Microsoft Entra ID is evolving – and so should your authentication strategy. Legacy MFA (Multifactor Authentication) and SSPR (Self-Service Password Reset) policies are being retired, with September 30, 2025 set as the final transition date. But waiting on deadlines? Not recommended. Now is the perfect time to use the full potential of Entra ID's modern identity management tools.
Tue, 22 April 2025
Outdated authentication policies expose your environment to unnecessary risks. Procrastinating this transition increases the risk of conflicts, forced changes, or misconfigured policies. Instead, take control right now.
Migrating to modern authentication in Microsoft Entra ID allows your organization to:
Authentication methods define how your users prove their identity when signing in. Entra ID offers a wide range of methods, all centrally managed:
These options allow you to create secure, flexible policies tailored to different user groups or scenarios.
The migration process is designed to be gradual and controlled. Let's take a look at how to get you started:
Start by reviewing existing MFA and SSPR settings across all management portals. Document the current state before making changes.
Decide which methods to keep, remove, or introduce. Entra ID lets you assign methods to specific groups, offering more flexibility than legacy systems.
Roll out authentication methods in Entra ID, using Conditional Access where appropriate to minimize disruptions.
Test policies with pilot users before full rollout. Monitor sign-in logs and user feedback to refine the experience.
But before you build anything new in Entra ID, take a look at what’s already there – because trust us, legacy setups always hold some surprises.
Previously, MFA and SSPR were managed in separate places. Now, they merge into one centralized Authentication Methods policy. But that doesn’t mean your old configurations disappear. You’ll need to clean them up manually.
Here’s what to check:
Then, decide:
At Arxus, we’ve helped organizations migrate their authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned is that no two migrations are exactly the same. But the challenges? They're often similar. So, let us share a few field-tested tips that can make your transition smoother, smarter, and way less stressful.
This is your resilience plan. If one method fails – or someone loses access to their authenticator app – there’s a fallback. Think of it as building redundancy into your sign-in experience.
Don’t surprise your users. Let them know what’s changing, why it matters, and what to expect. A simple internal campaign can make all the difference.
No one wants to get hit with 10 MFA prompts a day. With Conditional Access, you can set smart policies. For example, only require MFA when users are outside the office network or using a new device. Users stay secure, but don’t feel harassed.
Monitoring real-world behavior helps you catch unexpected issues early. Maybe a group is struggling with registration, or a method isn’t being used as expected. Adjust as needed,policies aren’t ‘set and forget.
Honestly, SMS and voice are outdated and vulnerable. If you want to future-proof your security, go for passwordless authentication using the Microsoft Authenticator app or FIDO2 keys. It’s more secure and more convenient.
Seriously, write it all down. Your legacy configurations, your new policy setup, user group assignments – all of it. This isn’tjust for the migration; it’syour lifeline if you ever need to troubleshoot or audit down the line.
Yes, when configured properly. Microsoft Entra ID supports the latest identity protection mechanisms and integrates seamlessly with Zero Trust strategies. But the security of your environment ultimately depends on how you use and enforce authentication methods.
While Microsoft’s deadline of September 30, 2025, may feel distant, starting now puts your organization in control. It gives you time to test, communicate, and adjust, all while strengthening your identity security posture.
If you're unsure where to begin or feel overwhelmed, you're not alone. We’ve helped organizations of all sizes successfully migrate to modern authentication in Microsoft Entra ID. We help you audit your current MFA & SSPR settings, build a tailored migration plan, and train your users for a smoother transition.
