More

    Why conditional access policies are essential for modern security

    Share On

    Every login could be your organization’s last line of defense—or an open door to a devastating breach. Relying solely on passwords is a relic of the past. With cyberattacks becoming more targeted and sophisticated, passwords simply don’t cut it anymore. Did you know that 81% of data breaches are caused by compromised credentials?[1] It’s clear: passwords are last season, and it’s time to upgrade to smarter, more secure access solutions.

    The question is: How do you protect your business in today’s rapidly changing threat landscape? The answer lies in conditional access policies.

    conditional access policies

    These policies give you control over who accesses your systems—and under what conditions. With conditional access, you’re no longer relying on outdated password security. Instead, you’re making access decisions based on real-time context, ensuring only trusted users get in.

    Let’s pull back the curtain on the crucial role of conditional access in a zero-trust framework, the challenges of implementation, and its benefits. We’ll also show you how to deploy it seamlessly with Scalefusion OneIdP keeping your organization ahead of attackers.

    What is conditional access?

    Conditional access refers to the practice of controlling access to systems, applications, or data based on specific conditions or parameters. Rather than granting blanket access based on a user’s identity alone, conditional access policies allow organizations to evaluate multiple factors—such as the user’s location, device compliance, or time of access—before deciding whether to allow access.

    For example, a conditional access policy might allow employees to access company data from their corporate devices but block access from personal or non-compliant devices. Similarly, access might be permitted only when a user is within the corporate network or using multi-factor authentication (MFA).

    These policies add an extra layer of protection and flexibility, ensuring that users are granted access only under the right circumstances. This dynamic approach is essential in preventing unauthorized access, even in the case of compromised credentials.

    Unlocking the power of access control through conditional access policies

    Access control is the foundation of any robust security strategy. It ensures that only authorized individuals can access specific resources, preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive data or systems. Access control encompasses both physical and digital security, from restricting access to a building to managing login credentials for online applications.

    One of the primary methods of access control is the implementation of policies that define who can access what, when, and how. Conditional access policies take this concept a step further by adding flexibility and granularity. With conditional access, organizations can control access based on real-time assessments of the user’s environment, providing a dynamic and adaptive security model.

    For example, an organization can implement a policy that allows employees to access internal systems only when their device is compliant with specific security standards, such as having the latest antivirus updates or running a secure operating system. This level of control significantly reduces the likelihood of breaches caused by outdated software, insecure devices, or compromised credentials.

    By integrating conditional access policies into their identity management systems, businesses can achieve a stronger security posture without compromising on user experience. It ensures that users can access what they need when they need it—without unnecessary barriers—while protecting valuable resources from unauthorized access.

    Zero Trust and conditional access policies 

    The Zero Trust security model has become a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity practices. The Zero Trust framework operates on the principle that no user, device, or application should be trusted by default, regardless of their location or network. Instead, each access request is treated as a potential threat and verified before granting access.

    Conditional access plays a critical role in Zero Trust by enabling organizations to enforce granular policies based on multiple factors, such as:

    • User identity: Who is requesting access?
    • Device health: Is the device secure and compliant with the organization’s security policies?
    • Location: Where is the user accessing the system from? Is it a trusted network or location?
    • Risk level: Is the access request coming from a high-risk or unusual context?

    With Zero Trust, the focus shifts from trusting the perimeter (e.g., a corporate VPN) to continuously validating every access request. This model minimizes the risk of insider threats and compromises by ensuring that every access request is thoroughly vetted and that users are continuously monitored.

    Conditional access provides the flexibility needed to enforce zero-trust principles, making it easier for organizations to implement security measures that align with this model. By continuously evaluating and enforcing access policies based on real-time conditions, organizations can minimize the attack surface and reduce the risk of security breaches.

    Top challenges that arise when implementing conditional access policies 

    Implementing robust security measures sounds straightforward, but when it comes to conditional access, the path is often riddled with challenges. While it offers powerful protection, the process of configuring and managing these policies can be complex and time-consuming. Here are the key hurdles organizations face during the implementation phase:

    1. Usability vs. Security

    One of the primary concerns when implementing conditional access is finding the right balance between security and usability. While conditional access policies can significantly enhance security, they can also create friction for end-users if the policies are too restrictive or complex. For example, requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for every login attempt or limiting access to specific IP addresses may make it harder for users to complete their tasks efficiently.

    Organizations must balance strong security measures and ensure that users can access the tools they need to perform their jobs. Overly stringent policies may lead to frustration, which could result in decreased productivity or users finding workarounds that undermine the security model.

