Everywhere you look, workplaces are shifting toward hybrid environments, meaning that users can connect anywhere for work. That flexibility is amazing for productivity, but it also opens new avenues for malicious attackers.
Whether through a successful phishing email or session hijacking, these bad actors have numerous ways to breach into an account.
Thankfully, that’s where Enhanced Conditional Access saves the day.
What is (Enhanced) Conditional Access?
Conditional Access (CA) is a Microsoft risk management tool that controls account access, implementing measures to prevent unauthorized intrusions in company accounts. This includes the following:
- Detects & blocks risky sign-ins
- Checks status of device compliance before granting access
- Requires Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all sign-in attempts
- Records user location for any discrepancies
For example, access is either granted or blocked for a login attempt depending on if certain criteria are matched, such as being on a company-approved workstation.
Enhanced Conditional Access (ECA) elevates the original CA model by providing dynamic access without interfering with user workflow. By utilizing real-time risk evaluation and AI-driven insights to prevent unauthorized access, it gives administrators smarter and more flexible control over company sign-ins.
Why CA policies Are Needed
With standard security practices in place (i.e. VPNs, firewalls, MFA), why are CA policies even needed? The answer is simple: human error. According to Verizon’s 2025 DBIR report, 68% of breaches involved social engineering techniques (Source: Verizon 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report).
Even the most cautious employees can still:
- Interact with a malicious email
- Provide login credentials on a spoofed website
- Utilize an unprotect device when working
Phishing attacks, mimicked sign-in portals, and browser hijacking are all tricky techniques that malicious attackers use day-to-day. Their intent is to trick the user, not the machine.
That’s why ECA is vital – it validates every sign-in attempt before a potential threat turns into a massive security breach.
Want to Protect Your Business?
Enhanced Conditional Access remains one of our top security recommendations for our clientele. Act now and safeguard every company account from being compromised due to undetected logins.
Book a time to discuss with a security expert today!
