Day 3 — MFA + Security Basics (AWS vs Azure Conditional Access)

MFA + Security Basics (AWS vs Azure Conditional Access)

Welcome to Day 3 of the 100 Days of Multi-Cloud Learning Series!
Today, we’re covering MFA + Security Basics (AWS vs Azure Conditional Access) — two of the most critical identity security features in the cloud.

By the end of this post, you’ll understand:
✅ What MFA is
✅ How AWS implements MFA
✅ How Azure uses Conditional Access
✅ Real-world use cases
✅ Hands-on setup steps for both clouds

🎯 What You’ll Learn

• What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

• How to enable MFA in AWS IAM

• How to create Conditional Access policies in Azure

• AWS vs Azure security comparison

• Real-world cloud identity protection practices

🧠 What Is MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)?

MFA adds an extra security layer to your login process.
Instead of relying only on a password, it asks for one more verification step — like a code from your phone or authenticator app.

Example:

If someone gets your password, they still can’t log in without your phone or app.
That’s why MFA reduces over 99% of identity attacks.

🔑 Why MFA Is Important

MFA helps protect against:

• Password leaks

• Phishing attacks

• Social engineering

• Remote login abuse

• Unauthorized account access

⭐ Types of MFA

• OTP (One-time code)

• Authenticator App (Google / Microsoft Authenticator)

• SMS Code

• Hardware Key (YubiKey)

• Biometric (Face ID or Fingerprint)

☁️ What Is Conditional Access in Azure?

Think of Conditional Access as “MFA with smart rules.”
It decides when, where, and how users can access resources — based on risk, location, or device status.

Azure checks:

• Who is logging in

• From which country or IP

• Using what kind of device

• Risk level (low/medium/high)

• What app is being accessed

Then it decides:

• Allow login

• Block login

• Require MFA

• Require a compliant device

👉 Conditional Access = Intelligent, policy-based MFA.

🛠️ Hands-On: Enable MFA in AWS

Step 1 — Setup MFA for an IAM User

1️⃣ Go to AWS Console → IAM → Users
2️⃣ Select your user
3️⃣ Open Security Credentials tab
4️⃣ Under MFA, click Assign MFA
5️⃣ Choose Authenticator App
6️⃣ Scan the QR code using Google Authenticator
7️⃣ Enter the 2 verification codes
8️⃣ Click Activate MFA

✅ Your IAM user now has MFA enabled.

Step 2 — Enforce MFA for All Users

1️⃣ Go to IAM → Account Settings
2️⃣ Enable:

• Require MFA

• Strong password policy

• Password rotation every 90 days

💡 This ensures everyone in your AWS account uses MFA.

☁️ Hands-On: Azure Conditional Access Policy

Step 1 — Open Conditional Access

1️⃣ Login to Azure Portal → Microsoft Entra ID → Security
2️⃣ Click Conditional Access → New Policy

Step 2 — Create Policy: Require MFA for All Users

• Name: Require MFA for All Users

• Users: All Users

• Cloud Apps: All Apps

• Conditions: Exclude trusted locations

• Grant Access: Require MFA

• Enable policy → ✅ ON

✅ Azure now automatically enforces MFA based on conditions.

⚖️ AWS vs Azure — Security Comparison

AWS = Strong MFA
Azure = Smart, Risk-Aware MFA

🧠 Real-World Scenarios

🔐 Security Best Practices

✔️ Enable MFA for all IAM and root accounts
✔️ Use authenticator apps (not SMS MFA)
✔️ Regularly review sign-in logs
✔️ Combine MFA + Conditional Access for enterprise security
✔️ Apply least privilege + zero trust principles

🧩 Quick Quiz

1️⃣ What is MFA and why is it important?
2️⃣ How is Azure Conditional Access different from AWS MFA?
3️⃣ Should all admin/root accounts have MFA enabled?
4️⃣ Why is SMS MFA considered weaker than authenticator apps?

💡 Homework

✅ Enable MFA for all AWS IAM users
✅ Create a Conditional Access Policy in Azure
✅ Test login from a new device or location
✅ Share your screenshot on LinkedIn with #Day3Done

🎓 Key Takeaways

• MFA adds an extra layer of protection

• Azure Conditional Access uses intelligence to secure access

• AWS = Strong MFA, Azure = Smart MFA

• Every cloud account must have MFA enabled

📺 Watch the Full Tutorial

🎥 Day 3 — MFA + Security Basics | AWS vs Azure Conditional Access (Hands-On)

💻 Project Files

🔗 View GitHub Repository

💬 Join the Community

• Join Telegram Group

• Connect on LinkedIn

🧭 Next Steps

⬅️ Day 2 — Azure Entra ID + RBAC

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