How Microsoft Entra SSE Enables Secure Remote Access Without VPNs
Microsoft Entra SSE lets you connect safely from far away. You do not need to use old VPNs. Many companies now pick security based on identity and Zero Trust. More groups are making this change, as shown in these numbers:
Old VPNs can cause problems. They may give too much access. They can let bad code run. They can make work slow. You can switch to Microsoft Entra SSE. It is a safer and newer way to connect.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Entra SSE lets people connect safely from far away. You do not need to use old VPNs. This makes things safer and faster.
The Zero Trust model checks users and devices before letting them in. Only approved people and devices can use certain apps. This helps stop people who should not get in.
Entra SSE makes things easier for users. You can sign in with your Microsoft 365 login. You do not need lots of different passwords.
Entra SSE has tools like Conditional Access and app segmentation. These help companies control who gets in and keep important data safe.
Switching to Microsoft Entra SSE can save money. It also makes security easier to manage. This helps companies get ready for changes in the future.
Microsoft Entra SSE Overview
What Is Microsoft Entra SSE?
Microsoft Entra SSE helps keep your remote connections safe. It uses different security tools to protect your data. There are two main features: Private Access and Internet Access. Private Access lets you use your company’s apps without opening the whole network. Internet Access keeps you safe when you go online or use cloud services.
Here is a table that lists the main parts of Microsoft Entra SSE and what they do:
These tools work together to make a strong shield. You only get to use the apps you need for your job. This lowers risk and keeps your company’s data safe.
VPN vs. Entra SSE
You might wonder how Microsoft Entra SSE is different from VPNs. VPNs let you into the whole network. You can reach many things, even if you do not need them. Microsoft Entra SSE works in another way. It checks who you are every time you connect. You only get to use certain apps, not everything.
Now, companies check every user and device instead of trusting everyone. You get more control and better safety. You do not have to worry about giving too much access or letting threats spread. Microsoft Entra SSE helps you work safely from anywhere.
Key Benefits
Security and Zero Trust
You want your company to be safe. Microsoft Entra SSE helps you do this with Zero Trust. You do not have to trust every device or person. The system checks each request before letting anyone in. Only the right people get access to the right things.
Here is a table that shows how Microsoft Entra SSE makes security better:
You can use tools like role-based access control. You can also use just-in-time privilege. These tools help you limit who gets access. You get regular checks to make sure permissions are right. By default, no one gets access unless you say yes.
Tip: You can keep tokens safe and stop man-in-the-middle attacks by using Private Access and Internet Access.
User Experience
You want your team to work from anywhere with ease. Microsoft Entra SSE gives a simple and smooth way to connect. Users do not need to install new apps or remember extra passwords. They use their usual Microsoft 365 login.
Here is a table that shows how user experience gets better:
You can control who gets access in detail. IT teams find it easier to manage because there are no tricky VPNs. You can handle users and permissions in one place.
Scalability
Your company might grow or have people in many places. Microsoft Entra SSE helps you handle this growth. The system uses a global network with lots of data centers. You can connect users and devices from anywhere.
You can set up security for cloud apps and for things at your office. You can change how you use it as your needs change. One set of rules helps you keep control as your team gets bigger.
Note: You can save money and make things simpler by using one security tool instead of many.
How Microsoft Entra SSE Works
Identity-Based Access
You can choose who gets into your company’s apps. This helps keep your data safe. Only the right people can get in. Here is how you set it up:
Connect your apps to Microsoft Entra ID. This step checks that only approved users get in. You can see who has access and start reviews.
Turn on single sign-on (SSO). Set up automatic access for users. This makes logging in easy. It also helps you manage permissions.
Tip: Using identity-based access lowers the chance of someone sneaking in.
Conditional Access Policies
You can make security stronger with conditional access policies. These rules help you decide who can use your resources and when. If users try to connect from unsafe networks, the system blocks them. You can use signals like user location or device health to make custom rules.
The system protects Microsoft and other apps by blocking unsafe networks.
You can mix signals to make special rules. For example, you can allow access only through secure channels.
This setup keeps remote users safe. It makes sure only trusted connections get through.
