Delinea and Microsoft: Transforming Cloud Identity Security Together

Below is an in‐depth analysis of the recent collaboration between Delinea and Microsoft, outlining what it means for cloud entitlement management, identity security, and the shifting landscape of enterprise permissions management.

A New Chapter in Cloud Security​

The rapidly changing world of cloud infrastructure has made robust identity and permissions management more critical than ever. In a move set to impact many organizations reliant on Microsoft’s now-retiring Entra Permissions Management platform, Delinea has been tapped as the preferred replacement. This strategic collaboration, confirmed by key figures from both companies, is designed to ensure that businesses maintain uninterrupted access to advanced Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM) tools during a pivotal time of transition.
At its core, this partnership signals a smoother handover from an aging identity management system to a next-generation solution. Delinea’s Privilege Control for Cloud Entitlements is crafted to safeguard both human and machine identities across leading public clouds—Microsoft Azure, AWS, and GCP—making this a truly multi-cloud solution. Coupled with robust support from Microsoft, organizations can expect a guided, seamless migration, ensuring that no security controls fall through the cracks.

Understanding the Shift Away from Microsoft Entra Permissions Management​

Microsoft has long been at the forefront of providing enterprise-grade cloud security solutions. However, with the upcoming retirement of the Microsoft Entra Permissions Management platform this October, there was an urgent need for a viable alternative that met today’s dynamic security demands. Microsoft’s decision to partner with Delinea is a proactive measure to close this gap and safeguard its vast customer base.
Key details of the transition include:

• Delinea’s platform is set to replace Microsoft Entra Permissions Management, ensuring continuity in cloud entitlement management.
• The migration offers customers uninterrupted access to advanced capabilities, leveraging Delinea’s multi-cloud expertise.
• Both companies are committed to offering end-to-end support during the switch, from unveiling the full spectrum of features in the new solution to providing hands-on transition guidance.

With this roadmap in place, businesses can avoid the common pitfalls associated with platform retirements, such as fragmentation of access controls and potential security gaps.

Embracing a Multi-Cloud Future​

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in enterprise solutions has contributed to an unprecedented surge in both human and machine identities. As Delinea CEO Art Gilliland aptly noted, “The introduction of AI has led to an explosion of human and machine identities at a time when public cloud environments are growing increasingly complex.” This development has left many IT administrators grappling with the daunting task of managing access rights in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
By delivering a multi-cloud solution, Delinea addresses some of the most pressing challenges in today’s digital ecosystems:

• Cross-Platform Management: Enterprises often deploy workloads across various cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure, AWS, and GCP. A solution that spans all these providers helps maintain consistent security policies.
• Dynamic Identity Provisioning: In the era of rapid scale, automated controls that adjust to the burgeoning number of identities—both human and non-human—are indispensable.
• Enhanced Visibility: Advanced analytics and tracking become essential when permissions are distributed over several clouds. Delinea’s approach offers centralized oversight, reducing the chances of oversight or misconfiguration.

This multi-cloud methodology isn’t just a technical decision; it’s a strategic one. It acknowledges that modern enterprises can no longer rely on single-provider strategies if they wish to keep pace with rapid digital transformation and security threats that traverse traditional IT boundaries.

Technical and Security Advantages of Delinea’s Solution​

Delinea’s Privilege Control for Cloud Entitlements comes equipped with a suite of features designed to address the nuanced requirements of modern identity security:

• Discovery and Classification:
  The platform is engineered to automatically discover, classify, and secure identities within complex cloud environments. This means that identities—from privileged user accounts to machine learning operatives—are continuously monitored and managed.
• Automated Compliance:
  By integrating advanced policies and automated checks, the solution helps businesses stay compliant with internal policies and external regulations. This is an essential feature in an era when cyber threats and regulatory scrutiny are both intensifying.
• AI-Driven Insights:
  Leveraging the latest in AI and machine learning, the system can predict and mitigate potential misconfigurations before they become security incidents. This pre-emptive defense is particularly crucial given the volume of identities generated daily in modern enterprises.
• Granular Privilege Management:
  With detailed control mechanisms, IT teams can tailor access rights with precision—ensuring that users and automated systems hold only the permissions necessary for their roles. This minimizes risk and prevents privilege escalation.
• Scalability and Flexibility:
  As organizations expand their cloud deployments, the need for scalable identity management tools becomes paramount. Delinea’s solution is built to grow alongside business needs, ensuring a long-term fit.

