Microsoft Entra Conditional Access introduces powerful new tools—Per-Policy Reporting, What-If Evaluation API, and Sign-in Frequency session control—to help admins monitor, simulate, and enforce smarter access policies. These enhancements boost security and simplify policy management against evolving identity threats. Unique :
Microsoft Entra Conditional Access Gets Smarter with New Policy Tools
Identity attacks are getting craftier, and Microsoft is stepping up with fresh tools in Entra Conditional Access. These updates help admins plan, monitor, and optimize access policies more precisely. Let’s dive into what’s new and why it matters for your security game.
What’s New: Powerful Policy Enhancement Tools
Microsoft rolled out three key features to boost Conditional Access capabilities:
- Per-Policy Reporting (general availability)
- What-If Evaluation API (public preview)
- Sign-in Frequency – Every Time session control (general availability)
Each tool is designed to give admins better visibility and control over access policies, helping prevent unauthorized access and strengthen Zero Trust frameworks.
Per-Policy Reporting: Clear Insights at a Glance
Instead of hunting through complex logs, admins can now see how each policy affects sign-ins with easy visual reports. This feature shows policy impact whether enabled or in report-only mode. Since its launch, usage surged by 475%, proving its real-world value.
“Admins can make smarter decisions when adjusting and optimizing policies by understanding how each Conditional Access policy affects user sign-ins.”
What-If Evaluation API: Test Before You Deploy
This API lets you simulate policy effects across many sign-in scenarios before enforcement. It’s perfect for catching edge cases and ensuring policies don’t disrupt legitimate users. The API mirrors real authentication logic, so tests reflect actual user experiences.
For example, Contoso’s team used the API to secure their payroll app by requiring MFA and reauthentication for risky users outside trusted networks. They automated tests daily to spot any policy drift.
“The What-If evaluation API gives admins a powerful way to simulate the effects of Conditional Access policies at scale, before they are enforced.”
Sign-in Frequency – Every Time: Extra Security for Sensitive Access
This feature enforces reauthentication on every sign-in for critical apps or actions. It’s ideal for protecting sensitive resources, VPNs, or privileged role elevations. By requiring users to verify themselves repeatedly, it reduces risks from stolen tokens or unauthorized access.
Why These Updates Matter
With attackers exploiting overlooked authentication flows, these tools empower admins to stay ahead. They simplify policy management and improve security without disrupting user experience. Plus, the new Conditional Access Optimization Agent uses AI to spot gaps and suggest fixes automatically.
In short, Microsoft Entra Conditional Access is evolving to meet modern security challenges with smarter, more automated policy controls.
Ready to Level Up Your Access Security?
Explore these new features to tighten your Zero Trust posture and protect your organization from identity-based threats. Check out Microsoft’s official docs and start testing with the What-If API today!
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