Study Guide: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) & Microsoft Entra ID
Security
1. Microsoft Learn (Official Free Training)
Microsoft Learn provides interactive and hands-on training for Microsoft Entra ID (Azure
AD), MFA, Conditional Access, and Identity Security.
Beginner to Advanced Courses:
• Implement and Manage Azure AD MFA:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/mfa-azure-active-directory/
• Manage Identity and Access in Microsoft Entra ID:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/secure-identities/
• Enforce Conditional Access Policies:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/implement-conditional-access/
2. Microsoft Docs (Deep-Dive Guides)
Microsoft’s official documentation provides detailed explanations, best practices, and
troubleshooting guides.
• Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/authentication/concept-mfa-
howitworks
• MFA Authentication Methods & Security:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/authentication/concept-authentication-
methods
• MFA Registration Campaign:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/authentication/concept-mfa-
registration-policy
Security Defaults & Per-User MFA
• Configure Security Defaults in Entra ID:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/conditional-access/howto-security-
defaults
• Enable Per-User MFA:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-mfa-
userstates
Conditional Access & Filters
• Conditional Access Overview:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/conditional-access/overview
• Create & Test Conditional Access Policies:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/conditional-access/howto-conditional-
access-policy-all-users-mfa
Hybrid Identity & Authentication (ADFS, PTA, PHS)
• Azure AD Connect: PTA vs. PHS vs. ADFS:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/hybrid/whatis-hybrid-identity
• Password Hash Sync:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/hybrid/how-to-connect-
password-hash-synchronization
• Pass-through Authentication: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-
directory/hybrid/how-to-connect-pta
• ADFS to Entra ID Migration:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-mfa-adfs
3. Hands-on Labs & Simulations
If you have access to an Azure tenant, practice configuring:
• Per-user MFA
• Security Defaults
• Conditional Access Policies
• Entra AD Connect Setup
• MFA Authentication Policies
How to Get a Free Azure Lab?
• Microsoft Learn Sandbox: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/azure/
• Sign up for a free Azure account ($200 credit for 30 days):
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/
4. YouTube Tutorials (Visual Learning)
• Microsoft Mechanics: Multi-Factor Authentication in Entra ID:
https://youtu.be/Jw3JH5SMX-Y
• John Savill: Microsoft Identity and Access Management: https://youtu.be/f2SkOPOqMJs
• Azure Academy: Mastering Conditional Access: https://youtu.be/9hBJwIC2j3Q
5. Certification Pathway (Optional)
If you want to validate your knowledge, consider earning a Microsoft certification related to
security and identity:
• SC-300: Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-
us/certifications/exams/sc-300/
• AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/az-104/
6. Real-World Scenario-Based Learning
• Join Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-
entra-id/bd-p/MicrosoftEntra
• Try troubleshooting common MFA issues in a test tenant
• Read case studies on Conditional Access deployments
Study Plan Based on Your Schedule
Time Available Per Day Study Focus
1-2 Hours/Day Microsoft Learn modules + hands-on labs
Weekends Deep-dive Microsoft Docs + YouTube
tutorials
If Short on Time Focus on Conditional Access + MFA
Enforcement (most used in enterprise
settings)
Next Steps
✅ Start with Microsoft Learn interactive lessons
✅ Follow up with hands-on labs using Azure Free Trial
✅ Watch video tutorials for practical knowledge
✅ Explore real-world use cases in the Microsoft community
