Entra ID Foundations: Identity Types and Core Functions

Managing access and securing digital identities is a critical requirement for any modern cloud environment. This text-based guide introduces you to the core principles of identity management using Entra ID. By reading through our structured lessons, you will learn how to organize, secure, and govern different types of identities. You will transition from a beginner to confidently explaining how cloud directory services protect organizational resources. What you'll learn: - Understand the core terminology of cloud directory services and identity management. - Identify the differences between user, group, device, and service principal identity types. - Learn how authentication, authorization, and modern single sign-on (SSO) secure user access. - Explore zero-trust security concepts and how conditional access policies protect assets. - Configure basic directory settings and manage administrative roles. - Practice evaluating real-world identity scenarios through written exercises. The course starts with foundational definitions of identity providers and progresses through configuring various identity types, culminating in modern security practices like multi-factor authentication and role-based access control. This course is designed for absolute beginners in cloud administration, IT support, or security compliance, requiring no prior experience with directory services. Read on to build a solid foundation in modern cloud identity management today.