Overview
This unit introduces the Microsoft identity ecosystem , covering key services like
Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365 , and the fundamental concepts of authentication ,
authorization , and access tokens .
Key Concepts
1. Authentication (AuthN):
The process of proving who you are .
Example: Entering your username and password to log into your email.
2. Authorization (AuthZ):
The process of determining what you can do after you’re authenticated.
Example: After logging in, you can read your emails but cannot delete another user’s
mailbox.
3. Access Tokens:
Small pieces of data that grant temporary access to resources after authentication.
Example: When you open Outlook online, your login generates a token that lets you
access your mailbox for a limited time without signing in again.
4. Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD):
The identity backbone for Microsoft Cloud services. It handles authentication and
authorization for users, apps, and devices.
5. Microsoft 365 Identity Services:
Build on Entra ID to manage users and permissions for apps like Teams, SharePoint,
and Exchange.