What is a global admin?

What is a Global Admin?

As a Microsoft 365 business subscription owner, you hold a significant role in the management of your organization’s online services. One of the most crucial roles you can assign is the Global Administrator. A Global Admin has unlimited control over the products in your subscriptions and has access to most data. In this article, we will delve deeper into the role of a Global Admin, its differences with other administrator roles, and best practices for utilizing this powerful role.

What is the Global Administrator Role?

The Global Administrator role is a built-in role in Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) that grants access to all administrative features in Microsoft 365. This role is critical for managing and securing an organization’s online services. A Global Admin can:

• Reset passwords for all users
• Add and manage domains
• Monitor and troubleshoot issues in the organization’s online services
• Configure and manage security settings

Assigning the Global Administrator Role

To assign the Global Administrator role, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Office 365 Control Panel
2. From the left menu, select Users
3. Find the user you wish to assign the role to and select Manage
4. Select Edit next to Username
5. Under Role, select Global Administrator from the drop-down menu
6. Click Save

Differences between a Global Administrator and Other Roles

While the Global Administrator role is the most powerful role in Microsoft 365, there are other administrator roles that have specific functions. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

• User Administrator: creates and manages different types of users and groups in Azure
• Billing Administrator: manages subscriptions, support tickets, makes purchases, and monitors service health
• Power Platform Administrator: manages Power Apps, Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow), and Power BI services

Best Practices for Global Administrators

1. Assign the Global Administrator role to fewer than five people: This will help minimize the attack surface and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
2. Monitor and audit all activities: Keep track of all changes made by the Global Admin and audit user activity regularly.
3. Use two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security for the Global Admin account.
4. Limit access to specific features: Limit the features and services the Global Admin can access to only those necessary for their role.
5. Regularly review and update permissions: Review and update permissions regularly to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date.

Do Global Admins Need a License?

Unlicensed Microsoft 365 Global and Power Platform admins have access to the administrative areas. However, if the administrator also needs access to additional areas, they must select a license for the user. Select Manage roles, and then select either Global administrator or Show all by category > Power Platform admin.

Unlicensed Global Admins Access

Here’s a summary of what unlicensed Global Admins can access:

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Global Administrator role is a crucial role in Microsoft 365 that requires careful management. By understanding the role, its differences with other roles, and best practices, you can ensure the secure and efficient management of your organization’s online services. Remember to assign the Global Administrator role to fewer than five people, monitor and audit all activities, use two-factor authentication, and regularly review and update permissions.