These features highlight how Delinea’s approach not only fills the void left by Microsoft Entra Permissions Management but also drives innovation in the field of identity security. Microsoft’s VP of Product Management, Joseph Dadzie, emphasized this potential by noting that the platform “represents an effective successor for customers of Microsoft Entra Permissions Management” and offers a “scalable, innovative approach to identity security for public, multi-cloud environments.”

A Guided Transition: Helping Customers Make the Switch​

One of the most significant aspects of this partnership is the collaborative effort to ensure a seamless platform transition. Both Delinea and Microsoft have recognized that change, while necessary, can be daunting for organizations entrenched in legacy systems. The dual support initiative includes:

• Detailed Roadmaps:
  Comprehensive guides outlining each step of the migration process. This includes timelines, pre-migration checks, and post-transition best practices, which help businesses minimize downtime.
• Expert Consultations:
  Jointly provided expert sessions where IT teams can get personalized advice on addressing their specific environments. This human guidance is invaluable when dealing with complex, mission-critical systems.
• Training and Support Resources:
  From in-depth webinars to hands-on training courses, the partnership is investing in enabling customer success. This ensures that organizations quickly get the most out of their new permissions management solution.

For IT administrators, this level of support reduces the learning curve and instills confidence in the new system, ensuring that the transition is not just a migration, but an evolution in governance and security strategy. Transition planning like this goes a long way in avoiding the pitfalls that often come with rapid technological shifts.

Real-World Impacts on IT Administrators and Windows Users​

When it comes to Windows-based environments and enterprise-level deployments, the ramifications of a smooth permissions management system are profound. Consider the following advantages for IT administrators:

• Streamlined Operations:
  With a centralized tool that governs identities across multiple clouds, system management becomes more straightforward. IT teams no longer need to juggle disparate systems or worry about inconsistencies between different cloud environments.
• Improved Security Posture:
  Enhanced visibility and control reduce the surface area for potential breaches. Automated alerts and AI-driven insights help preemptively address issues, ensuring that security remains proactive rather than reactive.
• Cost Efficiency:
  Consolidating identity management into one coherent platform can reduce both license costs and the labor associated with managing multiple point solutions. This is particularly beneficial for larger organizations with complex infrastructures.
• Enhanced User Experience:
  For Windows users, a streamlined permission system means fewer disruptions and a more intuitive interaction with security protocols. Whether in a corporate setting or a hybrid work scenario, the benefits of a bolstered security framework are tangible.

The Broader Implications for Cloud and Cybersecurity Trends​

This collaboration is more than just a simple vendor partnership—it’s a signifier of broader trends in the cybersecurity and cloud management arenas. The explosion of digital identities and the inherent complexity of modern public cloud environments have driven the industry to rethink how we manage access to critical resources.

• Adoption of Multi-Cloud Strategies:
  Organizations are increasingly relying on multiple cloud providers to meet varying workloads and compliance needs. As such, tools that can seamlessly integrate across these platforms are becoming indispensable.
• Rise of AI and Automation:
  With the integration of AI, the pace of identity proliferation has accelerated, necessitating smarter, self-healing systems that can keep up. The use of AI in Delinea’s platform marks a pivotal shift towards more predictive and responsive security measures.
• Regulatory Demands:
  Governments and regulatory bodies around the globe continue to tighten data protection and privacy laws. A robust identity permissions management tool such as Delinea’s not only helps in meeting these regulatory obligations but also positions organizations to better handle sophisticated, emerging threats.
• Legacy System Replacements:
  When a well-established platform like Microsoft Entra Permissions Management is retired, it opens the floor for innovative solutions that come with modern architectures and enhanced functionalities. Delinea’s solution is a prime example of how legacy systems are being replaced by agile, future-focused platforms.

Looking Ahead: Securing the Future in an Increasingly Complex Environment​

In practical terms, the Delinea-Microsoft collaboration is a harbinger of what lies ahead for identity security. As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation, the security landscape will undoubtedly evolve. The challenge for IT leaders will be to stay ahead of the curve—a task that requires both strategic foresight and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies.
Future trends to watch include:

• Increased Regulation and Governance:
  As governments push for more stringent cybersecurity measures, identity management systems will need to become even more robust and adaptive. The current partnership is likely to serve as a benchmark for future collaborations aimed at enhancing regulatory compliance.
• Integration with Broader IT Ecosystems:
  Rather than being standalone solutions, next-generation identity security platforms will integrate deeply with other facets of IT management, from endpoint security to network monitoring. This holistic approach ensures that security is woven into every layer of an organization’s IT fabric.
• The Role of Machine Learning in Threat Detection:
  With the sheer volume of data generated by modern IT environments, machine learning will continue to play a crucial role in identifying anomalies, predicting potential breaches, and automating responses. Early adoption of these capabilities could very well be the difference between a smooth operation and a detrimental security incident.

