Product tip Tuesday: Automation with Entra ID

Managing Azure cloud services can feel like swimming upstream. You’ve got Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), Intune, a whole bunch of other services, and then there’s the constant pressure to protect your data and keep costs under control. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many IT admins are wrestling with the same challenges. 

That’s where BetterCloud comes in to make things a little less chaotic.

Why Azure Automation isn’t always enough

Azure Automation is great—until it isn’t. Sure, it handles scripted tasks, but when you need fine-grained security controls, cross-platform workflows, or deeper visibility into SaaS activity, things get complicated fast. Native tools often require extensive customization, scripting, and constant monitoring to keep everything running smoothly.

BetterCloud changes the game by offering API-based automation that complements Azure’s capabilities rather than replacing them. Think of it as the missing puzzle piece, it connects the dots between identity management, security policies, and SaaS administration, creating a seamless IT experience.

Take for example this workflow. The workflow kicks off when a user is deactivated or suspended in Entra ID then BetterCloud takes care of offboarding the user including removing the user from Groups and a 30 day wait before permanently deleting the user. 

More control, less risk: The power of precise API Keys

Security is all about control, and one of the biggest challenges in IT is ensuring that automation doesn’t introduce new risks. With BetterCloud, you can create multiple API keys with varying levels of access, allowing you to limit exposure without sacrificing functionality.

• Need an API key just for onboarding workflows? Done.
• Want to restrict another key to read-only access for monitoring activity? No problem.
• Need a full-access key for a specific integration? You’ve got it—but only where it makes sense.

And here’s the kicker: Every API interaction leaves a detailed audit trail. So, if something goes wrong, you’re not left guessing who did what and when.

Cleaning up the mess: File governance for SharePoint and OneDrive

Anyone who’s managed Microsoft 365 knows that file sprawl is a real problem. SharePoint and OneDrive are powerful, but keeping track of where files are stored, who has access, and whether sensitive data is being overshared? That’s another story.

BetterCloud steps in with enhanced visibility and automation. It can identify where files are located, track permission changes, and automatically adjust sharing settings based on security policies. Imagine being able to:

• Instantly see which SharePoint sites contain sensitive data.
• Restrict file sharing if a compliance violation is detected.
• Automate permission reviews instead of relying on manual audits.

Less time chasing down files. More time focusing on strategic IT initiatives.

Compliance without the complexity

Microsoft Entra ID is already a solid foundation for security, offering features like Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Conditional Access. But policies are only as effective as their enforcement.

BetterCloud enhances identity governance by adding automation and visibility. Here’s how:

• Automated user lifecycle management – Ensure accounts are provisioned and deprovisioned correctly, every time.
• Real-time security monitoring – Detects risky behaviors before they become incidents.
• Policy-driven enforcement – Lock down accounts, revoke access, and apply remediation steps automatically.

Instead of IT teams scrambling to fix access issues manually, BetterCloud ensures compliance happens in real-time—without the guesswork.

Workflows that actually work

Integrating BetterCloud with Entra ID and Intune means IT admins can automate user-centric workflows with confidence. Imagine this:

• A new employee joins, and within seconds, they have the right Intune policies applied, Microsoft 365 apps configured, and access granted—without manual input.
• An employee leaves, and all their access is revoked immediately, reducing security risks.
• A non-compliant device attempts to access OneDrive, and BetterCloud adjusts file-sharing permissions automatically.

It’s automation that actually makes life easier. No more missed offboarding steps. No more permissions left lingering in the background. Just smooth, secure workflows that keep IT in control.

The bigger picture: Extending Entra ID and Intune’s reach

Entra ID and Intune are designed to manage identities and devices—but what about everything else? The SaaS explosion means users are constantly interacting with third-party applications, often without IT oversight. That’s where BetterCloud fills the gaps.

• SaaS security visibility – Monitor who’s accessing what, even beyond Microsoft’s ecosystem.
• Zero Trust enforcement – Ensure that every access request, file action, and device connection is verified.
• Cross-platform automation – Extend security policies to applications like Slack, Zoom, or Google Workspace.

IT teams get the best of both worlds: Microsoft’s powerful security stack, enhanced by BetterCloud’s deeper automation and SaaS management.

Managing Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem doesn’t have to be a royal pain. By integrating BetterCloud with Entra ID, Intune, and Microsoft 365, IT teams can automate the tedious stuff, tighten security, and gain clarity into SaaS activity. The result? Less stress, more control, and a security posture that actually holds up in the real world.

Ready to see how BetterCloud can help you with Entra ID? Schedule a demo.