    Also read: How Zero Trust balances the act of usability and security

    2. Complexity in policy management

    As the number of users, devices, and applications within an organization grows, so does the complexity of managing conditional access policies. Each access request may need to be evaluated based on multiple factors, leading to a large number of policies that need to be configured and maintained.

    Managing these policies manually can become time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in large organizations. Therefore, it’s essential to use automated tools and centralized policy management platforms to streamline policy configuration and ensure consistency across the organization.

    3. Complexity in integrating different apps and systems

    In a modern digital ecosystem, organizations use a wide variety of applications, services, and systems, both on-premises and in the cloud. Integrating conditional access policies across these systems can be complex, especially when dealing with legacy applications that may not support the latest authentication methods.

    In some cases, organizations may need to use specialized connectors or third-party solutions to extend conditional access controls to non-cloud-based applications or integrate with third-party identity providers.

    Now that we’ve explored the challenges of implementing conditional access, it’s essential to turn to the guiding principles that can help overcome these hurdles. By adhering to key principles, organizations can balance security and usability, manage policies effectively at scale, and seamlessly integrate diverse applications, all while ensuring a robust, Zero Trust security posture. Let’s dive into the core principles that drive successful conditional access.

    Principles of conditional access policies

    Conditional access policies are rooted in Zero Trust principles, which demand strict identity verification and continuous evaluation of risk. These principles ensure that access to critical systems and data is granted only to trusted users and devices while minimizing vulnerabilities. Here’s how these principles apply:

    • Verify Explicitly: Access should not be assumed; it must be verified. Organizations should move their control plane to the cloud, using centralized platforms like Scalefusion OneIdP to protect applications with conditional access policies. Treating all devices as external—regardless of location—ensures a robust security stance.
    • Enforce Least Privileged Access: Restricting access to only what is necessary is a core Zero Trust principle. Conditional access ensures that users and devices are granted the minimum permissions required to perform their tasks. Access is granted only after evaluating compliance and risk factors, such as user behavior, device health, and sign-in context.
    • Access Prioritization: Conditional access allows organizations to control access in several ways:
      • Direct access to resources, protected by Conditional Access.
      • Use of Scalefusion OneIdP on-prem connector to safely access and publish resources.
      • Leverage context-aware signals for secure access.
    • Assume Breach: Even with strong security, it’s critical to assume that a breach could occur. Conditional access policies should segment network infrastructure, limiting lateral movement in case of a breach. Additionally, cloud-based management using solutions like Scalefusion OneIdP ensures that devices remain secure and under control, even in a decentralized environment.

    Why it matters

    By integrating conditional access policies, organizations ensure that their security strategies are dynamic and responsive to evolving risks. The benefits—enhanced security, user convenience, compliance, and flexibility—work together to create a resilient IT environment, making it harder for cyber threats to penetrate while maintaining productivity. As businesses grow, the ability to scale security measures without sacrificing user experience is crucial, and conditional access provides the means to achieve that.

    Best practices for implementing conditional access

    To successfully implement conditional access and avoid common pitfalls, organizations should follow best practices such as:

    • Multi-factor authentication: Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access even if credentials are compromised.
    • Enforce device compliance checks: Ensuring devices meet security standards minimizes vulnerabilities from outdated software, malware, or security gaps.
    • Set context-aware signals: Building access control based on context-aware signals helps prevent unauthorized access by limiting it to trusted locations and devices, reducing security risks.
    best practices of conditional access policies
    • Set Role-Based Access: Limiting access to only what users need based on their roles minimizes exposure to sensitive data and reduces potential risks from compromised accounts.
    • Regularly review and adjust access policies: Ongoing assessment of access policies ensures they remain relevant and effective in addressing evolving security threats and compliance requirements.
    • Apply Risk-Based conditional access policies: Adjusting access control based on real-time risk (e.g., unfamiliar device or network) strikes the right balance between security and user convenience.
    • Monitor and log access attempts: Continuous monitoring of access attempts helps detect suspicious activities early, enabling faster responses to potential threats.
    • Implement session controls for sensitive resources: Limiting session duration and access to sensitive resources reduces the impact of a potential breach or unauthorized access.
    • Educate users on secure access practices: Empowering users with the knowledge of secure access protocols reduces the likelihood of errors or non-compliant behavior.
    • Integrate with centralized access management systems: Centralized systems streamline policy enforcement across all platforms, improving security management and consistency.

