Before managing devices, you need to ensure the environment is ready.
Requirements:
- Microsoft 365 subscription (E3, E5, Business Premium)
- Azure Active Directory (Azure AD / Entra ID)
- Intune license assigned to users
Steps:
- Go to Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Center https://endpoint.microsoft.com
- Verify tenant status
- Assign licenses to users:
- Go to Microsoft 365 Admin Center
- Assign Intune licenses to target users
Best Practice:
Create a dedicated Intune Admin account for management tasks.
Step 2: Configure Identity & Access (Azure AD / Entra ID)
Identity is the core of endpoint security.
Configure:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Conditional Access policies
- Device-based access rules
Example Policies:
- Require MFA for all users
- Block access from non-compliant devices
- Allow access only from approved locations
Why This Matters:
No device should access corporate data unless it meets security standards.
Step 3: Device Enrollment Setup
This is where endpoints enter your ecosystem.
A. Windows Enrollment
Methods:
- Azure AD Join (Auto Enrollment)
- Autopilot (Recommended for enterprises)
Steps:
- Enable auto-enrollment:
- Endpoint Manager → Devices → Enrollment → Automatic Enrollment
- Configure MDM user scope
- Deploy devices via:
- Azure AD Join
- Windows Autopilot
Autopilot Benefits:
- Zero-touch deployment
- Pre-configured devices
- Faster onboarding
B. Mobile Device Enrollment (iOS & Android)
For iOS:
- Apple Business Manager (ABM) integration
- Company Portal app
For Android:
- Android Enterprise setup
- Work Profile / Fully Managed devices
Steps:
- Configure platform restrictions
- Set enrollment methods
- Guide users to install Company Portal
Outcome: Devices are now visible in Intune.
Step 4: Create Device Compliance Policies
Compliance ensures devices meet security requirements.
Example Compliance Rules:
Windows:
- OS version must be up-to-date
- BitLocker encryption enabled
- Secure boot required
Mobile:
- Device must not be rooted/jailbroken
- Passcode required
- OS version minimum enforced
Setup Steps:
- Go to Devices → Compliance Policies
- Create policy per platform
- Assign to user/device groups
- Configure actions:
- Mark device non-compliant
- Send alerts
- Trigger Conditional Access
Key Concept:
Compliance = Gatekeeper for access control
Step 5: Configure Endpoint Security Policies
This is where you actively protect endpoints.
Types of Policies:
1. Antivirus (Microsoft Defender)
- Enable real-time protection
- Schedule scans
- Cloud-based protection
2. Disk Encryption (BitLocker)
- Encrypt devices automatically
- Store recovery keys in Azure AD
3. Firewall
- Enable firewall across all profiles
- Block inbound threats
4. Attack Surface Reduction (ASR)
- Block risky behavior
- Restrict macros and scripts
Steps:
- Go to Endpoint Security
- Choose policy type (Antivirus, Firewall, etc.)
- Configure settings
- Assign to groups
Best Practice:
Start with baseline policies, then customize based on business needs.
Step 6: Configure Conditional Access
Conditional Access = Zero Trust enforcement layer
Example Policies:
Policy 1: Secure Access to Office 365
- Require compliant device
- Require MFA
Policy 2: Block Risky Devices
- If device is non-compliant → Block
Policy 3: Admin Access Protection
- Require MFA + trusted device
Steps:
- Go to Azure AD → Conditional Access
- Create new policy
- Configure:
- Users
- Cloud apps
- Conditions
- Access controls
Outcome:
Only trusted users on secure devices can access corporate resources.
Step 7: Application Management (MAM & MDM)
Protect not just devices—but also the data inside apps.
Mobile Application Management (MAM)
Controls:
- Restrict copy/paste
- Prevent data sharing
- Require PIN inside apps
App Deployment
Types:
- Microsoft 365 Apps
- Line-of-business apps
- Win32 applications
Steps:
- Go to Apps → App Protection Policies
- Configure rules:
- Data transfer restrictions
- Encryption requirements
- Assign to users
Use Case:
Secure personal devices without full device control.
Step 8: Device Configuration Profiles
Customize device behavior and settings.
Examples:
- Wi-Fi profiles
- VPN settings
- Email configuration
- Restrictions (USB, Bluetooth, camera)
Steps:
- Go to Devices → Configuration Profiles
- Create profile (platform-specific)
- Configure settings
- Assign to devices/users
Benefit:
Standardized and automated device configuration at scale.
Step 9: Monitoring & Reporting
Visibility is critical for proactive management.
What to Monitor:
- Device compliance status
- Security posture
- Enrollment trends
- App installations
- Threat alerts
Tools:
- Intune Dashboard
- Microsoft Defender Security Center
- Endpoint analytics
Pro Tip:
Set up alerts for:
- Non-compliant devices
- Failed enrollments
- Security incidents
Step 10: Lifecycle Management
Device management doesn’t end at enrollment.
Key Lifecycle Actions:
- Retire devices
- Wipe corporate data
- Reset devices
- Reassign to new users
Steps:
- Go to Devices → All Devices
- Select device
- Choose action:
- Wipe
- Retire
- Sync
Security Tip:
Always wipe data before decommissioning devices.
Real-World Implementation Flow
Here’s how everything connects:
- User logs in → Identity verified
- Device enrolls → Compliance evaluated
- Policies applied → Security enforced
- Conditional Access checks → Access granted/denied
- Activity monitored → Threats detected
- Response triggered → Risk mitigated
End Result: A secure, automated, and intelligent endpoint ecosystem
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping compliance policies
Not enabling MFA
Overcomplicated configurations
Ignoring monitoring and alerts
Lack of pilot testing
Best Practices
Start with a pilot group
Use naming conventions for policies
Follow least privilege access
Document everything
Regularly review policies
Key Takeaways — Day 12
Intune enables centralized endpoint management
Enrollment is the foundation
Compliance + Conditional Access = Zero Trust
Security policies protect devices proactively
Monitoring ensures continuous improvement
Final Thought
“Implementation is where strategy becomes reality.”
A well-configured Intune environment doesn’t just secure devices—it:
- Empowers employees
- Reduces IT workload
- Strengthens business resilience