Key Takeaways and Conclusion​

To summarize, the alliance between Delinea and Microsoft is a forward-thinking response to the challenges posed by rapid digital transformation and the retirement of critical legacy platforms. Here are the essential points:

• Delinea has been named the preferred replacement for Microsoft Entra Permissions Management—a move that ensures continued access to advanced CIEM solutions.
• The new solution is tailored for multi-cloud environments, securing identities on Microsoft Azure, AWS, and GCP.
• Both companies are committed to providing detailed migration support, ensuring a smooth and guided transition for existing customers.
• The platform exploits AI-driven insights, automated compliance features, and granular privilege control to address the security issues raised by the explosion of digital identities.
• This announcement is not merely about replacing a service; it reflects broader industry trends such as multi-cloud adoption, regulatory pressures, and the growing role of automation in cybersecurity.

For IT administrators and Windows users involved in managing enterprise environments, this partnership offers a lifeline—ensuring that the complex world of cloud identity remains navigable, secure, and future-proof.
As organizations gear up to retire Microsoft Entra Permissions Management, the Delinea solution appears poised not only to fill the gap but also to elevate security practices in a way that resonates with today’s digital requirements. The road ahead might be challenging, but with clear guidance from industry heavyweights, businesses should feel confident moving into this new era of identity security.
In an age where the cyber threat landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, this collaboration is a reminder that adaptation, innovation, and proactive planning are more than buzzwords—they are the pillars upon which tomorrow’s secure digital environments will be built.
By embracing such forward-thinking approaches, enterprises can ensure that their IT infrastructure remains robust, resilient, and ready to handle the complexities of modern multi-cloud operations. Whether you’re managing a sprawling Windows network or overseeing a hybrid cloud strategy, the evolving landscape of permissions management stands as a testament to the fact that secure digital futures are built on collaboration, expertise, and continuous innovation.
For additional insights on Windows 11 updates and cybersecurity advisories, keep an eye on ongoing discussions throughout the community, where expert opinions and real-world experiences converge to drive the conversation forward.

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Source: Technology Decisions Delinea teams with Microsoft on permissions management

 

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Introduction​

In an evolving cybersecurity landscape punctuated by growing threats and increasingly complex cloud environments, partnerships that emphasize advanced identity security are crucial. Recently, Delinea, a leading provider of cloud entitlement security solutions, announced a strategic alliance with Microsoft. This partnership is designed to aid enterprises in transitioning away from Microsoft Entra Permissions Management, which is scheduled for retirement in October 2025, to a more advanced and robust solution in the form of Delinea’s Privilege Control for Cloud Entitlements (PCCE).

A Seamless Transition in Cloud Identity Security​

Microsoft’s decision to retire its Entra Permissions Management is part of a broader initiative to streamline and enhance identity governance. With the retirement approaching, organizations heavily reliant on Microsoft’s current offering need a reliable, scalable, and innovative security solution. Delinea’s PCCE has been selected as the preferred replacement, offering enterprises the capability to manage identities—both human and machine—across multiple platforms. This transition is not merely a technological upgrade; it’s a strategic shift that underscores the importance of proactive identity governance in public cloud environments.

• Scheduled Retirement: Microsoft Entra Permissions Management will be phased out in October 2025.
• New Solution: Delinea’s PCCE acts as a comprehensive successor, supporting hybrid cloud ecosystems across Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Joint Effort: Microsoft and Delinea have committed resources to ensure a smooth transition with dedicated joint teams for support and training.

The Role of Delinea’s Privilege Control for Cloud Entitlements (PCCE)​

Delinea’s PCCE solution provides an integrated approach to cloud entitlement management. It not only ensures robust security but also enhances the operational efficiency of IT administrators by delivering continuous visibility and actionable insights. Here’s how PCCE stands out:

• Multi-cloud Support: Designed for environments that include Microsoft Azure, AWS, and GCP, ensuring consistent security policies across all public clouds.
• AI-enabled Analytics: Utilizes machine learning to monitor behavioral anomalies, enabling early detection of potential security risks.
• Least Privilege Enforcement: Helps in refining permissions and privileges based on the evolving usage patterns, minimizing risks associated with overprivileged access.
• Continuous Discovery: Constantly monitors cloud usage to quickly identify unauthorized changes or misconfigurations.
• Anomaly Identification: By tracking both human and machine identities, PCCE provides a proactive approach to identity management that is essential in today’s dynamic cloud environments.

