Stay Ahead of the Curve with Microsoft Intune: A Guide to Managing and Securing Corporate Data

The Evolution of Endpoint Management: What is Microsoft Intune?

Microsoft Intune is a powerful solution for mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) that has become a market leader in managing endpoints across Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, and Linux operating systems. The solution is cloud-based, which means it can help organizations save on costs associated with managing and maintaining on-premises infrastructure, and it allows for remote management and flexibility of devices.

Recently, Microsoft has committed to continued investment in Intune with enhancements to the Microsoft Intune features, performance, and Microsoft 365 integration, and has decided to rename the product family to reflect the growing popularity of Intune. The company has announced that Microsoft Endpoint Manager will no longer be used, and going forward, Microsoft Intune will be the name of the growing product family for all things endpoint management at Microsoft, and Configuration Manager will remain a key part of that family.

Now, let’s come to the important question – what does Microsoft Intune do in terms of security features? Like all of Microsoft's integrated security products, Intune is enabled by the scale and intelligence of the Microsoft Cloud, which allows it to deliver stronger device security and compliance as an essential part of a Zero Trust architecture. Microsoft is investing in the infrastructure that powers Intune, using data science and AI to further data-driven capabilities, like intelligent automation and remediation. Built into Intune, the advanced Intune management capabilities will help reduce the total cost of ownership by eliminating the need for adjacent solutions and costly cross-product integration projects.

Want to learn more about Microsoft Intune? Our video has you covered. Watch now and learn how to secure and manage corporate data.

As IT administrators, you remain in the driver's seat and can choose the right path to the cloud for your organization. The Configuration Manager will continue to be updated regularly. Customers who use Configuration Manager can benefit from all that's coming in Intune by connecting to the cloud. If you are interested in connecting your tenant to the cloud, read SCCM vs Intune or explore how Microsoft CSP Partners can provide deployment assistance at no additional cost for eligible Microsoft 365 customers. Microsoft Intune pricing is based on a per-user, per-month subscription model, which makes it easy to scale up or down as needed according to Intune license costs.

Company Owned Devices: Device Management with Microsoft Intune

Explanation of how Microsoft MDM works within the solution

One of the key Microsoft Intune capabilities is its ability to manage and secure mobile devices. With Intune, IT administrators can easily enroll and manage mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, running on popular operating systems such as iOS, Android, and Windows. This solution is particularly recommended for company-owned devices, as it allows organizations to have a more secure and compliant mobile device environment, as well as provides more control over the mobile devices accessing the corporate data and resources.

Discussion of the different policies and settings that can be configured to secure and manage mobile devices

Enrolling devices in MS Intune is a straightforward process that can be done through various methods such as the Company Portal app, QR code, or manual enrollment. Once enrolled, devices can be managed using policies and settings that can be configured to secure and manage mobile devices. These policies can include things like device encryption, passcode requirements, and restrictions on device features such as the camera or microphone. By enforcing these policies on company-owned devices, organizations can ensure that the device is configured and secured according to the organization's security standards.

Overview of the compliance and reporting features available to monitor and enforce security policies

In addition to being able to manage and secure mobile devices, Intune also provides compliance and reporting features that allow IT administrators to monitor and enforce security policies. With Intune, administrators can create compliance policies that define specific requirements for devices to meet, such as requiring a certain level of encryption or having the latest security updates installed. If a device does not meet the compliance policy, the device can be blocked from accessing corporate resources until it is compliant. By having visibility on the compliance status of the company-owned devices, organizations can ensure that their devices are meeting the security standards and are not becoming a security risk.

Overall, Device Management with Microsoft Intune allows organizations to have a more secure and compliant mobile device environment for company-owned devices, as well as provides more control over the mobile devices accessing the corporate data and resources. This can help organizations to protect their sensitive data and reduce the risk of data breaches, while also making it easier for employees to access their work resources on the go.

User's Personal Devices with Corporate Data: Mobile Application Management (MAM) with Microsoft Intune

Explanation of how MAM works within the solution

Mobile Application Management (MAM) with Microsoft Intune is a solution that allows organizations to manage and secure access to corporate data on personal devices. Unlike Mobile Device Management (MDM) which focuses on managing the entire device, MAM allows organizations to manage and secure access to specific apps and data. This is done by wrapping the app with an Intune policy, which can be used to control access to the app and the data it stores. This allows organizations to retain control over corporate data, even when it is stored on a personal device.

Discussion of the different features available to manage and secure access to corporate data on personal devices

With MAM, organizations can use Intune to control access to specific apps and data on personal devices. Some of the key features available to manage and secure access to corporate data on personal devices include:

• App wrapping: This allows organizations to wrap an app with an Intune policy, which can be used to control access to the app and the data it stores.
• Conditional access: This allows organizations to control access to apps and data based on a user's device compliance status, location, or other factors.
• Data protection: This allows organizations to protect corporate data stored on personal devices by encrypting the data and setting policies such as requiring a passcode to access the data.

