Unlock Secure and Effortless Authentication with Microsoft Entra ID Temporary Access Pass (TAP)

In my continuous journey of exploring how Microsoft solutions enhance security, I’ve found that Microsoft Entra ID’s Temporary Access Pass (TAP) is a game-changer for simplifying authentication processes. TAP is designed to help users onboard, recover access, or transition to passwordless authentication without the friction of traditional passwords.

In this post, I’ll break down what TAP is, why it’s useful, and show you how to configure it step-by-step.

What is a Temporary Access Pass (TAP)?

Temporary Access Pass is a time-bound code that enables users to sign in or register for passwordless authentication methods like FIDO2 keys, Windows Hello, or the Microsoft Authenticator app. It’s particularly useful for situations where users don’t have access to their usual authentication devices, like during new employee onboarding or after losing a phone.

Why TAP Makes Life Easier:

• Onboarding Made Simple: Issue a TAP to new users so they can register for MFA without needing a password from the start.
• Device Recovery: If someone loses their phone or security key, TAP provides a secure way to regain access and reset MFA.
• Encouraging Passwordless: TAP is key for helping users transition to passwordless options, reducing reliance on traditional passwords.

Configuring TAP in Microsoft Entra ID

Now let’s get into the configuration. Setting up TAP in Microsoft Entra ID is straightforward and flexible, allowing you to define usage policies that align with your organization’s security needs.

Step 1: Enable TAP in Microsoft Entra ID

1. Sign into the Microsoft Entra Admin Center
   Head to the Microsoft Entra admin center and log in using your admin credentials.

1. Go to Authentication Methods
   On the left navigation, click on Protection, then select Authentication methods.

1. Enable Temporary Access Pass
   Find Temporary Access Pass in the available methods, toggle it to Enabled, and configure basic settings like duration and usage type (single or multi-use).

• • Enable the toggle, and select a Security group as you don’t want to assign TAP functionality to all user accounts. Then click save at the bottom.

Step 2: Set TAP Policies

Once TAP is enabled, you’ll want to refine its usage to suit your organization’s requirements.

1. Define TAP Lifespan
   Set how long the pass should be valid—whether it’s hours or days. The shorter the duration, the more secure it is.

1. Restrict Usage to Specific Users or Groups
   Only give TAP access to select groups or departments to minimize security risks. This can be configured in the Targeting section.

1. Choose Between Single-Use and Multi-Use
   If security is paramount, use single-use TAPs for actions like password resets. Otherwise, multi-use TAPs may be suitable for more general use cases.

Step 3: Issuing a TAP to Users

With TAP policies in place, here’s how you can issue one to a user:

1. Locate the User in the Entra Admin Center
   In Users, search for the individual you want to issue the TAP to, and open their profile.

1. Add Temporary Access Pass
   In the Authentication Methods section, click on Add Temporary Access Pass. Configure the pass settings, such as duration and number of uses.

If you don’t see “Add Temporary Access Pass” then you need to click on the following banner to “switch to the new user authentication methods experience”.

New experience will look as follow. Now we can go ahead and Click on the “+ Add authentication method”

Select your authentication method.

After clicking “Add” at the bottom, a temporary password and a link will be provided for you to complete your MFA registration using TAP.

1. Share the TAP with the User
   Communicate the passcode securely, and the user can use it to sign in or register their authentication methods.

Step 4: User Sign-in with TAP

Users can now sign in using the TAP by:

1. Clicking Sign-in options on the login screen. Once you add your email id and click next you will be presented with you TAP code request.

1. Enter the Temporary Access Pass.

1. Entering the passcode to authenticate and proceed with their tasks. User will then be presented to complete MFA registration process.

Best Practices for Using TAP

While TAP offers convenience, it’s important to manage it responsibly. Here are some best practices:

• Set a Short Validity Period: Reduce the window of potential misuse by limiting TAP duration.
• Use Single-Use TAPs for Critical Tasks: For sensitive operations like password resets, a single-use pass adds another layer of security.
• Limit TAP Distribution: Only allow trusted personnel to issue TAPs, and monitor usage via logs in the Microsoft Entra Admin Center.

Conclusion

Configuring TAP in Microsoft Entra ID is a powerful way to improve the user authentication experience while maintaining robust security controls. Whether it’s for onboarding, device recovery, or passwordless transitions, TAP simplifies the process without sacrificing security.

By following these steps, you can implement TAP in your organization and begin taking advantage of this flexible authentication method. Keep an eye out for my next post, where I’ll dive deeper into more Entra ID capabilities.

Sharing is caring!