Session hijacking attacks are evolving, and Microsoft Entra ID security must evolve too. Attackers are bypassing MFA using token theft, requiring businesses to adopt Conditional Access, risk-based authentication, and Zero Trust security measures. Learn how Microsoft’s 2025 updates address these threats.
Microsoft Entra ID Security: Why MFA Alone Is Still Not Enough
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is no longer enough to stop modern cyberattacks. While MFA remains a critical layer of security, attackers continue to exploit session hijacking and token theft to bypass authentication controls.
Microsoft has introduced new Conditional Access capabilities in Microsoft Entra ID to combat these threats—but many businesses haven’t fully implemented them. This 2025 update explains:
If you’re still relying on MFA alone, it’s time to rethink your identity security strategy.
The Growing Threat: How Attackers Are Still Bypassing MFA in 2025
The Attack Breakdown
1) The Phishing Trap
- The attacker sends a fake Office 365 login page with a slight typo in the URL.
- Users enter their credentials, believing it’s legitimate.
2) Session Token Theft
- If the victim is logged into Office 365, the fake site captures their authentication token.
- This allows the attacker to reuse the session—bypassing MFA entirely.
3) Impersonation & Fraud
- They impersonate the victim to request wire transfers or distribute further phishing emails.
- Attackers access the victim’s email and sensitive data.
2025 Update: Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access Enhancements
New in 2025: Stronger Conditional Access Controls
Microsoft has expanded Conditional Access capabilities in Microsoft Entra ID, improving security against token theft attacks.
| New Conditional Access Features | How They Stop MFA Bypass |
|---|---|
| Token Protection for Microsoft 365 | Prevents session tokens from being stolen or reused on another device. |
| Real-Time Risk-Based MFA | Adjusts MFA requirements based on live threat intelligence. |
| Secure Hybrid Workforce Policies | Blocks sign-ins from high-risk unmanaged devices. |
| Continuous Authentication Monitoring | Detects suspicious behavior after login and triggers additional security checks. |
Step-by-Step: How to Secure Your Organization in 2025
1) Enable Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access Policies
Key Conditional Access Policies:
- IP-Based Restrictions: Blocks logins from unknown or high-risk locations.
- Device Compliance: Allows only Intune-managed devices to access corporate resources.
- Risk-Based Authentication: Forces MFA or blocks access if a high-risk login is detected.
2) Implement Zero Trust Access Controls for Microsoft 365
Key Zero Trust Measures
- Block sign-ins from unknown or unmanaged devices.
- Limit access based on device security posture.
- Enable continuous authentication monitoring for all high-risk accounts.
3) Strengthen Phishing Awareness & User Training
How Session Hijacking Works:
- How to identify phishing emails and fake login pages.
- The dangers of accepting pop-ups about certificate errors.
- Why multi-layered security is necessary—even with MFA.
What’s Changed Since 2022?
In 2022, we warned that MFA alone wasn’t enough. In 2025, the risks have evolved—but so have the solutions.
| 2022 Risks | 2025 Solutions |
|---|---|
| Session hijacking bypassed MFA | Token Protection for Microsoft 365 prevents token reuse |
| Stolen credentials enabled account takeovers | Real-Time Risk-Based MFA detects unauthorized logins |
| Phishing attacks targeted users | Zero Trust policies enforce device compliance before granting access |
| Conditional Access was underused | More organizations are implementing risk-based authentication |
Summary: Strengthening Your Zero Trust Security Strategy
Secure Your Business from MFA Bypass Attacks
Cyber threats continue to evolve, and so must your security strategy. If you haven’t reviewed your Microsoft Entra ID security policies, now is the time.
