Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator AssociateImplement an identity management solutionMedium

A company uses Azure AD for all its cloud applications. They have recently implemented Azure AD Identity Protection and configured a 'User risk policy' to block users with a 'High' risk level. A user, John Doe, frequently travels internationally and uses a VPN. His sign-ins are often flagged as 'Anomalous sign-in location' and 'Unfamiliar sign-in properties' which contribute to a 'Medium' user risk score. However, a single sign-in from a known anonymous IP address has just increased his user risk score to 'High'. What will be the immediate impact on John Doe's access attempts based on the configured policy?

  1. AAn administrator will receive an alert and must manually intervene.
  2. BJohn Doe will be prompted for MFA on his next sign-in.
  3. CJohn Doe's account will be temporarily suspended.
  4. DJohn Doe's sign-in will be blocked immediately.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. John Doe's sign-in will be blocked immediately.

The 'User risk policy' is configured to block users with a 'High' risk level. As soon as John Doe's user risk score reaches 'High' due to the anonymous IP sign-in, any subsequent sign-in attempts will be blocked by the policy, preventing access.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. While an alert might be generated, the policy itself takes an immediate automated action (blocking) based on the risk level.
  • B. MFA is typically prompted for 'Medium' risk or specific sign-in risk policies, not for blocking 'High' user risk.
  • C. Account suspension is an option for remediation but not the immediate impact of a 'block' policy unless configured explicitly as such (which is not stated here).

Azure AD User Risk Policy

A Conditional Access policy that defines automated responses based on a user's accumulated risk score, which indicates the likelihood of a compromised identity.

  • Applies to the user's identity, not individual sign-ins.
  • Risk is aggregated over time from various detections.
  • Common actions: Block access, Require password change, Require MFA.

Memory trick: Risk policies are like a 'security guard' at the door: high risk, no entry!

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