Outlook on the web, or Outlook Web Access (OWA), is the browser-based counterpart to the on-premises email and task management application Microsoft Outlook. With the solution providing enterprise users access to their email, calendars, tasks, and contacts from Microsoft Exchange directly from their web browsers, securing logins to OWA is pivotal. The existing username and password-based authentication process is not considered secure enough. Unauthorized access to a user's OWA interface risks the exposure of sensitive business information and confidential email correspondence between users.
An effective solution is to supplement the logins with further authentication levels through two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication (MFA). ManageEngine's ADSelfService Plus provides MFA for OWA and Exchange admin center (EAC) logins by implementing additional authentication steps in addition to the default username and password. This means that even if a user's credentials are misused, the enforced MFA process prevents the user account from being compromised. Unlike other solutions, ADSelfService Plus does not offer just two-factor authentication, but also includes options to enable a maximum of three additional authentication factors. MFA is achieved through various authentication methods including the phishing-resistant and passwordless FIDO2 authentication, and biometric authentication.
To configure MFA for OWA and EAC logins, the ADSelfService Plus' OWA connector must be installed in the Exchange server. The connecter acts as the intermediary between the Exchange server and ADSelfService Plus to enable MFA during OWA and EAC logins. Once these requirements are fulfilled, the process shown below takes place:
MFA for OWA and EAC logins can be configured for the following Exchange versions:
Learn more about the MFA authenticators that ADSelfService Plus supports for OWA logins.
Employing ADSelfService Plus' MFA for OWA logins offers the following benefits:
Microsoft's Outlook on the web, previously known as Outlook Web App or Outlook Web Access (OWA), is an online email service that enables users to access their email, calendar, and contacts from any computer that is connected to the internet. Outlook on the web is tailor-made to function on web browsers, and it offers users a means to manage their email and other data remotely.
Normally, while connecting to Outlook on the web, users are authenticated using only a username and password. MFA for Outlook on the web ensures that users verify their identities with multiple authenticators alongside usernames and passwords while logging in to Outlook on the web.
Yes, it is essential to safeguard all Outlook on the web and Exchange admin center (EAC) logins in your organization using MFA. To prevent breaches, it is recommended to use strong identity verification measures like biometrics instead of the traditional username and password method, especially since Outlook gives users access to their email, calendar, tasks, and contacts from any web browser anywhere. On enabling MFA for on-premises Exchange and Outlook on the web, you can prevent user accounts from being compromised even if their credentials are compromised by attackers.
You can easily deploy MFA for Outlook on the web and EAC logins in a few simple steps using ADSelfService Plus. ADSelfService Plus allows you to enable more than two authenticators during login, and includes strong authenticators such as FIDO passkeys, biometrics, and YubiKey.
Check out this detailed walkthrough on how you can set up MFA for Outlook on the web in your organization using ADSelfService Plus. You can also schedule a personalized web demo with our product experts, or get in touch with our sales team at +1.312.528.3085 or sales@manageengine.com for any further assistance.
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