What is Microsoft Global Secure Access?

Solutions built upon the foundations of Zero Trust

At the heart of Microsoft’s Global Secure Access is the Zero Trust model, which operates on three fundamental principles: least privilege, verify explicitly, and assume breach.

In the context of network access, Zero Trust works on the premise that threats exist both outside and within network boundaries. Consequently, trust is not assumed, and all access requests must be continuously vetted before access is granted.

This approach is critical as it shifts the security focus from mere perimeter defence to comprehensive, context-based authentication and authorisation.

Now let’s examine each product in more detail.

Microsoft Entra Internet Access: Secure access to your apps, from anywhere

Microsoft Entra Internet Access is designed to protect users, devices, and data against internet threats. Promising to transform the way organisations secure access to Microsoft services, SaaS applications, and the public internet.

It utilises a cloud-delivered Secure Web Gateway (SWG) to enhance security and visibility across digital interactions.

Identity-centric and device aware, the solution protects all apps (Microsoft and non-Microsoft alike) through robust MFA, conditional access, and traffic monitoring.

For Microsoft 365 users, it ensures seamless, secure access with optimised routes and intelligent traffic management, maintaining productivity and minimising risks.

Key benefits

Microsoft Entra Private Access: Zero Trust Network Access and no VPNs

Microsoft Entra Private Access is a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution that provides secure, frictionless access to private apps and resources.

Built upon a Zero Trust framework the solution enables users to connect to the resources they need from any location, device, cloud-network, or on-premises. Eliminating risk and offering the end-user a seamless, secure environment in which to work.

This allows organisations to free themselves from costly, complex, and often clunky legacy VPNs, while also cutting excessive access and preventing lateral movement of threats.

Key benefits

Enhancing user experience and security

While Microsoft Entra Internet Access and Microsoft Entra Private Access are distinct products in their own right, they also have complementary benefits that can significantly enhance security and user experience across the full digital network.

For instance, the Universal Conditional Access feature across Microsoft Entra Internet Access provides adaptive access controls tailored to specific network destinations, enhancing both security and user experience.

On the other hand, Microsoft Entra Private Access facilitates secure and direct connections to private apps, eliminating the risks associated with legacy VPNs and reducing the potential for lateral movement of threats within the network.

A step change in network security

Global Secure Access represents a massive step forward in network security for organisations.

A solution that promises to redefine the way users access resources in increasingly remote environments.

• Reduced attack surface: Isolating traffic for Microsoft 365 and on-premises applications minimises the potential attack surface, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access to sensitive information.
• Continuous monitoring: Global Secure Access allows for continuous monitoring and dynamic adjustments to user access based on real-time risk assessments. This proactive approach ensures that only authorised users with compliant devices can access resources.
• Compliance adherence: Global Secure Access facilitates easier adherence to industry regulations and compliance standards. Its granular access control and centralised management ensure that access policies are consistently enforced.

With its focus on Zero Trust principles, enhanced security features, and simplified management, it empowers organisations to achieve a more secure and user-friendly access environment.

Looking ahead: the future of network access

As organisations continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, the role of innovative network security solutions like Microsoft’s Global Secure Access is going to be increasingly important.

Rapidly changing environments and threats necessitates the agility and robust security enabled by advanced cloud-based solutions if they want to remain safe, compliant, and at the forefront of their sector.

Microsoft’s Global Secure Access offers a forward-thinking solution that’s redefining network security. Ensuring businesses can operate seamlessly and securely in today’s distributed work environments.

Ready to learn how to configure Global Secure Access for your organisation?

Did you know that Kocho are an official Microsoft launch partner for Global Secure Access?

So, if you’re looking to revolutionise your network security posture, talk to our team of experts and discover how it could transform your network security and your team’s productivity. 

Key takeaways

Next steps

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