3.1.4. Implement Entra ID Authentication
First Principle: Entra ID authentication is the primary identity provider for secure, cloud-native applications on Azure. Its core purpose is to enable secure user sign-in and centralized access control, allowing applications to leverage enterprise-grade security and manage identities efficiently.
What It Is: "Entra ID" is Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management service, providing secure authentication and access control for applications. Integrating with "Entra ID" allows apps to leverage enterprise-grade security and centralized identity management.
Visual: "Entra ID Authentication Flow"
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"Application registration" is the process of creating an identity for your app in "Entra ID". This involves registering the app in the Azure portal, which generates a client ID and allows you to configure permissions, redirect URIs, and secrets (or certificates). This registration enables "Entra ID" to recognize and authenticate your application.
Common authentication flows in Entra ID include:
- "OAuth 2.0 Authorization Code Flow": Used by web apps and native clients. The user is redirected to "Entra ID" to sign in, and the app securely exchanges an authorization code for tokens. This flow is ideal for apps that can securely store secrets (server-side apps).
- "OpenID Connect (OIDC)": An identity layer built on "OAuth 2.0", "OIDC" provides authentication and issues ID tokens containing user information. It is widely used for user sign-in scenarios for web applications.
- "Client Credentials Flow": Designed for service-to-"service (daemon) applications" where no user is present. The app authenticates using its own credentials (secret or certificate) to obtain tokens.
Benefits of Entra ID authentication:
- "Single Sign-On (SSO)": Users access multiple apps with one login.
- "Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)": Adds extra security.
- "Centralized user management": Simplifies administration and compliance.
- "Regulatory compliance": Meets industry standards for identity.
Scenario: You are developing a new internal web application. Your organization uses Entra ID for employee identities, and you want employees to sign in to your application using their existing organizational credentials. The application also needs to access Microsoft Graph API on behalf of the signed-in user.
Reflection Question: How does implementing Entra ID authentication for your application, leveraging "application registration" and modern authentication flows like "OAuth 2.0" and "OpenID Connect", fundamentally provide secure sign-in and centralized access control for applications?