One of the essential tasks to perform as an Identity and Access Administrator is managing Product Information Management (PIM) requests and approval processes. Handling PIM requests is all about dealing with access management tools provided by Microsoft, including Azure Active Directory and Microsoft 365 Groups. The approval process governs who gets access to which resources, when, and in what context.
There are several facets of the PIM requests and approval processes in the SC-300 Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator exam. Understanding these components and how they interact, will strengthen your Identity and Access Admin Practice.
1. PIM Request Types
There are three primary types of PIM requests:
- Role Activation Request: Users request access to a specific role.
- Role Deactivation Request: Users request to have a specific role deactivated.
- Role Assignment Request: Users request to be assigned to a specific role.
2. Request Activation Process
Three main features shape the request activation process:
- Just-In-Time Activation (JIT): Role activations are time-limited and expire after a certain period. This minimizes risk and reduces the potential attack surface.
- Two-Step Verification: Ensures the user’s identity with an extra layer of security before granting the role request.
- Role Activation Approval: Necessitates administrator approval before a role is granted to a user.
3. Managing PIM Approval Process
The approval process of PIM in the SC-300 Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator exam has several steps:
- Assignment of roles for resources
- Users who request access through these roles
- The people who review and approve these requests/li>
- The stages involved in reviewing and authorizing these requests
- Implementing the approved requests
The approval process also includes setting conditions upon which access can be granted (for example, a user might only have access to a particular role for a given time).
4. Role Deactivation Process
With the deactivation process, access to resources or roles is revoked. There are three key features of the Deactivation Process:
- Timeout: The role will deactivate automatically when the time limit is reached.
- Manual Deactivation: A user can deactivate a role before their activation expires.
- Admin Deactivation: Administrators can deactivate a role at any time without the user’s input.
5. Understanding Approvals in Azure AD PIM
PIM requires certain approvals before granting access rights. These approvals must be set up by an administrator. Usually, the request requires the approval of at least one administrator. However, it may be configured to require multiple approvals for heightened security.
6. Understanding Request History in Azure AD PIM
It’s crucial to understand the delivered reports on user activity in relation to role activations and deactivations. These help you review and audit user activity regarding PIM requests and approvals, providing a comprehensive understanding of who requested what access and when.
In conclusion, understanding and effectively managing PIM requests and the approval process is central to the role of a Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator. Not only does it drastically reduce security risks, but it also allows for more efficient management of roles and access privileges. This covers a significant part of the SC-300 Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator exam, which emphasizes increasingly effective access control methods and procedures.
Practice Test
True or False: Privileged identity management (PIM) is a service provided by Microsoft Azure that enables you to manage, control, and monitor access to resources in Azure AD and Azure.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: PIM indeed provides oversight and control over access in Azure AD and Azure.
In the PIM process, who can elevate their access in order to perform a particular job function or task?
- a) Any user.
- b) Only users with administrative rights.
- c) Users with eligible role assignments.
- d) Only the account owner.
Answer: c) Users with eligible role assignments.
Explanation: PIM allows users with eligible role assignments to elevate their access for a specific task or function.
True or False: You can enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for PIM in Azure.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: MFA is indeed a feature you can enable for PIM in Microsoft Azure for enhanced security.
Which role can activate their role at will, without approval?
- a) Eligible roles.
- b) Secret roles.
- c) Standing access roles.
- d) Temporary roles.
Answer: c) Standing access roles.
Explanation: Standing access roles do not need approval to activate their role and can do so any time.
What happens to an activated role after the specified maximum activation time?
- a) It will remain active indefinitely.
- b) It will be deactivated automatically.
- c) It will default to the original eligible role.
- d) It will require manual deactivation.
Answer: b) It will be deactivated automatically.
Explanation: After the specified duration has passed, the activated role will automatically be deactivated keeping the principle of least privilege intact.
True or False: It is possible to extend an activation beyond the maximum activation time.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: The maximum activation time is a hard limit and cannot be exceeded.
What can you use PIM to manage?
- a) Azure resources.
- b) Azure AD roles.
- c) Both a and b.
- d) None of the above.
Answer: c) Both a and b.
Explanation: PIM can manage Azure resources and Azure AD roles for more controlled access.
True or False: All users are automatically assigned the eligible role.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Users must be manually assigned to eligible roles.
During an approval process, who typically approves an activation request?
- a) The user requesting activation.
- b) Any user with a standing access role.
- c) The system administrator.
- d) Nobody. Activations are automatic.
Answer: c) The system administrator.
Explanation: Typically, the system administrator is responsible for approving activation requests.
Activation requests for roles can be made for:
- a) Any resources.
- b) Only for Azure AD roles.
- c) For both Azure AD roles and Azure resources.
- d) None of the above.
Answer: c) For both Azure AD roles and Azure resources.
Explanation: Activation requests can be made for Azure AD roles and Azure resources, covering both entity structures in Azure.
Interview Questions
What does PIM stand for in Microsoft Identity and Access Management?
PIM stands for Privileged Identity Management, a service that enables you to manage, control, and monitor access to important resources in your organization.
What is a PIM request in Microsoft Identity and Access Management?
A PIM request refers to the process where a user asks for privileged access to a particular resource. The request is then reviewed and approved or denied based on certain guidelines or policies.
Who can approve PIM Requests?
PIM requests are typically approved by members who have been assigned a role of ‘Privileged Role Administrators’ in the organization.
Can any user self-activate privileged roles?
Yes, but only if that option is enabled in the settings. By default, a user must request activation of a privileged role, and the request must be approved by a Privilege Role Administrator.
Can a PIM request be auto-approved?
Yes, by setting the approval method to auto-approval, PIM requests can be automatically approved.
What is the purpose of setting up Justification in PIM request?
The purpose of Justification in a PIM request is to provide an explanation as to why the user requires privileged access. It’s a part of the process that helps ensure access is granted only when necessary.
What happens when a PIM request is rejected?
The requester is notified and the reason for rejection is provided. The requester will have to submit a new request if they still need access.
Which two methods can be used for PIM activation in Microsoft 365?
The two methods are Self-Service (user requesting access for themselves) and Peer (another user requesting access on behalf of someone else).
What is the role of the Approver in Privileged Identity Management?
The Approver reviews, approves, or denies activation requests based on the organization’s policies.
If a user is granted temporary privileged access, for how long can they hold the access?
Access can be granted for any period up to a maximum limit set by the organization. By default, it’s 24 hours, but this can be increased up to 72 hours.
How can you check the status of a PIM request?
You can check the status of a PIM request by checking your email for any updates or going to the ‘Active requests’ tab in the Azure portal.
Is the PIM approval process applicable to all Microsoft services?
The approval process with PIM is applicable to many Microsoft services, including Azure resources, Azure AD roles, and Microsoft 365 roles.
What types of notifications does an Approver receive for PIM requests?
Approvers receive email notifications for pending approval requests, approved requests, and requests that have been rejected.
How can you extend the duration of a PIM role assignment?
You can only extend the duration of a PIM role assignment if it is still active. If the role assignment has expired, you need to start a new activation process.
What happens when the duration of a privileged role assignment expires?
Once the role assignment expires, the system automatically deactivates the role and the user loses the privileged access that was granted. The user must repay if privileged access is still needed.
extutorials.com