device state, and context.
Is Microsoft Entra Internet Access a VPN?
No, Microsoft Entra Internet Access is not a VPN. It is a Secure Web Gateway built on Zero Trust principles that protects user access to internet and SaaS apps by enforcing identity-aware policies.
What is Microsoft Entra used for?
Microsoft Entra is a unified identity and access management solution used to secure access to apps, devices, and resources across hybrid and cloud environments. It supports authentication, permissions management, identity governance, and secure access to both public and private resources.
Is Microsoft Entra replacing Azure AD?
Yes, Azure AD has been rebranded as Microsoft Entra ID. While the core capabilities remain, it’s now part of the broader Microsoft Entra suite for comprehensive identity and network access control.
How fast is Entra Private Access?
Microsoft Entra Private Access is optimized for performance using Microsoft’s global edge network and low-latency routing. Most organizations experience significantly faster app access compared to legacy VPN solutions, especially in hybrid deployments.
What is Microsoft Entra Identity Governance?
Microsoft Entra Identity Governance helps organizations manage digital identities, control access lifecycles, and ensure compliance. It includes features like access to reviews, entitlement management, and automated provisioning.
Which ports are required for Microsoft Entra Private Access?
Microsoft Entra Private Access connectors communicate outbound over port 443 (HTTPS). No inbound firewall rules are required, which enhances security and simplifies deployment.
How does Entra Internet Access work?
Entra Internet Access enforces secure, identity-based access policies for internet and SaaS traffic by inspecting requests before they reach the destination. It integrates with Microsoft Defender and Conditional Access for real-time threat protection