Application Segmentation
You can lower risks by splitting your apps into segments. This lets you control who can reach each app. You can add extra checks like multi-factor authentication (MFA). Here is a table that shows how segmentation helps:
Segmentation stops threats from moving across your network.
It makes it harder for attackers to spread if they get in.
With Microsoft Entra SSE, you can protect your resources. You can keep your company safe by using these smart steps.
Deploying Microsoft Entra SSE
Planning and Prerequisites
You need to make a plan before starting. Pick people who will help with the setup. Give everyone a job and write down what they must do. Check if you have the right licenses and permissions. Get your system ready for safe access.
Here is a table to help you plan:
You also need to meet some tech needs. Make sure you have the right admin roles and licenses. Get at least one Windows device that is joined to Entra and can go online. Download and put in the Global Secure Access Client.
Tip: Check your system and make sure you have everything you need before you start.
Configuration Steps
You can set up Microsoft Entra SSE by doing these steps:
Type in the name and region for your remote network.
Add a device link or IPsec tunnel by putting in your router’s info.
Connect a traffic forwarding profile to your remote network. This profile picks what traffic goes through the tunnel.
Get the IPsec tunnel details from Microsoft’s side.
Put Microsoft’s connection info into your router or CPE.
Note: Always check your settings twice so you do not make mistakes.
Integration Tips
You can use Microsoft Entra SSE with your other security tools. Change your security rules to fit your company’s needs. Use real-time threat intelligence to make your protection stronger. Automate simple security jobs to save time and stop mistakes. Watch and study security logs to find problems early. Do regular security checks to stay safe and improve.
Match your security rules to your business needs.
Use threat intelligence for stronger protection.
Automate jobs to work faster.
Watch logs to find weak spots.
Check security often to keep things safe.
When you move from VPNs to Microsoft Entra SSE, focus on identity-based security. Use Entra ID and Zero Trust Network Access to check users. Connect with Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) to keep cloud apps safe. Secure Web Gateway (SWG) helps you look at web traffic and set rules. You get strong security for people working from anywhere.
Best Practices
You can keep things safe and work well by following these best practices:
Look at your current security and find weak spots.
Ask important people for their ideas early.
Make a plan that fits your goals and fixes risks.
Change your setup and update it often.
Teach your IT team and users about security.
Start with a small test to find problems before going big.
Watch your system and update rules to stay safe.
Callout: Keep watching and updating your system to stay secure.
You might have some problems when setting up. Some groups find it hard to watch service principal activity or account changes. You can fix this by checking alerts and making special rules for watching. Use admin accounts just for this and check activity often. Make sure your services work in different places.
Here is a table with common problems and ways to fix them:
Many groups have done well with Microsoft Entra SSE. For example, an insurance company got better control over important accounts and lowered risk by using automatic watching. Washington County Public Schools made identity management easier and had fewer support problems by using multi-factor authentication.
Tip: Use these stories to help you with your own setup.
Microsoft Entra SSE helps you connect safely without using VPNs. It gives strong protection for your data. You can manage it easily. The user experience is smooth and simple. Many companies worry about safety, how easy it is to use, and if it is too hard to set up. The table below shows how Entra SSE helps with these problems:
You can spend less money and lower your risk. You also get ready for new changes in the future. Top experts say Microsoft is a great choice for safe remote access.
FAQ
How do you start using Microsoft Entra SSE?
You sign up for Microsoft Entra SSE. You check your licenses and permissions. You install the Global Secure Access Client on your device. You follow the setup steps in the admin portal.
Can you use Microsoft Entra SSE with your current apps?
Yes, you connect your apps to Microsoft Entra ID. You set up single sign-on. You use conditional access policies to control who gets in.
What devices work with Microsoft Entra SSE?
You can use Windows 10 or 11 devices. Your device must join Microsoft Entra and connect to the internet. You install the Global Secure Access Client.
How does Microsoft Entra SSE keep your data safe?
Microsoft Entra SSE checks your identity every time you connect. It uses Zero Trust rules. You only get access to the apps you need.
Do you need to remove your VPN before using Microsoft Entra SSE?
You do not need to remove your VPN right away. You can test Microsoft Entra SSE first. When you feel ready, you can retire your old VPN.