    How to leverage conditional access policies with Scalefusion OneIdP

    Security breaches today don’t just come from outside attackers—they can be caused by trusted insiders as well. With every user and device posing a potential risk, securing your systems is more critical than ever. Solutions like Scalefusion OneIdP, underpinned by unified endpoint managed rooted with zero trust principles is a modern identity and access management solution

    It enforces rigorous, policy-driven device authentication, ensuring that access is only granted to verified users and compliant devices. With Zero Trust at its core, this solution guarantees that no one—not even the most trusted insiders—can bypass security measures, keeping your sensitive systems and data safe at all times.

    For macOS

    To implement conditional access on Mac devices with Scalefusion OneIdP, organizations can set up policies that require specific security standards, such as:

    • The device is managed with the Scalefusion UEM platform.
    • Ensuring the device is running the latest macOS updates.
    • Enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA) when accessing sensitive applications.
    • Restricting access from untrusted networks or locations or time of the day. 
    • Enforcing FileVault login as one of the login access conditions for hassle-free secured access. 

    Scalefusion OneIdP makes it easy to create and enforce these policies through a centralized dashboard, ensuring that Mac users meet the organization’s security requirements.

    For Windows

    Implementing conditional access on Windows devices with OneIdP is equally straightforward. Policies can be set to:

    • Devices that are managed with the Scalefusion UEM platform.
    • Block access from devices that are not joined to the corporate domain or registered in the organization’s device management system.
    • Implement conditional access rules based on the user’s location, IP address, SSID, and/or day and time.

    For Android 

    • Set device compliance for Android with device encryption settings.
    • Block access from devices that are not enrolled in the Scalefusion MDM/UEM system or registered with the corporate directory.
    • Implement conditional access rules based on the user’s location, IP address, SSID, and/or day and time.

    With Scalefusion OneIdP, organizations can easily configure conditional access policies for mixed inventory devices, ensuring secure access to corporate resources while maintaining a seamless user experience.

    Conclusion

    Conditional access policies are key to implementing a Zero Trust security model, enforcing the principle of “never trust, always verify.” By evaluating real-time factors like user identity, device health, and location, these policies ensure that only authorized users and compliant devices can access sensitive systems, both inside and outside the corporate network.

    Despite challenges in managing complex policies, the benefits are clear. Conditional access limits access based on context reduces risks, and strengthens security. Solutions like Scalefusion OneIdP help enforce these policies across platforms like Android, macOS, or Windows, ensuring secure, seamless access to critical resources within a Zero Trust strategy.

    References

    1. Verizon Report
    Snigdha Keskar
    Snigdha Keskar
    Snigdha Keskar is the Content Lead at Scalefusion, specializing in brand and content marketing. With a diverse background in various sectors, she excels at crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

    Product Updates

    spot_img

    Latest Articles

    How to select the right enterprise VPN? Key parameters to evaluate

    Imagine this: A leading financial firm unknowingly deploys a poorly secured VPN, exposing its sensitive client data to cybercriminals. Within weeks, attackers exploit vulnerabilities,...

    [Infographic] Rugged devices: Built to withstand. Managed to perform.

    Not all devices are cut out for the real world. Drop a regular phone on a construction site, and it’s game over. Spill water...

    How to block apps on Chromebooks for better security and productivity

    Doesn’t it bother you that you have handed out Chromebooks to your team or students, thinking these efficient devices will streamline productivity, but what...

    Latest From Author

    What is device trust and how does it work?

    When it comes to access, it's not just about who you trust—it’s also about what you trust to gain entry. The security of your...

    Zero Trust Access Control for managed and unmanaged devices

    Remember when Nick Fury brought in the Helicarrier, the Avengers’ high-tech vessel protecting the world from threats? Now, imagine you had a similar system...

    How Zero Trust balances the act of usability and security

    There’s a constant juxtaposition between security and user access. On one hand, easy access to data can invite cyberattacks and breaches, while overly restrictive...

    More from the blog

    What is device trust and how does it work?

    When it comes to access, it's not just about who you trust—it’s also about what you trust to gain entry. The security of your...

    Zero Trust Access Control for managed and unmanaged devices

    Remember when Nick Fury brought in the Helicarrier, the Avengers’ high-tech vessel protecting the world from threats? Now, imagine you had a similar system...

    How Zero Trust balances the act of usability and security

    There’s a constant juxtaposition between security and user access. On one hand, easy access to data can invite cyberattacks and breaches, while overly restrictive...

    What is SAML-based authentication and how it works

    Jane, a project manager, starts her day by logging into her laptop. Thanks to SAML-based authentication, she only needs to log in once to...