Microsoft’s Strategy for Entra Permissions Management Retirement​

Microsoft’s shift away from Entra Permissions Management reflects a strategic alignment with current industry trends that emphasize cloud infrastructure entitlement management (CIEM). The retirement of Entra Permissions Management is not simply a decommissioning of an old product; it is a step towards embracing more advanced security measures that capitalize on artificial intelligence and automation.

• Enhanced Security Posture: Microsoft aims to provide customers with tools that are better equipped to handle the complexities of modern cloud environments.
• Scalability and Innovation: Delinea’s PCCE offers a scalable solution that can adapt to varying enterprise requirements, backed by cutting-edge technology.
• Customer-Centric Transition: As articulated by Joseph Dadzie, Microsoft’s Vice President of Product Management, the transition is designed to minimize disruption while ensuring an effective upgrade to a more robust system.
• Joint Expertise: The collaboration highlights how two industry leaders can pool resources and expertise to create a solution that addresses current cybersecurity challenges head-on.

Addressing the Challenges of Modern Cloud Environments​

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence has led to an explosion in the number of both human and machine identities. This surge has amplified the complexity of managing permissions in public cloud environments, making the need for sophisticated identity security tools more urgent than ever.

The Identity Explosion​

• Growth in Digital Identities: As companies embrace digital transformation, the number of user and service accounts skyrockets.
• Increased Attack Surface: More identities mean a broader attack surface for cybercriminals, necessitating tighter control and oversight.
• Dynamic Environments: With cloud infrastructures evolving rapidly, traditional static permission models are often inadequate.

The Imperative for Advanced Identity Governance​

To tackle these challenges, modern organizations must leverage solutions that offer dynamic visibility and control over their IT environments. Delinea’s PCCE is tailored to meet these demands through:

• Real-time Monitoring: Spotting and addressing anomalous activities before they evolve into security incidents.
• Contextual Insights: Providing IT administrators with granular context on identity behavior, which aids in refining and updating security policies.
• Automated Responses: Utilizing AI not just for detecting risks but for automatically enforcing policies that restrict access and remediate issues.

Expert Insights and Industry Perspectives​

Art Gilliland, CEO of Delinea, encapsulated the urgency of today’s cloud security challenges: “The introduction of AI has led to an explosion of human and machine identities at a time when public cloud environments are growing increasingly complex.” This perspective resonates deeply within the industry as it highlights both the challenges and the transformative potential of advanced identity security solutions.

Critical Observations​

• Collaborative Excellence: The dedication of joint teams from both Microsoft and Delinea exemplifies a cooperative approach to solving modern cybersecurity challenges.
• Risk Mitigation: By identifying and limiting excess privileges, enterprises can significantly reduce the risks associated with misconfigured and overprivileged identities.
• Future-Proofing Security: With Delinea’s PCCE, organizations gain access to innovative tools that not only address current threats but are also adaptable to future challenges.

Broader Implications​

• Integration of AI: The use of AI in security tools represents a new era in identity governance, where automated analytics provide deeper insights and faster remediation.
• Enterprise Transformation: The shift from Entra Permissions Management to PCCE is indicative of the broader transition taking place across enterprises that are moving towards more agile and responsive security frameworks.
• Enhanced User Experience: By ensuring a smooth transition and seamless operation, businesses can safeguard their operations without compromising on efficiency or security.

Key Features and Benefits of Delinea’s PCCE​

Delinea’s PCCE solution is not simply a replacement for an aging product—it’s a comprehensive suite designed to redefine cloud entitlement management. Let’s break down its key features:

Continuous Discovery​

• Uninterrupted Monitoring: Automatically scans cloud environments for changes and anomalies.
• Adaptive Security: Adjusts security protocols in real time based on new threats and usage patterns.

AI-enabled Analytics​

• Behavioral Analysis: Uses AI to distinguish between normal user behavior and potential security breaches.
• Anomaly Detection: Flags unusual activity, providing early warnings that allow administrators to intervene swiftly.

Least Privilege Enforcement​

• Rightsizing Permissions: Continuously evaluates user privileges to ensure that no identity retains unnecessary access.
• Risk Reduction: Minimizes the likelihood of internal breaches by limiting overprivileged accounts.

Multi-cloud Capabilities​

• Unified Management: Provides a single interface for managing identities across diverse cloud platforms including Azure, AWS, and GCP.
• Consistency in Security: Implements uniform policies and controls regardless of the cloud environment, enhancing overall security posture.

Expert Administration Tools​

• Granular Insights: Offers detailed analytics that help IT administrators understand privilege usage and potential risks.
• Seamless Transition Support: Dedicated teams and support forums help organizations pivot quickly, reducing downtime and maintaining operational integrity.

