Azure Files Entra-Only identities: Advancing cloud-native identity and security
We are excited to announce the general availability (GA) of Entra-Only identities for Azure Files SMB. With native Microsoft Entra ID authentication, organizations can now grant secure, identity-based access to SMB file shares using cloud-only identities.
This means no Active Directory, hybrid sync, or managed domain controllers required, significantly simplifying architecture while reducing ongoing management and maintenance costs. Entra-Only identities elevate Azure Files with a highly integrated, modern identity experience—delivering a leading, best-in-class standard for secure, seamless and comprehensive cloud native access.
As customers look to migrate to Azure Files, reliance on on-premises Active Directory authentication has been seen as a key blocker to a complete cloud-native experience. Entra-Only identities support for Azure Files SMB removes that blocker, enabling organizations to authenticate users and devices directly through Microsoft Entra ID, helping modernize storage, compute and identity, while aligning with Zero-Trust principles.
Entra-Only identities enable seamless virtual...
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