For years, the corporate network was like a castle. As long as you were inside the walls, or tunnelled in via a VPN, you were trusted. But in today’s world of hybrid work and cloud-first applications, the “castle” no longer has walls. Users are everywhere, and your data is spread across Microsoft 365, SaaS platforms, and private data centres.

To address this, Microsoft has introduced Global Secure Access (GSA). As a cornerstone of Microsoft’s Security Service Edge (SSE) solution, GSA moves security from the network edge to the identity edge. In this article we introduce you to Global Secure Access and what it can do.

What is Microsoft Global Secure Access?

Global Secure Access is the unifying term for two distinct but integrated services within Microsoft Entra: Microsoft Entra Internet Access and Microsoft Entra Private Access.

Together, they create a “Zero Trust” fabric that inspects and secures every connection request based on identity, device health, and risk levels, rather than just location.

Microsoft Entra Internet Access

This acts as a Secure Web Gateway (SWG). it protects access to the public internet, SaaS apps, and Microsoft 365. It allows administrators to:

  • Filter Web Content: Block malicious sites or non-work-related categories (e.g., gambling or social media).
  • Enforce Tenant Restrictions: Ensure employees only sign into your corporate Microsoft 365 tenant, preventing data leaks to personal accounts.
  • Deep Packet Inspection: Monitor and secure encrypted traffic to prevent hidden threats.

Microsoft Entra Private Access

This is a modern, identity-centric replacement for the traditional VPN. It uses Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to connect users to private, on-premise resources (like file shares or legacy RDP sessions) without exposing the entire network.

Global Secure Access vs. Traditional Technology

Why should businesses consider GSA over tried-and-tested tools like VPNs or SD-WAN?

Feature Traditional VPN SD-WAN Global Secure Access
Trust Model Perimeter-based (Once in, you’re trusted) Network-centric (Optimises routes) Zero Trust (Never trust, always verify)
Access Level Broad network access Site-to-site connectivity Granular, per-app access
User Experience Manual login, often slow “hairpinning” Great for offices, less so for individuals Seamless, “always-on”
Security Vulnerable if credentials leak Focuses on uptime over identity Identity-aware (MFA and risk-based)

Why GSA Wins Over VPNs

The traditional VPN is often a “clunky” experience. It requires a manual connection, and once established, it frequently gives users more access than they need, creating a risk for lateral movement if a device is compromised.

GSA, by contrast, is “app-aware.” If a user only needs access to a specific payroll app, GSA only gives them that and nothing else on the network is even visible.

The Complementary Role of SD-WAN

While SD-WAN is excellent for connecting physical branch offices and optimising bandwidth, it doesn’t solve the identity and security challenges of an individual remote worker. GSA fills this gap, providing a security layer that follows the user, not the office.

Where Should You Use Microsoft Global Secure Access?

  • Replacing Legacy VPNs: If your team is frustrated by slow VPNs or you are worried about the security risks of broad network access.
  • Securing “Shadow IT”: Use Internet Access to gain visibility into which SaaS apps your employees are using and block high-risk AI tools or storage sites.
  • Contractor Access: Instead of giving a third-party contractor a VPN login to your whole network, give them Private Access only to the specific server they need to manage.
  • Protecting Microsoft 365: Use GSA to ensure that your Teams and SharePoint data can only be accessed from “compliant” devices on your “secure” network.

At Bridgeall, we see Global Secure Access as the final piece of the modern workplace puzzle. By integrating your network security directly into Microsoft Entra ID, you simplify your IT stack, reduce costs by retiring third-party proxies and VPNs, and most importantly, provide a faster, safer experience for your team.

To learn more about how we could help you implement Global Secure Access contact our team of cyber security consultants today.