Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is a powerful tool for managing user access to cloud-based resources. One of its most important features is the ability to collect and analyze sign-in logs, which can help you track user activity, detect suspicious behavior, and troubleshoot issues. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of collecting sign-in logs using Azure AD, including how to access the logs, what information they contain, and how to use them effectively.
Step 1: Accessing the Sign-In Logs
To access the sign-in logs in Azure AD, you’ll need to log in to the Azure portal using an account with administrative privileges. Once logged in, navigate to the Azure AD blade and select the “Sign-ins” option. This will take you to a page where you can view the sign-in logs for your organization.
Step 2: Understanding the Sign-In Logs
The sign-in logs in Azure AD contain a wealth of information about user activity, including the date and time of the sign-in, the IP address of the device used to sign in, the application or service used to sign in, and the result of the sign-in attempt (e.g. success or failure). You can use the various filters and search options on the sign-ins page to narrow down the logs and find specific information.
Step 3: Using the Sign-In Logs
Once you have a handle on the information contained in the sign-in logs, you can start using them to help you manage your Azure AD environment. For example, you can use the logs to detect suspicious sign-in attempts, such as those from unfamiliar locations or devices, and take appropriate action. You can also use the logs to troubleshoot issues with user access, such as identifying why a user is unable to sign in to a particular application or service.
Conclusion:
Collecting sign-in logs using Azure AD is a powerful tool that can help you manage user access to cloud-based resources. It can help you to detect suspicious behavior and troubleshoot issues. By understanding the Sign-in logs in Azure AD, you can take appropriate actions and ensure the security of your organization’s resources.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How often are the sign-in logs updated in Azure AD?
The sign-in logs in Azure AD are updated in real-time, so you can view the most recent activity as soon as it occurs.
Can I export the sign-in logs from Azure AD?
Yes, you can export the sign-in logs from Azure AD as a CSV file for further analysis or archiving.
Is there a limit to how many sign-in logs can be stored in Azure AD?
Yes, the number of sign-in logs that can be stored in Azure AD is subject to a retention period. The default retention period is 90 days, but it can be extended up to 730 days.
Can I see the sign-in logs for specific user?
Yes, you can filter the sign-in logs by user to view activity for specific users.