Microsoft’s vision for zero-trust security is centered around generative AI and the constant improvement of identity and network access to combat complex cyberattacks. At Ignite 2023, Microsoft unveiled several security announcements, showcasing their commitment to architecting the future of zero trust with increased adaptability and contextual intelligence.
Zero Trust: Core to Microsoft’s Future
Throughout Ignite 2023 sessions, Microsoft emphasized that their shift towards a trust model is rooted in identity. Zero trust is now ingrained in their security strategy, with a focus on achieving scalability through an identity-centric approach. Their SSE (Security Service Edge) solution utilizes Microsoft Entra for internet and private access, as well as Defender for cloud apps.
“We just have to always assume breach, and that means continual monitoring. It means tons and tons of log files. It means everything needs to be constantly emitting data that helps if you can trust it,”
– Alex Simons, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Identity & Network Access
A key component of Microsoft’s zero trust approach is their conditional access policy engine, which allows organizations to define and enforce corporate policies for resource access based on device, time, risk level, and more. This engine serves as the foundation of their trust fabric, where every identity, resource, request, and location is continuously verified.
Microsoft’s Zero-Trust Vision Takes Shape
Sinead Odonovan, Vice President of Product Management for Microsoft SSE, provided an overview of the SSE platform and the roadmap for their zero-trust-based solution. Microsoft aims to deliver six foundational elements this quarter, with a focus on secure web gateways and VPN replacements. In the first half of 2024, Microsoft Internet Access and Private Access will be launched for general availability. The future roadmap includes improvements in network DLP, BYOD, threat protection, and firewall support.
“Security practitioners deeply value the quality of detections available in XDR and the flexibility from SIEM. However, many are left wondering… why do I need two separate products in the SOC to do detection and response (XDR and SIEM)?”
– Allie Mellen, Forrester Principal Analyst
Microsoft also showcased their Unified Security Operations Platform suite, integrating Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR, and Microsoft Security Copilot. This integration combines SIEM, XDR, and AI for real-time threat analysis and response, providing continuous monitoring and adaptive threat response for enterprise customers.
By consolidating security components and entering the XDR market, Microsoft aims to simplify detection, investigation, and response for security analysts, offering a unified analyst experience in one place.
Overall, the security announcements at Ignite 2023 demonstrate the significant role of identity and network access in Microsoft’s comprehensive integration strategy. With the adoption of SSE, Entra, and InTune internally, Microsoft is shaping their zero-trust vision. Their zero trust innovations, powered by generative AI, prioritize continuous monitoring, adaptive threat response, and fortified network segments against emerging cyber threats.
