As more companies embrace hybrid and remote workforces, protecting proprietary data and user devices becomes critical. While hackers and other cybercriminals continue to unleash destructive cyber-attacks on unsuspecting businesses, a new era in cybersecurity paired with an increasingly remote and hybrid workforce has left some companies unprepared. With this shift, it becomes crucial for organizations to have efficient and secure endpoint management strategies in place. With its focus on endpoint protection, Microsoft Intune can help organizations like yours maintain security while increasing your IT team’s effectiveness.
What is Microsoft Intune?
So, what exactly is Microsoft Intune? It’s a cloud-based service that allows organizations to manage and secure their employees’ devices, applications and data. With Intune, businesses can implement mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) to ensure a seamless and secure experience for employees and IT administrators.
One of the key benefits of Microsoft Intune is its ability to manage a wide range of devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, iOS devices and Android devices. This device flexibility makes it ideal for organizations that have a diverse range of devices within their workforce. Intune also allows IT administrators to enroll devices, configure policies and ensure that devices comply with security and compliance regulations.
Endpoint Management with Microsoft Intune
For hybrid workforces, endpoint management becomes even more critical. With employees working from various locations and accessing sensitive information, organizations must ensure endpoint protection against potential cybersecurity threats. While Microsoft Intune on its own contains powerful features like data encryption, it can also work with other Microsoft security software to offer additional features.
Microsoft Entra ID features, like Entra Conditional Access, can be integrated with Intune to block non-compliant devices from accessing network data. Entra blocks the access and Intune determines whether the device is compliant. Intune can also be easily integrated with other existing security software, such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and other third-party partner services. IT administrators can do the following actions on devices enrolled in Intune:
- Deploy certificates, create and deploy policies that customize security settings, set password requirements to ensure security and more
- Integrates with mobile threat defense services, allowing you to scan devices, detect and remedy threats
- Only allow managed and compliant devices access to your organization’s apps, data and resources via conditional access
- If a device is ever lost or stolen, your organization’s data can be remotely removed to prevent unauthorized access
In addition to device and application management, Microsoft Intune provides comprehensive data protection capabilities. Organizations can encrypt sensitive data and remotely wipe devices in case of loss or theft. This ensures that data remains secure, both at rest and in transit.
The Right Choice for Hybrid Workforces
Microsoft Intune simplifies application management for remote and hybrid workforces. IT administrators can easily distribute applications to employees’ devices, control access to specific apps and ensure that apps are updated with the latest security patches. This provides employees with the necessary tools and resources to work efficiently and securely, regardless of location.
Microsoft Intune has become an essential business tool with the increasing adoption of hybrid work models. By leveraging its capabilities for device management, application management and data protection, businesses can ensure their endpoints are secure and their employees can work efficiently from anywhere. Embracing Microsoft Intune and other cloud-based technologies is a strategic choice that will enable organizations to thrive as a hybrid workforce.
To implement Microsoft Intune effectively, organizations should partner with experienced, outsourced IT professionals with endpoint management expertise. These professionals can assist in the planning, deployment and ongoing management of Microsoft Intune, ensuring that organizations maximize its potential and minimize any potential security risks.
Anders Technology works with clients to develop a personalized technology strategy flexible enough to meet business needs and adapt to ever-changing technological demands. Learn more about how our advisors can help simplify processes and strengthen your cybersecurity strategy, and the associated costs, by requesting a meeting with an Anders advisor below.
