Today, organisations are increasingly reliant on cloud services like Microsoft 365 (M365) to streamline operations and enhance productivity. However, this reliance also brings with it significant security challenges. Enter Global Secure Access, a comprehensive solution that includes two key components: Entra Internet and Entra Private Access. These tools are designed to provide robust security measures while ensuring seamless access to M365 resources.
Understanding Global Secure Access
Global Secure Access is an integrated security solution aimed at protecting sensitive data and ensuring that users can access necessary resources without compromising security. It addresses the growing need for secure internet access and secure access to private networks, which are critical for modern enterprises.
Entra Internet
Entra Internet is a secure web gateway that provides protection against internet-based threats. It monitors and controls access to web content, ensuring that users are protected from malicious websites, phishing attacks, and other online threats. Key features of Entra Internet include:
- Threat Protection: Real-time scanning and blocking of malicious content to prevent cyber attacks.
- Content Filtering: Customisable policies to block access to inappropriate or non-work-related sites.
- User Activity Monitoring: Detailed logging and reporting of user activities for compliance and audit purposes.
Entra Private Access
Entra Private Access is a secure remote access solution that allows employees to connect to private networks securely. It uses advanced encryption and authentication methods to ensure that only authorised users can access sensitive resources. Key features of Entra Private Access include:
- Zero Trust Security: Continuous verification of user identity and device health before granting access.
- Seamless Integration: Easy integration with existing network infrastructure and applications.
- High Performance: Efficient routing and optimised connections to ensure minimal latency and high-speed access.
Benefits of Securing Access to M365 Resources
Enhanced Security
By implementing Entra Internet and Entra Private Access, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks. The combination of real-time threat protection, zero trust security, and comprehensive monitoring ensures that sensitive information remains protected at all times.
Improved Compliance
Many industries are subject to stringent regulatory requirements regarding data protection and user privacy. Global Secure Access helps organisations meet these requirements by providing detailed logs, reports, and audit trails that demonstrate compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
Increased Productivity
With secure and reliable access to M365 resources, employees can work more efficiently from anywhere. Entra Private Access ensures that remote workforces can connect to necessary resources without compromising security, while Entra Internet provides a safe browsing environment, reducing the risk of disruptions caused by cyber threats.
Cost Efficiency
By consolidating security solutions into a single, integrated platform, Global Secure Access can help organisations reduce costs associated with managing multiple security systems. This streamlined approach simplifies administration and reduces the burden on IT teams, allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Conclusion
In an era where digital transformation is accelerating, securing access to cloud resources like M365 is more important than ever. Global Secure Access, with its Entra Internet and Entra Private Access components, offers a comprehensive solution that enhances security, improves compliance, boosts productivity, and provides cost efficiencies. By adopting these tools, organisations can ensure that their valuable data and resources are protected, enabling them to thrive in the digital age. If you are interested in finding out how Global Secure Access can impact your business, book time to talk to me about your plans.
About the Author
Mark Chinery is FluidOne's Enterprise IT Head of Consultancy and has 20+ years' experience in advising customers on strategic change including implementation of complex Microsoft infrastructure.
Mark particularly enjoys solving complex problems in End User Compute (desktop/mobile/security) and server infrastructure.
