Automatically Setting Up Conditional Access Policies: A Guide for MSPs

In the ever-changing world of cybersecurity, staying ahead of potential threats is crucial, especially for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Microsoft is shaking things up by deprecating the old ‘per user’ Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in Microsoft 365, set for September 2025. This change, while meant to boost security, brings new challenges that MSPs must tackle head-on. Microsoft has already started making these changes, so it’s vital to get on board sooner rather than later.

The Transition from Legacy MFA to Conditional Access Policies

Microsoft’s move from legacy MFA to conditional access policies is a big step towards better security. But let's be honest, this transition isn't a walk in the park. Legacy MFA was simple; it worked. But soon, it will be history. Relying only on security defaults, which offer limited protection, just won't cut it anymore. Embracing conditional access policies is the future, but it’s not without its headaches.

Conditional access policies give you a lot of power, letting you control user access and authentication processes in detail. But with great power comes a great learning curve. Setting up these policies can be a nightmare, with endless options and settings that can boggle even the most experienced IT minds. It feels like you need a computer science degree just to enable MFA for specific users.

Why Relying on Security Defaults Isn’t Enough

Think about it: Security Defaults decide when MFA is needed, which means Microsoft is calling the shots. If you’re always logging in from the same place, it might decide that's a trusted location and skip MFA. How can you be sure MFA is always on? For top-notch security, you need to set up conditional access policies properly.

Simplifying Conditional Access Implementation

Here’s where things get easier. Instead of struggling through the Microsoft 365 portal, or worse, trusting random PowerShell scripts from the internet, MSPs need tools that simplify the whole process. Tools that take away the complexity and make your life easier, so you can focus on managing your clients’ IT needs.

Key Features of Effective Conditional Access Tools

This is what our global MSP members asked for: tools that take the pain out of setting up conditional access policies. Tools that are simple enough for a 1st line engineer to use. Imagine just clicking a button and having multiple operations carried out automatically, all while meeting compliance and security standards for both the MSP and their customers.

• Ease of Use: These tools handle the heavy lifting. No need to dive into the weeds of conditional access policies to enable MFA.
• Policy Management: Effortlessly create or modify existing conditional access MFA policies. Name the policy, pick the users, groups, or roles to include or exclude, and click enable. It’s really that simple.
• Flexibility: Easily disable MFA conditional access policies, delete existing ones, and clearly see the inclusions and exclusions for any MFA-enforced policy.
• Integration with Onboarding Tools: If you use onboarding tools to enforce MFA across all users or administrators, these tools let you exclude users as needed, giving you flexibility and control.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s deprecation of legacy MFA is pushing us towards more secure and comprehensive access control methods. While transitioning to conditional access policies can be daunting, using the right tools can make this process a breeze for MSPs. Simplifying the setup and management of conditional access-based MFA means you can boost your security measures without the stress and complexity.

Don’t wait for the September 2025 deadline. Start transitioning now, and ensure your clients are protected with the latest and most effective security protocols. Embrace the future of secure access management with ease and confidence.

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MSP Easy Tools has a new Conditional Access Setup Tool, as requested by MSPs around the world in our voting forum. Together, we can navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and keep your clients safe.