Microsoft Zero Trust Architecture

Microsoft's security model based on "never trust, always verify" principles for identity, devices, and data.

202453 Controls Mapped

Overview

Zero Trust is a security model that assumes breach and verifies each request as though it originates from an uncontrolled network. Instead of believing everything behind the corporate firewall is safe, Zero Trust requires strict identity verification, validates device health, and enforces least privilege access. Microsoft's Zero Trust architecture spans identity, endpoints, applications, data, infrastructure, and networks, with Entra ID serving as the identity control plane.

Modern security architecture for cloud-first organizations
Reduces attack surface with least privilege
Continuous verification of every access request
Native integration with Microsoft 365
Adaptive protection based on risk signals

Published by

Microsoft

Official Documentation

TrueConfig Control Mappings

TrueConfig maps 53 security controls to Zero Trust requirements, helping you demonstrate compliance and identify gaps.

18

critical

21

high

12

medium

2

low

Identity & Authentication

5 controls

ID-01User MFA Registration
critical
ID-02Block Legacy Authentication
high
ID-03Enable Self-Service Password Reset
medium
ID-05Configure Smart Lockout Protection
high
ID-04Require Phishing-Resistant MFA for All Users
critical

Privileged Access

8 controls

PA-01Limit Global Administrators to 2-4
critical
PA-02Use Dedicated Admin Accounts
high
PA-03Configure Emergency Access Accounts
critical
PA-01-L2Eliminate Permanent Global Administrators
critical
PA-04Require PIM for All Privileged Roles
critical
+3 more controls

Conditional Access

12 controls

CA-01Require MFA via Conditional Access Policy
critical
CA-02Require MFA for All Administrators
critical
CA-08Block Access from High-Risk Countries
medium
CA-11Enforce Session Lifetime Limits for Guests and Admins
medium
DV-01Require Compliant Devices for Admin Access
high
+7 more controls

Workload Identity & Applications

8 controls

APP-01Application Ownership for Apps with Credentials
low
APP-02Enforce Application Credential Expiration
critical
APP-05Service Principal Credential Hygiene
critical
APP-08Restrict User Application Consent
high
APP-03Internal App Registration Permissions
high
+3 more controls

Guest & External Access

7 controls

EXT-01Restrict Guest Invitation Permissions
high
EXT-02Require MFA for Guest Users
medium
EXT-06External Sharing Visibility
medium
EXT-07Detect External Mail Forwarding
critical
EXT-04Configure Guest Access Expiration
medium
+2 more controls

Governance & Hygiene

6 controls

GOV-01Review Stale User Accounts
medium
GOV-05Maintain Group Naming Conventions
low
GOV-07Audit Privileged Role Assignments
high
GOV-02Automatically Disable Stale Accounts
medium
GOV-03Conduct Quarterly Privileged Access Reviews
high
+1 more controls

Logging & Visibility

5 controls

LOG-01Enable Unified Audit Logging
high
LOG-04Configure Privileged Operation Alerts
critical
LOG-02Export Logs to Long-Term Storage
medium
LOG-05Admin Activity Anomaly Detection
high
LOG-03Stream All Security Events to SIEM in Real-Time
high

Data Protection

2 controls

DLP-01Enable Sensitive Data Classification
high
DLP-02Block Bulk Data Exfiltration
critical

Who Needs Zero Trust?

Target Industries

TechnologyFinancial ServicesHealthcareGovernmentManufacturing

Audience Types

enterprisegovernmentregulatedsmb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Microsoft Zero Trust Architecture?▼
Zero Trust is a security model that assumes breach and verifies each request as though it originates from an uncontrolled network. Instead of believing everything behind the corporate firewall is safe, Zero Trust requires strict identity verification, validates device health, and enforces least privilege access. Microsoft's Zero Trust architecture spans identity, endpoints, applications, data, infrastructure, and networks, with Entra ID serving as the identity control plane.
How does TrueConfig help with Zero Trust compliance?▼
TrueConfig maps 53 security controls to Zero Trust requirements. Each control includes specific guidance on how it satisfies Zero Trust requirements, making it easier to demonstrate compliance and identify gaps.
Who needs to comply with Zero Trust?▼
Zero Trust is typically required or recommended for enterprise organizations, government agencies and contractors, organizations in regulated industries, small and medium businesses. Industries that commonly need this framework include technology, financial-services, healthcare.
What are the key benefits of Zero Trust compliance?▼
Modern security architecture for cloud-first organizations Reduces attack surface with least privilege Continuous verification of every access request Native integration with Microsoft 365 Adaptive protection based on risk signals

Related Frameworks

CIS Benchmark

Industry-standard security configuration guide for Microsoft 365 developed by the Center for Internet Security.

53 controls →

ISO 27001

International standard for information security management systems with Annex A controls.

54 controls →

NIST 800-53

Comprehensive security and privacy controls catalog from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

54 controls →

Automate Zero Trust Compliance

TrueConfig continuously monitors your Microsoft 365 tenant against Zero Trust requirements and helps you remediate deviations automatically.

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