What is Microsoft Entra Workload ID?

Microsoft Entra Workload ID is an identity solution that makes it possible to assign secure and unique identities to non-human actors - such as applications, scripts, containers and virtual machines. Designed for hybrid and multicloud environments, it helps manage access to resources in a consistent and secure way.

Instead of hard-coding access keys or credentials directly into code, each workload can have its own identity that is centrally managed via Microsoft Entra.

What is it used for?

Microsoft Entra Workload ID is primarily used to:

• Assign consistent identities to workloads across Azure, AWS, Google Cloud and other platforms

• Centrallymonitor, analyse and manage workloads via the Microsoft Entra portal or APIs

• Control access and enforce security policies, such as access restriction, encryption or backup

• Audit and track activity so you can see who or what has accessed which resources - and when

The solution helps increase security and transparency while minimising the need to share credentials between systems or developers.

Why is it important?

In the past, identity management has largely been focused on users. But in modern cloud environments, it's often automated processes and applications that access data and resources. Without proper access control, these workloads can become a security hole.

With Workload ID you can:

• Avoid shared keys and hardcoded credentials

• Get a better overview of what your systems and applications are doing

• Simplify compliance and auditing

• Make your infrastructure more robust and scalable

When should you use it?

Microsoft Entra Workload ID is particularly relevant if:

• You work with automation and CI/CD pipelines

• You have many applications, containers or scripts that need to access cloud resources

• You want a centralised, secure and scalable identity solution for both development and operations

This is an important step towards Zero Trust architecture, where no one gets access without explicit identification and control - not even your automated systems.