What is Global Secure Access Client?

Global Secure Access (GSA) Client is part of Microsoft’s broader vision for secure, identity-driven access to both cloud and on-premises resources. Built on Microsoft Entra, the GSA Client enables secure connectivity from any device—whether managed or unmanaged—to internal corporate resources and external internet services.

At its core, the GSA Client extends the power of traditional identity controls like Conditional Access into the network layer, bridging the gap between identity verification and network access. This makes access decisions more context-aware and security-focused than traditional solutions.

Key Benefits

Global Secure Access Client offers several practical advantages:

  • Unified Access Control: Combines network and identity policies to ensure only the right users, on compliant devices, access sensitive resources.

  • Reduced Infrastructure Dependence: Helps reduce the need for on-premises VPN gateways or legacy remote access appliances.

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on a wide range of devices, including those that aren’t domain-joined.

  • Granular Access Control: Access to services like SMB shares or internal web apps can be tightly controlled based on user identity and device compliance.

Identity and Network Controls Together

One of the most important features of Global Secure Access is the integration of traditional network security controls with modern identity-based security. Historically, network security relied heavily on IP restrictions or perimeter-based VPNs. At the same time, identity platforms like Microsoft Entra offered Conditional Access policies that checked user risk, device compliance, and other signals.

The GSA Client brings these two worlds together.

Access decisions are no longer made based just on location or network. Instead, they combine:

  • User identity

  • Device state (managed or unmanaged, compliant or not)

  • Real-time risk assessments

  • Application-level permissions

Two Modes: Internet Access and Private Access

There are two primary modes for GSA Client:

Internet Access

This mode allows organizations to apply consistent network and identity-based access policies to public internet services. It helps prevent data exfiltration by inspecting and filtering internet traffic, enforcing Conditional Access policies even for SaaS applications.

Private Access

In this mode, GSA Client provides secure access to internal, private applications (like legacy web apps or SMB shares) without requiring a traditional VPN. This is especially useful when accessing corporate resources from non-domain-joined or BYOD devices.

Who Is It For?

Global Secure Access Client is aimed at organizations that:

  • Want to modernize remote access infrastructure

  • Are moving to a Zero Trust security model

  • Need to support hybrid work scenarios with unmanaged devices

  • Require fine-grained control over access to both cloud and on-premises resources

It’s particularly well-suited for IT and security teams seeking to reduce attack surface while improving user experience.

Step-Up Authentication

Another key feature is step-up authentication. If a user initially connects under standard conditions but attempts to access a more sensitive resource (like finance apps or confidential file shares), the GSA Client can prompt for stronger authentication—such as multi-factor or phishing-resistant credentials. This allows organizations to balance user convenience and security in real time.

Access to SMB Shares from Non-Domain Joined Devices

Using Private Access mode, organizations can grant access to services like SMB file shares from non-domain joined devices. This is achieved through Entra ID authentication, combined with device compliance and Conditional Access policies—no traditional domain join or VPN required.

Reduce On-Premises Infrastructure

One of the long-term advantages of deploying the GSA Client is the potential to reduce legacy infrastructure:

  • Fewer VPN concentrators

  • Less reliance on on-premises Active Directory

  • No need for additional proxy or network appliances

  • Simplified hybrid network models

By using cloud-native security controls, organizations can streamline access, enhance visibility, and reduce maintenance overhead.

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