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2025-02-16
Just enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is not enough for securing the Entra Admin Center. As the core of Identity Management, where users, groups, applications, and devices are managed, the Entra Admin Center requires multiple layers of protection. One critical aspect often overlooked is configuring session timeouts.
Leaving a session open on an unsecured device or network can provide attackers with a golden opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is essential to configure idle session timeouts at both the directory and admin levels within the Entra Admin Center.
How to Configure Session Timeouts:
1. Directory Level Timeout:
- Navigate to the Entra Admin Center.
- Go to Settings > Session Management.
- Set the Idle Session Timeout to a recommended duration (e.g., 15 minutes).
2. Admin Level Timeout:
- In the Entra Admin Center, select Admin Roles.
- Choose the specific admin role you want to configure.
- Set the Session Timeout to a secure duration (e.g., 10 minutes).
Practice Verified Commands:
- PowerShell Command to Set Session Timeout:
Set-MsolCompanySettings -SessionTimeoutInMinutes 15
- Azure CLI Command:
az rest --method patch --url 'https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/policies/activityBasedTimeoutPolicies' --body '{"definition":["{\"ActivityBasedTimeoutPolicy\":{\"TimeoutInMinutes\":15}}"]}'
What Undercode Say:
In the realm of cybersecurity, particularly within identity management systems like Microsoft Entra, the importance of layered security cannot be overstated. While MFA provides a robust first line of defense, it is not a panacea. Configuring session timeouts is a critical step in mitigating risks associated with idle sessions, which can be exploited by attackers.
In Linux environments, similar principles apply. For instance, you can configure session timeouts in SSH by editing the `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file:
ClientAliveInterval 300 ClientAliveCountMax 0
This configuration will terminate idle SSH sessions after 300 seconds (5 minutes).
For Windows, you can enforce session timeouts via Group Policy:
1. Open Group Policy Management.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Session Time Limits.
- Set Set time limit for active but idle Remote Desktop Services sessions to your desired duration.
Additionally, consider implementing network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to further secure your environment. Tools like `iptables` in Linux can be configured to block suspicious traffic:
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -m state --state NEW -m recent --set iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -m state --state NEW -m recent --update --seconds 60 --hitcount 4 -j DROP
This configuration limits the number of new SSH connections to 4 within 60 seconds, helping to prevent brute force attacks.
In conclusion, securing identity management systems like Entra Admin Center requires a multi-faceted approach. By combining MFA with session timeout configurations, network-level protections, and regular security audits, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and potential breaches. Always stay vigilant and keep your systems updated with the latest security patches and configurations.
For further reading on securing Entra ID, visit: Microsoft Entra ID Documentation
References:
Hackers Feeds, Undercode AI
