Enhancing Exchange Online Security: Microsoft’s Retirement Of Client Access Rules
This article examines the retirement of Client Access Rules (CARs) in Exchange Online by Microsoft, scheduled for September 2023. CARs are currently employed to filter client access based on various properties and requests. However, Microsoft is introducing continuous access evaluation (CAE) as a replacement, enabling Azure Active Directory applications to subscribe to critical events and enforce control in near real time. This transition is recommended for enhanced security and resilience. Tenants without CARs can maintain their current configurations, while those with CARs are required to migrate to alternative access control features within the given timeframe. Microsoft emphasizes the significance of access control in Exchange Online to safeguard organizations. The disabling of basic authentication and adoption of CAE are part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Exchange Online security. The migration process will be supported and guided by Microsoft, urging tenants to embrace more robust access control options.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft has announced the retirement of Client Access Rules (CARs) in Exchange Online by September 2023.
- CARs will be replaced by new access control features such as Continuous Access Evaluation (CAE) which offers better control and resiliency.
- Migrating to new access control features is recommended for improved security and resilience.
- Microsoft will provide guidance and support for tenants during the migration process, and tenants should plan for the migration and adopt new features.
CARs Retirement Announcement
Microsoft has announced the retirement of Client Access Rules (CARs) in Exchange Online platform by September 2023, which are similar to mail flow rules for client connections and help control access based on client properties or access requests. This retirement announcement brings about migration challenges for tenants who have been using CARs for access control. They will need to find alternative access control options to ensure the security of their Exchange Online organizations. Microsoft recommends migrating to new access control features like continuous access evaluation (CAE) which provides better control and adds resiliency to organizations. Tenants should plan for migration and adopt new features to improve security. The retirement of CARs highlights the importance of access control in Exchange Online and Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing security measures.
CARs Deprecation Timeline
Beginning in October 2022, the deprecation timeline for CARs involves disabling them for unused tenants, with the migration of all remaining tenants to new access control features like continuous access evaluation (CAE) by September 2023. This transition to CAE offers several benefits, including improved control and resiliency for organizations, the ability for Azure Active Directory applications to subscribe to critical events, and the evaluation and enforcement of events in near real time. However, this migration process may present some challenges for tenants, such as familiarizing themselves with new access control options and ensuring a smooth transition. It is important for tenants to consider alternative access control options and plan their migration accordingly to ensure continued security and resilience within their Exchange Online environment.
Benefits of Continuous Access Evaluation (CAE)
The implementation of Continuous Access Evaluation (CAE) offers organizations improved control and resiliency through the ability for Azure Active Directory applications to subscribe to critical events and evaluate and enforce events in near real time. CAE, as a replacement for Client Access Rules (CARs), provides several benefits for Exchange Online security. Unlike CARs, CAE allows for continuous evaluation and enforcement of events, enhancing the security of the organization. By subscribing to critical events, organizations can have better control over client access and ensure that only authorized users with the appropriate properties and access requests are granted access. Compared to CARs, CAE offers improved security measures and increased resiliency, making it a more reliable option for access control in Exchange Online. Overall, the implementation of CAE strengthens Exchange Online security and provides organizations with enhanced control over client access.
Impact on Tenant Configuration
Tenants with existing CARs configurations have until September 2023 to migrate to alternative access control options. It is recommended for tenants to consider migrating to new access control features for improved security and resilience. This migration is crucial in ensuring the continued protection of Exchange Online organizations. Security considerations should be at the forefront of tenant migration planning. By adopting more resilient options, tenants can enhance their access control capabilities and protect against potential security threats. Microsoft encourages tenants to take advantage of the provided planning time and support resources during the migration process. The retirement of CARs underscores Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing Exchange Online security and highlights the importance of adapting to new features to meet evolving security challenges.
