Granular Delegated Admin: The Security Best Practice for ISV Partners on Microsoft Platform

What is Granular Delegated Admin?

Granular Delegated Admin Privileges (GDAP) is a security framework on the Microsoft platform that allows Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to manage customer environments with specific, time-limited, and role-based permissions, instead of using broad, long-term access.

Why It’s the Security Best Practice?

1. Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP)

  • ISVs get only the necessary permissions to perform their tasks, reducing the risk of excessive access.
  • Prevents overprivileged accounts, which are prime targets for cyber threats.

2. Time-Bound Access Control

  • Admin access can be set for a specific duration, reducing the attack surface.
  • Eliminates the risks of permanent standing permissions.

3. Reduced Insider Threats

  • Role-based access ensures that only the right individuals have control over specific operations.
  • Limits potential damage from malicious insiders or compromised accounts.

4. Minimizes Supply Chain Security Risks

  • Third-party ISVs cannot freely move across a customer’s environment without explicit approval.
  • Lowers the impact of supply chain attacks (e.g., SolarWinds-style breaches).

5. Microsoft Secure Access Model Compliance

  • Aligns with Microsoft’s Zero Trust security model.
  • Supports Microsoft’s Secure Admin Workstations (SAW) and Privileged Identity Management (PIM) best practices.

6. Enhanced Auditability & Monitoring

  • Provides detailed logging of all administrative actions.
  • Customers can track, review, and revoke ISV access as needed.

7. Customer-Centric Security Control

  • Customers retain full control over who can access their environment.
  • Allows businesses to comply with industry regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001).

How It Works

  1. ISVs request access through GDAP for a specific scope and timeframe.
  2. Customers approve access based on need and security policies.
  3. Microsoft Entra logs and monitors all privileged activities.
  4. Access automatically expires when the set time elapses.

Key Benefits for Customers

✅ Stronger Security – Reduces the attack surface by limiting access.
✅ Greater Transparency – Customers maintain full visibility and control.
✅ Regulatory Compliance – Meets stringent data protection laws.
✅ Risk Reduction – Protects against credential theft, phishing, and supply chain attacks.
✅ Operational Efficiency – Ensures ISVs only access what’s needed, when needed.

Conclusion

The Granular Delegated Admin approach is a critical security best practice for customers on the Microsoft platform, ensuring stronger access control, reduced risk exposure, and compliance with security standards. By adopting GDAP, ISV partners can deliver services securely while empowering customers with greater control over their environments.