Strengthening Zero Trust with OpenVPN and Microsoft Entra ID

At OpenVPN, we’ve designed our solutions to integrate seamlessly into this approach. By combining Access Server or CloudConnexa with Microsoft Entra ID, organizations can extend the power of Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) into their secure remote access strategy.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) with OpenVPN and Entra ID

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) takes the principles of Zero Trust and applies them directly to how users connect to applications and resources. Instead of granting broad network access, ZTNA ensures that each connection is identity-aware, context-driven, and policy-enforced.

By integrating Microsoft Entra ID with Access Server or CloudConnexa, organizations can:

• Enforce identity verification at every connection using Entra ID’s SSO and MFA policies.
• Apply granular access controls so users only reach the specific applications and resources they need.
• Support adaptive security policies, such as conditional access based on device posture, location, or risk signals.

This means OpenVPN doesn’t just connect users to a network—it delivers secure, verified, and policy-based access that aligns with Microsoft’s Zero Trust framework. Together, OpenVPN and Entra ID help IT teams implement ZTNA without adding unnecessary complexity.

Microsoft Entra ID + OpenVPN

Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) provides centralized identity management for modern enterprises. Integrating it with OpenVPN solutions gives IT administrators:

• SSO across services – Users authenticate once with Entra ID, then securely access OpenVPN alongside other business-critical applications.
• Stronger MFA enforcement – Leverage Microsoft’s flexible MFA policies to prevent unauthorized access.
• Streamlined user lifecycle management – Add or remove access instantly by managing identities in one place.
• Alignment with Zero Trust principles – By verifying user identity at every access attempt, you ensure that only authorized, verified users can connect.

This integration supports both Access Server (for self-hosted VPN infrastructure) and CloudConnexa (our cloud-delivered VPN service).

How to configure OpenVPN with Microsoft Entra ID

We’ve made setup straightforward, with detailed guides and video walkthroughs:

• Tutorial: Configure SAML with Microsoft Entra ID on Access Server: 
• Video: How To Configure SAML with Microsoft Entra ID on Access Server
• Video: How to Configure SAML with Microsoft Azure AD (Microsoft Entra ID) on CloudConnexa

Whether you’re deploying Access Server in your own infrastructure or CloudConnexa in the cloud, the process involves:

1. Registering OpenVPN as an enterprise application in Microsoft Entra ID.
2. Configuring SAML authentication to connect Entra ID with OpenVPN.
3.  Enforcing MFA and conditional access policies in Microsoft Entra ID.
4. Testing and rolling out to your users.

Running OpenVPN on Azure

For organizations building in Microsoft cloud, Azure and OpenVPN are a natural fit.

• Learn more on our OpenVPN on Azure page. 
• Deploy instantly from the Azure Marketplace. 

Running Access Server on Azure allows IT teams to keep critical applications close to their cloud workloads, simplify scaling, and integrate smoothly with Microsoft Entra ID for identity-based security.

Build a stronger security posture with Zero Trust

As cyberthreats evolve, identity must remain at the core of your security strategy. By combining Microsoft Entra ID with Access Server or CloudConnexa, your organization can enforce SSO, MFA, and access controls that align with Microsoft’s Zero Trust framework.