| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| User Readiness and Communication |
Ensure that all users are informed about the upcoming change. Provide clear instructions and training on how to set up and use MFA (e.g., authentication apps, phone calls, or SMS). |
| Supported Authentication Methods |
Review the available MFA options (e.g., Microsoft Authenticator, SMS, phone calls, hardware tokens). Confirm which methods will be supported in your organization and communicate these to users. |
| Access to Critical Accounts |
Make sure that admin accounts are set up with MFA first to avoid being locked out. Consider having emergency access accounts that are excluded from MFA but secured by other means (e.g., break-glass accounts). |
| Backup and Recovery Options |
Ensure users have alternative authentication methods configured in case the primary method fails (e.g., backup phone numbers or app-based codes). Set up self-service password reset (SSPR) if it’s not already configured. |
| Testing on a Small Group |
Pilot the MFA setup with a small group of users or departments to identify potential issues. Make adjustments based on the feedback and findings from the pilot. |
| Conditional Access Policies |
Review and configure conditional access policies to enforce MFA based on specific conditions (e.g., location, device, user role). Ensure exclusions for trusted IP ranges, if necessary. |
| Application Compatibility |
Verify that all applications and services integrated with Azure support MFA. Test critical applications to ensure they can handle MFA requirements without issues. |
| Security Baseline |
Check for any legacy authentication protocols that might bypass MFA (e.g., SMTP, POP3, IMAP) and consider disabling them. Review your organization's security baseline to ensure MFA is implemented alongside other security best practices (e.g., strong password policies, regular patching). |
| Logging and Monitoring |
Enable and review audit logs for any suspicious activities related to authentication attempts. Configure alerts for failed authentication attempts that could indicate malicious activity. |