0.1 Introduction: Mastering Workload Identity Security in Microsoft Entra ID - An Exploratory Guide
Blog Series: Introduction
Welcome to this comprehensive blog series. As a contributor to the Centre for Internet Security (CIS) "Windows 365 Fundamentals" benchmark, I've been involved in discussions with co-contributors about the evolving security landscape. One area we've noted as currently lacking specific, consolidated guidance within this particular benchmark is the robust security of Microsoft Entra Workload Identities. While the Windows 365 environment leverages Entra ID, dedicated best practices for its non-human identities (applications, service principals, and managed identities) are becoming increasingly critical.
These discussions have prompted me to embark on an exploration of this topic. This blog series results from that exploration, aiming to provide Microsoft Entra administrators with detailed, step-by-step guidance on monitoring and securing these vital assets. It's important to note that the CIS-aligned recommendations presented herein are exploratory and a work in progress, adapted from principles found in benchmarks like the CIS Microsoft Azure Foundations Benchmark. They are intended to foster discussion and provide practical, actionable advice based on current best practices. These are not yet official CIS recommendations for Workload Identities within the Windows 365 Fundamentals benchmark or any other specific CIS benchmark dedicated solely to Workload Identities.
Should the CIS community reach a consensus and publish official recommendations for workload identity security in a future benchmark version, I am committed to revisiting and updating this guidance accordingly.
For now, this series will guide you from foundational practices available in the free tier of Microsoft Entra ID to advanced protection mechanisms offered by Microsoft Entra Workload Identities Premium. We'll explore how to configure robust security controls, including Conditional Access policies and Identity Protection, specifically tailored for service principals.
Why This Structure? Complexity and Cost
We've structured this series to allow you to progressively enhance your workload identity security, starting with no-cost, high-impact actions and gradually moving towards more advanced (and potentially licensed) features. This approach ensures that organisations of all sizes and budgets can make meaningful improvements:
Ease of Implementation & No Additional Cost: Early blogs leverage built-in features in the Microsoft Entra ID Free tier. These are often the quickest wins and form the bedrock of good identity hygiene.
Introducing Premium Capabilities: As we progress, we’ll introduce features that require Microsoft Entra Workload Identities Premium licences. We’ll explain the value proposition and provide clear instructions for implementation.
Advanced Governance and Automation: Later blogs will delve into more complex configurations, automation strategies, and continuous monitoring, helping you build a mature workload identity security programme.
What to Expect from Each Blog:
Supporting Blog A: Activating Trial Licences: Step-by-step instructions on activating trial licences for Microsoft Entra Workload Identities Premium.
Supporting Blog B: Configuring Extended Log Retention: Guidance on setting up Azure Log Analytics for long-term storage and analysis of crucial audit and sign-in logs.
Supporting Blog C: Setting Up Your PowerShell Environment: Instructions for installing and configuring the necessary Microsoft Graph PowerShell modules, and how to use beta cmdlets.
Blog 1: The Foundation - Understanding & Discovering Your Workload Identities (Free Tier):
What are workload identities (service principals, managed identities)?
Differentiating Microsoft-deployed (default) service principals from those deployed by administrators or ISVs.
Inventorying your service principals using PowerShell (beta cmdlets).
Understanding the scope of the free tier.
Reviewing service principal owners and credentials (passwords and certificates).
Identifying and removing unused or stale credentials and service principals.
Implementing basic proposed CIS-aligned controls is achievable with the free tier.
PowerShell scripts for basic audits (using beta cmdlets).
Overview of Microsoft Entra Workload Identities Premium features and licensing.
Deep dive into Conditional Access for workload identities.
Step-by-step: Creating location-based Conditional Access policies for service principals.
Understanding risk detections for workload identities (e.g., leaked credentials, anomalous sign-ins).
Configuring and monitoring risky workload identities.
Step-by-step: Creating risk-based Conditional Access policies for service principals.
Implementing Access Reviews for service principals with privileged Microsoft Entra role assignments (requires Workload Identities Premium and Microsoft Entra ID P2/Governance licences).
Detailed proposed CIS-aligned recommendations for securing workload identities (description, rationale, impact, audit procedures using PowerShell beta cmdlets).
Automating audit tasks using PowerShell (beta cmdlets).
Integrating workload identity logs with your SIEM.
Best practices for ongoing maintenance and lifecycle management.
Exploring advanced scenarios and future directions.
Each blog will be packed with practical examples, PowerShell scripts (explicitly using beta cmdlets like Get-MgBetaServicePrincipal), and indicators for where screenshots would benefit a live deployment. We aim to make this series your go-to resource for workload identity security in Microsoft Entra ID.
What’s Next?
Proceed to the first of 3 supporting blogs, which will help you establish the necessary prerequisites and lay the groundwork for the main series:
Supporting Blog A: Activating Trial Licences: Step-by-step instructions on activating trial licences for Microsoft Entra Workload Identities Premium.
Supporting Blog B: Configuring Extended Log Retention: Guidance on setting up Azure Log Analytics for long-term storage and analysis of crucial audit and sign-in logs.
Supporting Blog C: Setting Up Your PowerShell Environment: Instructions for installing and configuring the necessary Microsoft Graph PowerShell modules, and how to use beta cmdlets.