Security checks / Check reference / Authentication methods

Auth Unallowed Authentication Methods Enabled

High Severity Microsoft 365 security check in the Authentication methods domain.

Authentication methods that are not allowed by the security baseline are currently enabled Enabled but disallowed methods (SMS, voice call, email OTP) give users weak fallback options that bypass your intended security posture Siemserva runs this check automatically across your tenant and maps every finding to the compliance frameworks below.

High SeverityAuthentication methods

Check summary

Severity
High
Domain
Authentication methods
Rank in domain
4
Frameworks
6

What this check verifies

Authentication methods that are not allowed by the security baseline are currently enabled

Why it matters

Enabled but disallowed methods (SMS, voice call, email OTP) give users weak fallback options that bypass your intended security posture

How to fix it

Disable the disallowed authentication methods in the Entra Authentication Methods policy

Siemserva flags every tenant where this check fails and, with Senserva Trustworthy AI remediation, can propose a validated fix you approve before it applies.

Ask your own AI about this check

Copy this prompt into Claude, ChatGPT, or Copilot. The facts are included, sourced from this page.

Compliance framework mappings

Findings from this check serve as evidence for:

SCuBAMCSBNISTSOC2CISHIPAAMCSB IM-6

References

learn.microsoft.com: /security/benchmark/azure/mcsb-identity-management...

Related Authentication methods checks

Auth Allowed Authentication Methods DisabledAuth Authentication Method Excluded User TargetAuth Authentication Method Included User Target R...Auth Authentication Method Included User Target R...Auth FIDO2 Authentication Method In Use But Not A...Auth FIDO2 Key Restrictions Not EnforcedAuth FIDO2 Passwordless Enabled But Not GovernedAuth Group Authentication Method Excluded Group T...

Common questions

What does the Auth Unallowed Authentication Methods Enabled check verify?

Authentication methods that are not allowed by the security baseline are currently enabled It is a High Severity check in the Authentication methods domain, one of the 650+ checks Siemserva runs across Microsoft 365, Intune, Defender, and Entra ID.

How do I fix a Auth Unallowed Authentication Methods Enabled finding?

Disable the disallowed authentication methods in the Entra Authentication Methods policy Siemserva ranks the finding by Severity and, with Senserva Trustworthy AI, can propose a validated, approve-before-apply configuration fix.

Which compliance frameworks does this check evidence?

Findings from this check map to SCuBA, MCSB, NIST, SOC2, CIS, HIPAA, and MCSB control IM-6. That mapping is what turns a scan finding into audit evidence.

Can I ask my own AI about this check?

Yes. This page includes a free copy-paste AI prompt carrying the check's facts: what it verifies, the risk, the remediation, and the framework mappings. Paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, or Copilot; cite-worthy detail without giving an AI access to your tenant.

All 672 checks with severities and mappings: the Microsoft 365 security checks catalog.

Sponsored by Senserva

Siemserva by Senserva runs this check, Auth Unallowed Authentication Methods... for example, across your own tenant: which tenants pass, which fail, ranked by Severity with the evidence attached.

  • 650+ Microsoft 365, Intune, Defender, and Entra ID checks in one scan
  • Findings mapped to SCuBA, CIS, NIST, HIPAA, SOC 2, and MCSB for audit-ready evidence
  • Senserva Trustworthy AI driven configuration remediation: validated, approve-before-apply fixes
  • Optional AI Enhanced Reporting: plain-language summaries and recommended next steps written into your reports
  • Multi-tenant and MSP practices, with bulk tenant audits and client-ready reporting
Compliance Status Report
Auth Unallowed Authentication Methods... across 2 tenants, ranked by Severity
23
FAILING
87
PASSING
41
OTHER FINDINGS
CHECKSEVERITYSTATUSFINDINGS
Auth Unallowed Authentication Methods...HighFAILING23
MFA for all usersCritical-11
Legacy authentication blockedHigh-6
Estimated report, sample data for illustration
Get Going with Senserva Senserva compliance Built for IT admins, security teams, and auditors, with audit-ready evidence. Senserva is a Microsoft Intelligent Security Association member.
Microsoft 365 compliance and audit evidence
See this check's evidence trail, click to play

How findings become audit evidence, in two minutes. Watch page · All videos.

Reference: the compliance and audit guide, and the full checks catalog.
Data notice: check definitions describe what Siemserva verifies and are provided as is, for informational purposes only, without warranty of any kind. Framework mappings are informational and do not constitute compliance advice; confirm requirements with your assessor. All use of this data is subject to the Senserva EULA.