How the Partnership Benefits Enterprises​

The collaboration between Microsoft and Delinea is a forward-thinking strategy that not only addresses current security challenges but also sets a precedent for future innovations in identity management.

Operational Efficiency​

• Streamlined Transition: Companies currently relying on Entra Permissions Management can transition to Delinea’s PCCE with minimal operational disruption.
• Simplified Management: With an integrated approach to cloud identity security, businesses can consolidate their security protocols, reducing complexity and administrative overhead.

Enhanced Security Measures​

• Proactive Risk Management: Continuous monitoring and AI-enabled anomaly detection ensure that potential threats are spotted and neutralized before they escalate.
• Comprehensive Protection: By securing both human and machine identities, the PCCE solution provides a holistic safeguard against a wide spectrum of cyber threats.

Strategic Advantages​

• Future-readiness: The advanced analytics and adaptive security measures position enterprises to effectively manage both current and emerging threats.
• Innovation at the Forefront: By partnering with Microsoft, Delinea leverages combined industry expertise, ensuring that their solution remains at the cutting edge of technology and security innovation.

Transitioning with Confidence: Steps for IT Administrators​

For IT administrators tasked with managing this transition, detailed planning and proactive engagement are key. Here’s a step-by-step guide on managing the shift from Entra Permissions Management to Delinea’s PCCE:

• Assessment Phase:
• Conduct a comprehensive review of current identity management architectures.
• Evaluate existing cloud service configurations to determine areas of risk associated with overprivileged access.
• Planning and Preparation:
• Develop a transition roadmap that outlines key milestones, timelines, and resource allocations.
• Engage with support teams from both Microsoft and Delinea to understand the technical nuances and receive training.
• Implementation:
• Gradually integrate the PCCE solution in parallel with existing systems to allow for sandbox testing.
• Leverage AI-enabled analytics to monitor the initial impact and adjust security parameters accordingly.
• Monitoring and Optimization:
• Continuously review security dashboards to ensure all identities are correctly accounted for.
• Use feedback loops from automated insights to refine and enforce least privilege policies.
• Full Transition:
• Once confident in the system’s performance, complete the migration to solely rely on the PCCE solution.
• Document and review the transition process to inform future security upgrades and policy adjustments.

The Broader Impact on Cloud Security​

The retirement of Microsoft Entra Permissions Management and the rise of advanced CIEM solutions like Delinea’s PCCE signal a significant pivot in cloud security strategy. As organizations continue to leverage expansive cloud infrastructures, the need for consolidated, intelligent, and adaptive security solutions becomes ever more apparent.

Sector-wide Implications​

• Industry Benchmarking: This partnership sets a standard for how legacy systems must evolve or be replaced to accommodate modern security demands.
• Integration of Advanced Technologies: The use of AI and continuous monitoring is likely to become the industry norm, driving further innovations in identity and access management.
• Global Compliance and Governance: With increasing regulatory scrutiny, particularly in sectors handling sensitive data, robust identity security solutions will become indispensable for ensuring compliance.

Future Trends​

• Evolving Threat Landscape: As cyber threats continue to adapt, the integration of proactive and reactive security measures will be critical in protecting cloud environments.
• Convergence of IT and Security: The collaboration between IT management and advanced security analytics will foster a more integrated approach, effectively bridging the gap between everyday operations and cybersecurity.
• Investment in Cybersecurity: Organizations are expected to accelerate investments in advanced identity security solutions, driven by the dual necessity of operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion​

The strategic partnership between Microsoft and Delinea represents a forward-thinking approach to cloud identity management. By paving the way for the retirement of Microsoft Entra Permissions Management, this transition highlights the growing need for enhanced security measures in the digital age. Delinea’s PCCE not only addresses the challenges of managing complex cloud environments but also empowers enterprises to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
With features such as continuous discovery, AI-enabled analytics, and rigorous least privilege enforcement, the PCCE solution stands out as a comprehensive answer to the evolving demands of cloud security. For enterprises aiming to remain compliant, efficient, and secure in a multi-cloud era, the successful adoption of advanced solutions like PCCE is not just beneficial—it is imperative.
This collaboration underscores the importance of leveraging expert partnerships and cutting-edge technology to stay ahead in the dynamic world of cybersecurity. As Microsoft and Delinea join forces, they set the stage for a future where robust identity security is seamlessly integrated into every facet of cloud infrastructure, ensuring that businesses can operate confidently in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

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Source: SecurityBrief Australia Delinea partners with Microsoft for Entra Permissions change