New Training: Manage Azure Active Directory Identities

In this 7-video skill, CBT Nuggets trainer Daniel Sasse discusses the various components of Azure Active Directory. Cover a variety of authentication mechanisms and supporting services. Learn how users, computers, and applications can leverage Azure AD to create a secure and reliable infrastructure. Watch this new Azure training.

Watch the full course: Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate

This training includes:

• 7 videos

• 1.1 hours of training

You’ll learn these topics in this skill:

• Manage Azure AD Users

• Manage Azure AD Groups

• Configure Security for Service Principals

• Install and Configure Azure AD Connect

• Configure Password Writeback

• Configure Authentication Methods

• Transfer Azure Subscriptions between AAD Tenants

How is Azure AD Different From On-Prem Active Directory?

With the move to cloud-based IT infrastructure, Microsoft has been implementing cloud versions of their traditional turn-key enterprise applications in Azure. One of those applications is Azure Active Directory, but how is Azure Active Directory different from an on-premise version of AD?

The biggest difference between the two applications is availability. For end-users to connect and authenticate with a local Active Directory, they need access to the business network. This means employees need to connect to that network via a VPN solution or the business needs to run the risk of opening their Active Directory deployment to the outside world. Azure Active Directory allows constant connectivity from any connection. This allows for far greater availability.

Because Azure Active Directory lives in the cloud and is highly available, it can be integrated into other business software for authentication. This means Azure Active Directory can be used for authentication with services like Office 365 for remote users or Google Cloud Services.

Though Azure Active Directory and on-prem versions of AD share many similarities, both services can be utilized for different, complementary functions.