Azure Active Directory vs Centrify

August 06, 2023 | Author: Michael Stromann
18
Azure Active Directory
Your universal platform to manage and secure identities
5
Centrify
Centrify provides Unified Identity Services across data center, cloud and mobile - resulting in one single login for users and one unified identity infrastructure. Centrify SaaS Edition integrates SSO for SaaS apps with user-centric mobile security management. Centrify goes beyond browser SSO to also give users unique mobile "zero sign on" to Office 365. Centrify Server Suite protects servers from identity-related insider risks and outsider attacks.

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and Centrify are both identity and access management solutions that provide robust security and user management capabilities for businesses.

Azure AD, offered by Microsoft, is a cloud-based directory and identity management service. It offers features such as single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), user provisioning, and role-based access control (RBAC). Azure AD integrates seamlessly with Microsoft's cloud ecosystem, including Office 365 and Azure services, making it an attractive choice for businesses already using Microsoft technologies.

Centrify, on the other hand, is a comprehensive identity and access management platform that supports both cloud and on-premises environments. It provides features like SSO, MFA, privileged access management, and identity governance. Centrify focuses on securing access to critical resources, managing privileged accounts, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

See also: Top 10 Identity Management platforms
Azure Active Directory vs Centrify in our news:

2022. Identity platforms Thycotic and Centrify united into Delinea



Delinea is a new provider of privileged access management (PAM) solutions, formed as a result of the merger between established PAM leaders Thycotic and Centrify. Delinea caters to both small businesses and global enterprises, ensuring everyone's digital freedom by efficiently defining access boundaries. Their solutions enable access to critical data, devices, code, and cloud infrastructure through a centralized dashboard. Users enjoy access precisely when and where they need it, for the necessary duration to complete their tasks. Delinea empowers organizations with enhanced agility, productivity, and security, whether they operate in the cloud or on-premises. Furthermore, Delinea's solutions are robust, customizable, and scalable, accommodating organizations of all sizes and industries, irrespective of their PAM maturity level.


2021. Microsoft acquires access management startup CloudKnox



Microsoft has recently completed the acquisition of the IAM (identity and access management) startup, CloudKnox Security. CloudKnox specializes in aiding organizations in implementing the least-privilege principles to mitigate risks and prevent security breaches. By integrating CloudKnox's activity-based authorization service, Azure Active Directory customers will gain comprehensive visibility, continuous monitoring, and automated remediation for managing permissions across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Microsoft has plans to seamlessly integrate CloudKnox with its other cloud security services, such as 365 Defender, Azure Defender, and Azure Sentinel. This acquisition aligns with Microsoft's strategic efforts to bolster its security portfolio, as demonstrated by its recent acquisitions of IoT security startups CyberX and Refirm Labs.


2014. Samsung invests in cloud-based Enterprise Identity Management service Centrify



Centrify, the enterprise cloud-based identity management software, has secured $42 million in funding from a consortium of investors, including Samsung Ventures. While Centrify has diversified its portfolio to encompass various aspects of identity management and security throughout its ten years of operation, one area it has particularly focused on is cloud-based security. This endeavor has proven fruitful, as it now forms the foundation of the company's mobile device management (MDM) offering, enabling IT departments to manage mobile apps and other services while providing users with a convenient single sign-on solution. Samsung itself has recognized the value of this approach and incorporated it into its own KNOX MDM solution, which was initially announced at MWC earlier this year and is currently being rolled out.

Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com