Microsoft’s Entra ID P2: A Security Upgrade Worth Embracing

Microsoft has a habit of pushing new products and features—sometimes to the frustration of users. But one upcoming change is actually a big win for security: Entra ID P2.

This tool improves identity and access management, making it much harder for attackers to break into accounts.

Entra ID P2 comes with several advanced security features that help protect user accounts and sensitive data:

• Risk-based conditional access – Controls who can log in based on their behavior and risk level.
• Identity protection – Detects and prevents unauthorized sign-ins.
• Privileged identity management (PIM) – Ensures only approved users can access critical systems.
• Security monitoring & reporting – Tracks suspicious login attempts and alerts IT teams.

Starting mid-May 2025, Microsoft will roll out Conditional Access policies for risky sign-ins. At first, these policies will only generate reports, but by May 12, 2025, they will be fully enforced, requiring multifactor authentication (MFA) for affected users.

Entra ID P2 constantly monitors login activity and flags potential security threats, including:

• Leaked passwords that attackers might try to use.
• Sign-ins from anonymous or infected devices.
• Impossible travel, like logging in from the U.S. and then appearing to log in from Australia an hour later.
• Logins from unfamiliar or high-risk locations.

If something seems off, the system steps in to prevent unauthorized access.

Before this policy takes effect, it’s important to prepare:

• Ensure all users have MFA enabled – This is a must-have for account security.
• Check your security settings – Use the Microsoft Entra admin center to review logs and policies.
• Run a registration campaign – Make sure employees set up their MFA before the policy enforces it.
• Review your backup admin accounts – Any emergency accounts should use a different MFA method from the primary system.

If your company relies on Microsoft 365, Entra ID P2 is an essential security tool. It’s available as a standalone license or as part of the Microsoft 365 E5 package for enterprise users.

For government agencies, additional Entra ID Governance services may be needed to comply with regulations.

At the end of the day, passwords alone aren’t enough anymore. Attackers are getting smarter, and stolen credentials are widely available on the dark web. Adding extra layers of protection, like MFA and identity monitoring, is a simple but effective way to keep your business safe.

If your organization isn’t using Entra ID P2 yet, now is the time to make the switch.