Importance of Access Control
Controlling client access based on various properties and requests is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of Exchange Online organizations. Access control best practices play a vital role in protecting sensitive information and preventing unauthorized access. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one such practice that adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing the system. This helps to ensure that only authorized individuals with proper authentication credentials can access Exchange Online resources. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing role-based access control (RBAC) to grant permissions based on job roles and responsibilities, further reducing the risk of unauthorized access. By following these access control best practices, organizations can significantly enhance the security of their Exchange Online environment.
Enhancing Exchange Online Security
Implementing robust access control measures and migrating to new resilient options are essential steps in fortifying the security of Exchange Online organizations. Microsoft’s decision to retire Client Access Rules (CARs) is part of their ongoing efforts to enhance Exchange Online security. By replacing CARs with continuous access evaluation (CAE), organizations can achieve better control and resiliency. CAE allows Azure Active Directory applications to subscribe to critical events and enforce control in near real time. This offers improved security for Exchange Online. Migrating to CAE is a more resilient option than CARs, as it enables the continuous evaluation and enforcement of events. By adopting CAE and leveraging Azure Active Directory applications, organizations can strengthen their access control measures and ensure a more secure Exchange Online environment.
Migration Planning and Support
Migration planning and support for the retirement of Client Access Rules (CARs) in Exchange Online is crucial for organizations in order to ensure a smooth transition to new access control features. Tenants using CARs need to familiarize themselves with the alternative options available for access control. Microsoft will provide guidance and support through Message Center posts to assist tenants in planning their migration. It is recommended that tenants take advantage of the provided planning time until September 2023 to adopt more resilient access control features. Migrating to new access control options is essential for continued protection and security. Support resources will be available to help tenants during the migration process, ensuring a successful transition to the new access control features in Exchange Online.
Importance of Resilient Access Control Options
Ensuring the availability of resilient access control options is crucial for organizations transitioning from Client Access Rules (CARs) in Exchange Online. As Microsoft retires CARs by September 2023, organizations need to adopt new access control features that offer improved resilience. Migrating to these resilient access control strategies is essential for protecting against security threats and ensuring the continued security of Exchange Online. To aid in this transition, organizations should follow best practices for access control migration, which include thorough planning, familiarizing administrators with new options, and taking advantage of the support and resources provided by Microsoft. By adopting these resilient access control options, organizations can enhance the security of their Exchange Online environment and mitigate potential risks.
| Resilient Access Control Strategies | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Continuous Access Evaluation (CAE) | Real-time control and evaluation of critical events |
| Azure Active Directory Applications | Enhanced security through event subscription |
| Migrating to New Features | Improved resilience and protection against security threats |
| Thorough Planning and Familiarization | Smooth migration process and effective utilization of new options |
| Microsoft Support and Resources | Assistance throughout the migration and adoption of resilient access control options |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of client properties that can be used for access control in Exchange Online?
Examples of client properties that can be used for access control in Exchange Online include IP address, authentication type, and user property values. These properties help filter client access and improve security within the organization.
How will the retirement of Client Access Rules (CARs) impact tenants without CARs?
The retirement of Client Access Rules (CARs) will impact tenants without CARs by allowing them to continue using their current configuration. However, they are recommended to migrate to new access control features for improved security through the migration process.
Are there any specific security threats or incidents that prompted Microsoft to retire CARs and enhance Exchange Online security?
The retirement of Client Access Rules (CARS) and the enhancement of Exchange Online security by Microsoft were not specifically prompted by any specific security threats or incidents. It is part of their ongoing efforts to improve security and provide more resilient access control options. The impact of the retirement of CARS on tenants without CARS is that they can continue using their current configuration, but it is recommended to migrate to new access control features for improved security.
Can tenants continue using CARs after September 2023 if they choose not to migrate to new access control features?
Tenants will not be able to continue using Client Access Rules (CARs) after September 2023 if they choose not to migrate to new access control features. It is recommended for tenants to consider alternative options for access control.
What steps should Exchange Online administrators take to prepare for the migration from CARs to new access control options?
Exchange Online administrators should prepare for the migration from Client Access Rules (CARs) to new access control options by familiarizing themselves with the available features and planning the migration process. Tenants without CARs can continue using their current configuration.
