Creating, Managing and Configuring Access Packages in Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator is a critical task in ensuring that employees, partners, and customers have the appropriate access to resources in your organization. Encompassing the use of Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), access packages simplify the process of managing and monitoring these resources.

Table of Contents

Understanding Access Packages

Before diving into the creation and configuration of access packages, it’s important to understand what they are. Access packages are bundles of resources that users or groups might need to accomplish a specific task or role in an organization. This may include apps, SharePoint sites, groups, and more. By creating an access package, you streamline the process of granting and managing access to these resources.

Creating an Access Package

To create an access package, follow these steps:

  1. In the Azure portal, navigate to the Azure Active Directory and choose “Identity Governance”.
  2. In the left-hand menu, select “Access packages” and click “+ New access package”.
  3. Fill in the details (Name, Catalog, and Description) for your new access package.
  4. On the next page, “Resource roles”, select the resources and roles to be included in the package.
  5. The next section is the “Policy” tab. Here, you define who can request this access package, along with the approval process and duration of the access.
  6. Review all the settings on the “Review + create” tab before clicking “Create”.

Configuring Access Packages

After you have created a package, you can manage and configure it as needed, including adding or removing resources, modifying policies, and monitoring access.

Modifying Access Package Resources

  1. In the “Access Packages” section, select your package.
  2. Navigate the “Resource roles” section and click “Add” to introduce more resources, or “revoke” to remove some.

Configuring Access Package Policies

Access package policies determine who can request your package, who can approve the requests, and how long the granted access lasts.

  1. In your chosen access package, navigate to the “Policies” section.
  2. Here, policies can be added or existing ones can be modified to better manage the access to resources.

Monitoring Access to the Package

Azure allows you to generate comprehensive reports on access packages, enabling you to track resource usage, approvals, and request history.

  1. In the “Access packages” section, select your package.
  2. Navigate to the “Audit logs” or “Access reviews” section for comprehensive insights.

Conclusion

While creating and configuring access packages may seem complex at first, understanding their role in identity and access management makes the task more straightforward. Access packages under the umbrella of Azure AD’s Identity Governance are an effective tool in maintaining the security and compliance of your organization’s resources. Be sure to consult Microsoft’s official documentation for more detailed information and regular updates.

Practice Test

True or False: Microsoft Identity Governance allows you to create and manage access packages.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: Microsoft Identity Governance indeed provides options to create and manage access packages as part of managing user identities and access within an organization.

During the creation of an access package, what is NOT a required step?

  • A. Selecting catalog resources
  • B. Defining package assignment settings
  • C. Selecting the package duration
  • D. Setting a password for the access package

Answer: D. Setting a password for the access package

Explanation: While creating an access package, defining which resources will be included, how assignments will be managed, and the duration of the package are necessary steps. By default, access packages do not require a password to be set.

True or False: Access packages only provide access to resources within a single application.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False

Explanation: Access packages can provide access to multiple resources across multiple applications, not just within a single application.

Can you modify an already confirmed access package?

  • A. Yes
  • B. No

Answer: A. Yes

Explanation: An existing access package can be modified or updated using Microsoft Identity Governance.

What information is NOT included in an access package policy?

  • A. Who can request the package
  • B. What resources are included in the package
  • C. The approval process
  • D. The price of the access package

Answer: D. The price of the access package

Explanation: An access package policy does not include pricing information. It includes who can request the package, what resources are included, and the approval process.

True or False: Access packages have a defined duration and automatically expire.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: Access packages do have a specific duration and will expire after that duration, requiring renewal if continued access is necessary.

In what scenario would you NOT need to create an access package?

  • A. Onboarding new employees
  • B. Collaborating with external partners
  • C. Managing a one-time event
  • D. Giving access to public resources

Answer: D. Giving access to public resources

Explanation: In the case of public resources that are freely available to everyone, there is no need to create an access package.

Who are the typical approvers for access package assignments?

  • A. Direct Managers
  • B. Resource Owners
  • C. IT Administrators
  • D. All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above

Explanation: Any of these roles can be the approvers for access package assignments, depending on the required workflows and policies.

True or False: You can set up multiple access packages for the same user if required.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, a user might have several requirements, and hence, multiple access packages can be created for the same user.

Which of the following is NOT an attribute of access package?

  • A. Resource assignments
  • B. Catalog
  • C. Approval settings
  • D. Package color

Answer: D. Package color

Explanation: Package color is not an attribute of access packages; access packages mainly comprise of resource assignments, catalog, and approval settings.

Interview Questions

What is an Access Package in Microsoft Identity and Access Management?

An Access Package is a bundle of resources that a user might need access to. It might include different applications, groups, or site collections, aimed to simplify the process of granting access to users.

Can an access package include Azure AD resources and Microsoft 365 resources?

Yes, access packages can include both Azure AD resources and Microsoft 365 resources which are connected to Azure AD.

How many access packages can you create in Azure AD entitlement management?

There’s no limit on the number of access packages you can create in Azure AD entitlement management.

Is it possible to set expiration periods for access packages?

Yes, you can set expiration timeframes for access packages. By default, assignments never expire unless an expiration period is set.

What is the function of ‘Access Package Assignment Policies’ while creating an access package?

Access Package Assignment Policies determine who can request the access package, what their experience is when they make a request, and who will approve their request.

Can you customize the request form that users complete when they ask for an access package?

Yes, Microsoft allows you to customize the request form.

Can you assign an access package to a user that does not have an Azure AD account?

Yes, it is possible to create access packages for external users that do not have an Azure AD account. These users will be directed to create one when they request the access package.

Is it possible to auto-approve access package requests?

Yes, while creating an access package, you can set automatic approvals for requests, though this is typically only recommended for low-risk resources.

What happens when an access package assignment expires?

When an access package assignment expires, the user’s access to the resources in the package is automatically revoked.

What permissions do you need to create access packages?

To create access packages, you need to have the Global administrator, User administrator, Catalog owner, or an Access package manager role.

Can you see who has an assignment to an access package?

Yes, you can see who has an assignment to an access package in the access package’s overview, assignments, or history.

How can you ensure users only request the access packages they need?

You can define assignment policies for access packages, requiring users to provide a business justification or approval from specific individuals before granting access.

Can you determine how long a user keeps their access package assignment?

Yes, you can configure an access package to automatically expire after certain time periods, which can range from a few days to never.

Can you remove a user’s assignment to an access package?

Yes, you can manually remove a user’s assignment to an access package at any time.

Can you edit an access package after it has been created?

Yes, you can edit an access package at any time after it has been created. However, changes will not affect users who had assignments before the change.

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