Break Glass Accounts are an essential security feature in Microsoft 365 environments, designed to ensure administrator access in case of emergency lockouts or other critical scenarios. These accounts are typically created with very high-level privileges, bypassing standard protocols such as Conditional Access policies to ensure availability when needed. Proper setup and management of these accounts are crucial, involving not only secure passwords and multi-factor authentication but also regular monitoring and updating to safeguard against potential misuse. Understanding how to effectively implement and maintain Break Glass Accounts can prevent unwanted access and maintain the integrity of your Microsoft 365 tenant.
Welcome to our summary of Nick Ross's insightful YouTube video on Best Practices for Break Glass Accounts from his channel, T-Min...
In terms of break-glass accounts, you need to establish at least one in every environment, regardless of the size of your organization. It’s generally advised to have a minimum of two such accounts to ensure redundancy and to accommodate their varied configurations.
The term "break glass" refers to an expedited method for an individual who lacks regular access privileges to obtain the necessary access in critical situations, similar to breaking the glass of a fire alarm for urgent action.
A break glass policy provides a rapid means for users, typically during emergencies, to access a controlled system for which they do not have standard access rights.
To configure a break-glass account, start by selecting a nondescript username to avoid obvious connections to its critical nature. Choose a name that appears generic and secure it with a complex password. Microsoft recommends setting up two such accounts. For each, assign the role of a global administrator to ensure proper access during emergencies.
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