Unlocking secure access with Microsoft Entra

In today’s cloud-driven workplaces, identity is the new security perimeter. If you manage IT or run a business, you’ve likely faced the challenge of keeping systems secure without creating login headaches for your users. 

So, how do you protect sensitive data while letting the right people in easily? Microsoft Entra is designed to solve this exact challenge. It’s Microsoft’s suite of identity and access management solutions that helps organisations lock down security and simplify access for employees. In this blog, we’ll explore what Microsoft Entra is, its key benefits, and how Softcat is leveraging Entra (both internally and with our customers) to strengthen cyber security and improve user experiences.

What is Microsoft Entra?

Microsoft Entra brings together several identity and security tools under one roof, to provide a unified, “Zero Trust” approach to access management. Here are its main components:

Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory): The core identity service providing user directories, Single Sign-On (SSO) to apps, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Entra ID is the gatekeeper that verifies users and enforces login policies (like requiring MFA or trusted devices). It integrates with on-premises AD and thousands of cloud apps, so users can log in once and securely access everything they need.

Entra External ID: Tools to manage external identities (partners, contractors, or customers). This makes collaborating with third parties safer by giving them controlled access to your resources with their own login, all governed by your Entra security policies.

Entra Verified ID: A system for issuing and verifying digital credentials (like digital ID cards or certifications). It’s an emerging technology that can streamline verification processes (for example, confirming a contractor’s qualifications) in a privacy-respecting way.

Entra Permissions Management: A solution to monitor and control permissions across multi-cloud environments. It helps enforce least-privilege access by identifying accounts with excessive or unused permissions, a common security gap in large organisations.

Entra Internet and Private Access: New features that extend Entra into network security. Entra Internet Access is a secure web gateway that checks users’ internet traffic for threats and compliance (think of it as controlling what your users can safely do online), while Entra Private Access is a modern alternative to VPN that lets remote users connect to internal apps securely without exposing those apps to the open internet. Both use Entra’s identity signals (who the user is, their device status, etc.) to make access decisions.

How Microsoft Entra enhances security and productivity

Implementing Microsoft Entra can deliver significant security gains and efficiency improvements for your organisation. Here are some of the top benefits our customers see:

Stronger security through Zero Trust: “Never trust, always verify” is built into Entra. Conditional Access policies allow you to enforce security rules like MFA for all users, block logins from risky locations, or require up-to-date devices - and these rules apply uniformly across all apps. With one identity platform, there are fewer gaps for attackers to exploit. In fact, a recent Forrester study found that organisations using the full Entra suite reduced identity-related security risk exposure by about 30%, (by eliminating weak links and inconsistent policies). Features like Privileged Identity Management also protect admin accounts by requiring just-in-time approval for high-level access, drastically lowering the risk of a breach.

Seamless access and happier users: Entra’s Single Sign-On means employees can access all their apps with one set of credentials, which reduces password fatigue and login delays. Add in self-service password reset and even passwordless authentication options, and you’ve got a recipe for delighted users. From an IT perspective, this convenience translates to fewer support tickets. As found in the same Forrester study, one enterprise saw password reset calls drop by 90% after rolling out Entra’s SSO and MFA![i]. When users don’t have to jump through hoops to get to their tools, they can be more productive every day.

Efficiency and cost savings: By unifying identity and access management on Entra, businesses often retire legacy systems (like old VPN appliances or third-party identity solutions) and cut down management overhead. Fewer disparate tools mean less maintenance and licence cost. According to the same Forrester study, the Entra suite delivered a 131% return on investment over three years for a composite organisation, driven by savings from faster onboarding, reduced IT support workload, and improved security. In practical terms, tasks like onboarding a new starter become much quicker: some companies went from hours to minutes for account setup because Entra can automate user provisioning based on roles. IT teams are freed up to focus on higher-value projects instead of constant user admin.

Built-in compliance and future readiness: Every access event in Entra is logged, and features like Access Reviews and Conditional Access help enforce compliance with standards (GDPR, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, etc.). You can easily demonstrate who had access to what and when. Microsoft is continually updating Entra with new capabilities, from better cloud app discovery (to manage shadow IT) to integration of AI-driven insights. By adopting Entra, you’re investing in a platform that will keep pace with the evolving security landscape (for example, enabling you to embrace passwordless logins or secure your new AI chatbot’s credentials in the future).

Softcat’s Identity and Access Management expertise

At Softcat, we are proud to hold Microsoft’s Advanced Specialisation in Identity and Access Management, a credential that recognises us as leaders in this space and underlines our deep expertise in Entra/Azure AD deployments. We’ve helped dozens of organisations implement Entra, from straightforward MFA roll-outs to complex enterprise projects replacing legacy identity systems.

We’ve also embraced Entra internally. Our entire workforce logs in via Entra ID (Azure AD), secured with MFA and strict Conditional Access policies. In fact, we’ve even gone passwordless for many of our own applications. This has improved our security posture and our user satisfaction - exactly the outcomes we aim to deliver for our customers. By practicing what we preach, our team has first-hand experience in overcoming deployment challenges and optimising Entra’s features, which we pass along in our customer engagements.

Another way Softcat supports customers is through guidance and licencing insight. Many Entra features might already be included in your Microsoft 365 licences. For example, if your organisation has Microsoft 365 E3, you already have Entra ID’s core features (Plan 1) at your disposal; E5 licences include even more (Plan 2). Our Microsoft licencing specialists can help you identify which Entra capabilities you already own and what additional options exist. This ensures you get maximum value from your current investments before purchasing anything new.

Conclusion and next steps

In summary, Microsoft Entra can significantly bolster your security while making life easier for your users. By unifying identity management, Entra helps close security gaps (no more inconsistent policies or forgotten accounts) and empowers your people with simple, secure access from anywhere. It’s a modern answer to the modern identity challenges organisations face in an era of remote work and sophisticated cyber threats.

Softcat is here to help you on this journey. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner with extensive Entra experience, we offer support at every stage, from initial workshops and licence reviews to full implementation and ongoing optimisation. You’ll have access to a dedicated team of Microsoft experts, including our Microsoft Licensing Specialists, Advisory Team, Microsoft Product & Services Team, and Technical Consultants. Together, we ensure you get the most from your existing investments and guide you through advanced Entra capabilities like Conditional Access, passwordless authentication, and Privileged Identity Management.

If you’re curious about what Microsoft Entra could do for your organisation, or how to get started, get in touch with Softcat here. We’ll help you assess your current setup and map out a plan to enhance your identity and security posture.