In Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Identity Protection, does a user risk represent the probability that a given identity or account is compromised?

A user risk in Azure Active Directory Identity Protection indeed represents the probability that a particular identity or account may be compromised. This concept is fundamental to identity management and security within Azure AD.

User risk assessments are based on various signals, including sign-in behavior, the location of the sign-in, and other contextual factors that indicate whether an account might be at risk of unauthorized access. Azure AD uses machine learning and heuristics to analyze this data, generating a risk level that helps security administrators identify potentially compromised accounts and take appropriate actions, such as requiring password resets or multifactor authentication.

Recognizing user risk is critical for implementing proactive security measures, enabling organizations to respond effectively to potential breaches and mitigate risks associated with compromised accounts. By assessing risks, organizations can better protect sensitive information and maintain compliance with security policies and regulations.