Can a hybrid identity be created in an on-premises Active Directory that syncs to Azure AD?

Creating a hybrid identity involving an on-premises Active Directory that syncs to Azure Active Directory is indeed possible and is a common practice for organizations that want to leverage both their existing infrastructure and the benefits of cloud services.

In a hybrid identity setup, organizations utilize Azure AD Connect, a tool that allows for synchronization of identities between the on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD. This synchronization can include users, groups, and other directory objects. As a result, users can access both on-premises resources and cloud-based applications using a single set of credentials. This integration not only simplifies the management of users but also enhances security by allowing the application of consistent policies across both environments.

Moreover, a hybrid identity can facilitate features such as single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA), which significantly improve user experience and security posture. The ability to extend the directory services and have a single, unified identity for users makes this approach highly beneficial for organizations that are transitioning to the cloud while still maintaining on-premises resources.

Therefore, yes, a hybrid identity can absolutely be created in an on-premises Active Directory that syncs to Azure AD, allowing businesses to take advantage of modern identity management capabilities while delivering seamless access to both local and cloud