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Multi-Factor Authentication In Azure

In this article, we will discuss multi-factor authentication in Azure.

What Is Multifactor Authentication (MFA)?

If you use any web-based application, enter the username and password for authentication. The multi-factor authentication adds one more step of authentication for the user.

Microsoft Azure provides different options for authentication. One such step is getting your mobile phone's OTP (One Time Password).

Why MFA?

Consider a scenario where your password is hacked. If MFA is not enabled, all your sensitive information will be compromised.

But if MFA is enabled, the hacker is required to perform one more step to hack your account. So, enabling MFA adds additional security to your account.

How To Enable MFA In Azure Portal?

To enable MFA, go to the "Azure Active Directory" service. Inside the "Azure Active Directory" service, go to the "Users" screen.

In the "Users" screen, click on the "Per-user MFA" button.

Picture showing the per-user MFA button for going to the MFA screen

Click to Enlarge

A new window will open. In the new window, select the user(s) and click on the "Enable" link.

Picture showing the Enable link to enable MFA for the selected user

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A pop-up window will appear.

Picture showing the confirmation window for MFA

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Click on the "enable multi-factor auth" button to enable MFA.

MFA Service Settings

Microsoft Azure allows you to make settings based on your requirements. For the settings screen, click on the "service settings" link on the top side of the page.

Picture showing the service settings link on the MFA screen

Click to Enlarge

The service settings page will appear. On the page, we have the following settings: -

trusted IPs
verification options
remember multi-factor authentication on trusted device

Let us discuss all the three options.

Trusted IPs

In this section, you can specify the IP address of the systems where you can bypass the MFA.

Click to Enlarge

Verification Options

In this section, you can specify the different verification methods. These are the different verification methods: -

Call to phone - In this method, you will get an automated call for getting the OTP
Text message to phone - In this method, you will get a text SMS call for getting the OTP
Notification through mobile app - In this method, you will get a notification on your mobile with a Yes/No button
Verification code from mobile app or hardware token - In this method, you will get OTP from the authenticator app

Picture showing the section to set the different verfication options for MFA

Click to Enlarge

Remember Multi-Factor Authentication On Trusted Device

In this section, you specify the number of days you can bypass the MFA on the trusted device. Once the days are over, you will get the MFA option again.

Posted By -	Karan Gupta

Posted On -	Tuesday, November 23, 2021

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