Overview of the compliance and reporting features available to monitor and enforce security policies

With MAM, organizations can use Intune to monitor and enforce security policies for personal devices accessing corporate data. Some of the key compliance and reporting features available include:

• Compliance policies: This allows organizations to define specific requirements for devices to meet, such as requiring a certain level of encryption or having the latest security updates installed.
• Reporting: This allows organizations to see which devices are accessing corporate data and the compliance status of those devices.
• Remediation: This allows organizations to take action if a device is not compliant, such as blocking access to corporate data.

Why do we want to use MAM (Mobile Application Management) on user-owned devices?

• MAM allows organizations to manage and secure access to specific apps and data on personal devices, which helps to protect corporate data and reduce the risk of data breaches.
• MAM allows organizations to retain control over corporate data, even when it is stored on a personal device.
• MAM allows organizations to control access to apps and data based on a user's device compliance status, location, or other factors.

Policy limitations in this case compared to MDM Policies:

Benefits of Microsoft Intune: What is Intune Used For?

Microsoft Intune is a powerful solution for managing and securing corporate data on various devices. It offers a wide range of benefits that can help organizations improve their security, productivity, and return on investment. Some of the key benefits of Microsoft Intune include:

1. Choice of Multiple Devices: With Intune, employees can enroll, register, and manage their own devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This allows employees to use the device of their choice, which can help improve productivity and job satisfaction.
2. Unparalleled Management of Office Mobile Apps: Intune allows employees to access corporate resources through mobile apps, such as Office 365. This can help maximize productivity by allowing employees to access their work files and emails on the go.
3. Advanced Endpoint Analytics: With integrated endpoint analytics, organizations can track and improve their progress toward achieving their goals.
4. Data Protection: Intune helps keep corporate data secure by enforcing device enrollment and compliance policies. This can help protect sensitive data, no matter where it is accessed from.
5. Maximize return on investment: By using the latest cloud features, Intune can help organizations protect their data and assets while also getting the most value out of their Microsoft 365 subscription.
6. Monitor Mobile Devices and Computers: Intune allows organizations to create notification alerts for any issues with devices and computers, so the right people can be informed and take action.
7. No Infrastructure Required: With Intune, organizations do not need to purchase and maintain hardware or infrastructure. This can help reduce costs and make management easier.
8. Flexible licensing: Intune offers flexible licensing options based on per-user, instead of per device, which allows organizations to pay for only the licenses they need. This can help reduce costs and make budgeting more predictable.
9. Available in Multiple Languages: Microsoft Endpoint Manager is available in more than 20 different languages, which makes it accessible to a wide range of customers.
10. Supports Multiple Mobile Operating Systems: Intune supports Mobile Device Management for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, as well as Windows Phone devices.
11. Conditional Access: With conditional access, organizations can control access to devices and applications, based on specific conditions. This can help improve security and compliance.
12. Creates barrier: Intune creates a barrier between personal and corporate data, which allows organizations to retain control over corporate data and remove it from personal devices, if necessary.
13. Automation and Self-Service: With Intune, organizations can automate routine tasks, such as software updates and device compliance checks. This can help reduce the workload for IT staff and improve efficiency. Additionally, Intune also offers self-service portals, which allow employees to perform certain tasks, such as enrolling their own devices, without needing to contact IT for assistance.

Realize the Full Potential of Microsoft Intune: A Summary of Key Benefits and Next Steps

In conclusion, Microsoft Intune is a powerful solution for managing and securing corporate data on various devices. The solution offers a wide range of benefits that can help organizations improve their security, productivity, and return on investment. Some of the key benefits of Microsoft Intune include the choice of multiple devices, unparalleled management of Office mobile apps, advanced endpoint analytics, data protection, automation, and self-service.

Microsoft Intune can also help organizations stay ahead of the curve in terms of endpoint management, security, and compliance. With the ability to manage and secure corporate data on personal devices, conditional access, and advanced analytics, organizations can better protect their sensitive data and comply with regulations. Additionally, with the support for multiple mobile operating systems and flexible licensing options, organizations can easily manage and secure their devices and data, regardless of the type of devices their employees use.

If your organization is looking to improve its endpoint management, security, and compliance, we recommend considering implementing Microsoft Intune. We understand that you still have questions like – What is Intune? How does Intune work? What does Intune do? What does Intune mean and how can it help your business? Well, we are here to help! Communication Square is one of Microsoft’s preferred Gold Partners in the US for Enterprises and Government customers. We are offering a FREE 30 min Consultancy Call to help you understand how Microsoft Intune can help your organization improve its security and compliance, while also reducing costs and increasing productivity. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.